A power outage is one of the most common emergencies — and one of the easiest to prepare for. Here’s what to do in the first minutes, and how to stay safe if it lasts.
The first five minutes
Grab your flashlight (not candles — open flame is a fire risk when everyone is disoriented). Unplug electronics to protect them from the surge when power returns. Keep the fridge and freezer closed: a full freezer keeps food cold for up to two days if you don’t open it.
Stay warm (or cool) safely
In cold weather, layer clothing and blankets and keep everyone in one room. Never run a generator, grill, or camp stove indoors — carbon monoxide is odorless and deadly. In hot weather, stay hydrated and use battery fans or a cool cloth.
Food safety
Eat perishables from the fridge first, then the freezer. When in doubt, throw it out — food poisoning isn’t worth the risk.
Stay informed
A battery or hand-crank radio keeps you connected when phones and internet are down. Conserve your phone battery for emergencies.
Plan beyond the first day
Most outages are short. The ones that aren’t — from storms, grid failures, or other causes — are covered in depth in the Doomsday Survival Guide, including how to cook, store water, and stay safe for days or weeks.