Situation guide
The power is out
When the power goes out, focus on immediate safety and any needs that depend on electricity. Use these short checks before choosing the longer guides that fit your home.
Danger now? Downed power line, a smell of gas, or someone dizzy from fumes: move away immediately and call your local emergency services.
First, check safety and essentials
- If someone relies on powered medical equipment or refrigerated medicine, follow their care plan and contact their medical provider for specific guidance.
- Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible.
- Never use a generator, charcoal grill, or camp stove inside your home or garage.
- If heat or cold becomes extreme, check with local officials for nearby heating or cooling locations.
Official guidance: Ready.gov power outages and CDC outage safety.
Guides for what comes next
Start with the first available guide, then choose the later advice that applies to your conditions and equipment.
Step 1 of 3 · Keep food safe
Food Safety During a Power Outage: What to Keep, Cook, or Throw Away
Know how long the fridge and freezer stay cool, and what to throw out when the power comes back.
Step 2 of 3 · Keep a safe temperature
Choose the guide that matches your season.
In cold weather
How to Stay Warm Indoors Without Fire or Electricity
Stay warm safely without running anything that could produce carbon monoxide indoors.
In hot weather
How to Keep an Apartment Cool During a Power Outage
Keep a home safe in heat when the air conditioning stops.
Step 3 of 3 · If you run a generator
Generator Carbon Monoxide Safety Checklist: Where to Put It and What Not to Do
Place, fuel, and ventilate a generator correctly, and recognise carbon-monoxide symptoms that mean everyone should move outside immediately.
The topic page lists every power outages guide, including planning, lighting, and backup power.