Survival guides · Disasters

Long Power Outage

WHEN TO USE THISThe power is out and may stay out for days. The first hours set you up.

1. First hour

   • Unplug big appliances and electronics. Leave one light on so you know when it's back.
   • Keep the fridge and freezer shut.
   • Charge phones from the car or a power bank.
   • Find the flashlights, batteries and radio.

2. Food and water

   • Eat from the fridge first. (See Food Safety Without Power.)
   • Fridge: about 4 hours unopened. Full freezer: 48 hours — half full, 24.
   • Fill tubs and jugs while the water still runs.
   • Water heater holds 30–80 gallons: turn it off, let it cool, drain from the valve at the bottom.

3. Stay in touch

   • A battery or hand-crank radio is your news.
   • Phone on low power mode. Text — it uses far less battery than calls, and gets through when calls don't.
   • Check on neighbors — especially the elderly, and anyone on power-dependent medical equipment.

4. Generators

   • Outside only, at least 20 feet from windows, doors and vents. Never in a garage.
   • Plug appliances into it with heavy-duty outdoor cords.
   • Never plug it into a wall outlet. It can kill line workers and start a fire.
   Why

   Carbon monoxide from a generator kills in minutes and has no smell. Backfeeding a wall outlet sends power out onto the street lines.

Sources: FEMA / Ready.gov Power Outage Safety · CDC Power Outage Safety

General information to help in an emergency — not a substitute for training or professional care.