Scenario Guide
Power Outage: Before, During, and After
Power outages are the most common household emergency. Most of the difficulty is preventable with advance preparation.
Safety NoteNever use a generator, grill, camp stove, or any combustion equipment indoors. Carbon monoxide is odorless and lethal. Install CO detectors and follow current safety guidance from CPSC.gov or your local fire department. For food safety guidance, follow FDA FoodSafety.gov. For extended or unusual outages, follow instructions from your utility provider and local emergency management.
Before: Prepare Now
- Keep flashlights with fresh batteries in accessible locations in every room
- Maintain a charged portable power bank at all times
- Store 3–7 days of shelf-stable food
- Store at least 1 gallon of water per person per day
- Own a battery or hand-crank NOAA weather radio
- Know your utility company outage reporting number
- Install CO detectors if you own a generator; understand generator safety requirements
During: What to Do
- Turn on a flashlight immediately
- Report outage to utility provider
- Unplug major appliances; leave one lamp plugged in to know when power returns
- Minimize refrigerator and freezer door openings
- Monitor home temperature in extreme weather
- Never use a generator, grill, or camp stove indoors — carbon monoxide risk
- Charge phone from power bank; check weather radio for updates
After: Recovery
- Wait 10–15 minutes before reconnecting major appliances
- Review refrigerator and freezer using food safety guidelines (when in doubt, throw it out)
- Recharge power bank and replace used batteries
- Note any gaps in your preparation for next time