9 Things You Need to Do Immediataly When the Power Goes Out

When the lights go out unexpectedly, it can throw your day—or night—into a bit of chaos. But there’s no need to panic. I’m here to guide you through exactly what to do to manage a power outage smoothly and safely.

First things first, stay calm and give the Public Service Company (PSO) a quick call to report the outage. Once that’s done, you can follow these steps to keep your home running as normally as possible.

Whether it’s keeping your food safe, lighting your home safely, or ensuring your family’s comfort, I’ve got the details you need to handle a power outage with ease.

Check Your Breakers

Start by heading to your utility panel if your power goes out unexpectedly and there’s no storm outside. Sometimes, it’s just a tripped breaker. Look for any switches that aren’t fully on or off. Flip any that seem out of place to “off” and then back to “on” to reset them. This simple check could have your lights back on in no time. If everything at the panel looks okay, reach out to your electricity provider. They can offer updates on any area-wide issues or send someone over to help.

Unplug Your Appliances

Right after the power goes out, go around your home and unplug your devices and appliances. This isn’t just about saving your microwave or TV from potential surges when the electricity comes back. It’s also a crucial safety step. Imagine you had something cooking or a heating iron left on—once the power is restored, these could become hazards if you’re not around. FEMA underscores the importance of this step to prevent any unwelcome surprises or dangers when the power snaps back on.

Install Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Alarms With Battery Backups

It’s crucial to have working carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, especially during extended power outages. If your detectors are hardwired, ensure they have battery backups. Place these alarms on every floor and near bedrooms to maximize safety. Remember, never use your oven or gas range for heating—it’s a dangerous source of carbon monoxide. Always keep generators and outdoor cooking gear like camp stoves at least 20 feet away from your home to avoid indoor carbon monoxide accumulation. These precautions keep you safe from invisible threats, even during a power outage.

Call Your Local Utility

When the power goes out, your first move should be to alert your local utility company. This might sound straightforward, but in places with deregulated energy markets, you’ll need to contact the specific entity responsible for the physical delivery of electricity, not just your electricity retailer. Look for the contact information for your Transmission & Distribution Service Provider (TDSP), Electric Distribution Utility (EDU), or Transmission and Distribution Utility (TDU). These are the folks who manage the infrastructure that delivers power to your home.

Keep Your Refrigerator and Freezer Closed

Keeping your fridge and freezer shut during a power outage is critical for maintaining the safety of your food. Every time you open the door, you’re letting out cold air and speeding up the spoilage process. If the power is out for less than four hours, your refrigerated food should still be safe. For longer outages, pack your perishables into a cooler with ice to keep them at safe temperatures below 40°F. Remember, a fully stocked freezer will keep for about 48 hours, but this drops to just 24 hours if it’s only half full.

Flashlights for Lighting

In the event of a power outage at night, you’ll want a safe source of light. While candles might come to mind, they pose a fire risk and can add unwanted heat to your home during warmer months. Opt instead for flashlights, battery-operated lanterns, or even innovative light bulbs that have built-in batteries and can stay charged in your sockets, ready for use. These bulbs can provide light for up to six hours during an outage. Always have extra batteries on hand to ensure you’re prepared for extended periods without power.

Keep An Eye On Your Family Members

Ensuring your family knows what to do during a power outage is crucial, especially when weather conditions cause the blackout. Extreme temperatures, whether hot or cold, can pose significant risks. Designate a safe space in your home where everyone can stay comfortable — like a basement during summer heat or a well-insulated central room in cold weather. Dress accordingly, stay hydrated, and be mindful of what you eat to prevent foodborne illnesses. Pay special attention to the needs of infants, toddlers, the elderly, and anyone with health issues to keep everyone safe and comfortable during an outage.

Cooking Safely Without Power

If you find yourself needing to cook during a power outage, your best bet is to head outdoors. A grill or camp stove can be a great solution, just make sure to set up in a safe, open area to avoid any fire hazards. If you have a fireplace that’s well-maintained, it can also be used for warmth and basic cooking. Canned food is particularly handy since it can be heated directly in the can—just remember to remove the label and open it first to avoid any mishaps.

Avoid Indoor Use of Generators and Grills

It’s crucial to remember never to run a generator, grill, or kerosene heater inside your home or garage. These devices are designed for outdoor use because they produce dangerous fumes, like carbon monoxide, which can be deadly in unventilated spaces. Additionally, using these appliances indoors can pose a serious risk of fire. Always ensure they are used outside and far away from windows, doors, and vents to keep your home safe during a power outage.