HOW TO PROTECT YOUR HOME DURING A POWER OUTAGE
The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that electricity customers experienced an average of 5.5 hours of power interruptions in 2022, 7.3 hours in 2021, and 8 hours in 2020. When the lights go out, it’s not only inconvenient—it can cause major problems. Here’s how to protect yourself until the power comes back on.
Immediately notify the electric provider. It’s frequently difficult for electric companies to identify every home that’s been affected, especially when just a few have lost service.
Keep the refrigerator and freezer closed. Without power, the average full-sized refrigerator will keep food cold about four hours—if you don’t open the doors. When the power is out for more than four hours, you’ll have to move dairy, meat, and other temperature-sensitive foods to a cooler with ice, so they don’t spoil. A freezer can hold its temperature for up to 48 hours, so you’ll be fine for a couple of days—if you leave the freezer closed.
| Unplug electronic devices. When the power comes back on, the sudden electrical surge can seriously harm electronics. So, as soon as a blackout occurs, pull the plug on all your electronic equipment and countertop kitchen appliances, and unplug all devices from chargers. Protect pipes. When a power outage happens during cooler months, the heating system can cease operating, causing pipes to freeze. Open under-sink cabinet doors, so warm air can get to the pipes. Then turn on all faucets to a trickle—running water won’t freeze. |
Heat and cook carefully. Use fireplaces or generator-powered electric space heaters, not heaters with fuel sources that produce toxic fumes. Only use camp stoves and grills outdoors. Never use a gas stove for heating, but it’s OK to keep using it for cooking.
Avoid candles. They’re not the safest light source. Instead, use flashlights and battery-powered lanterns—they’re easy to move around, and safe to leave on unattended.
Use generators safely. Safety experts advise keeping a generator dry—don’t use it in the rain or when there is flooding. Always turn it off and let it cool before refueling. Run it outdoors (never in a closed garage), 20+ feet away from windows and doors, to prevent carbon monoxide from entering your home.
Get an emergency radio. It will provide weather reports, news, and entertainment while the internet is out. Find battery-powered models with hand crank, solar, and USB charging options.
Have a backup plan for health equipment and medications. Devices such as breathing machines have to be plugged in, and supplies such as insulin need refrigeration. Have alternate power sources, and a cooler you can immediately fill with ice. Ask your utility company to be on a “priority reconnection service” list of homes that need power for life-supporting medical devices.
