Power outages affect 180 million Americans annually. Severe thunderstorms and ice storms are the leading causes.
Before the Outage
- Charge phones, laptops, and power banks
- Fill vehicle gas tank
- Stock flashlights and batteries (avoid open flames first)
- Know how to manually open garage door
- Pre-charge portable power station
During the Outage
Food Safety
- Keep fridge/freezer doors closed
- Use cooler with ice for essentials
- Discard perishables above 40°F for 2+ hours
Heating & Cooling
- Winter: Layer clothing, close off unused rooms, never use oven for heat
- Summer: Stay hydrated, seek cooling centers if available
Communication
- NOAA weather radio for updates
- Text instead of call — preserves battery and network capacity
Generator Safety (Critical)
- OUTDOORS ONLY — never garage, basement, or porch
- 20+ feet from windows
- Dry location, proper grounding
- Don't backfeed into home wiring without transfer switch
After Power Returns
- Reset clocks and alarms
- Restock used supplies
- Review what worked and what didn't
Bottom Line
A power station + weather radio + food safety plan handles 90% of outage scenarios lasting under 48 hours.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
- How long will food last in the fridge during an outage?
- A closed refrigerator keeps food safe ~4 hours. A full freezer lasts ~48 hours if unopened. When in doubt, throw it out.
- Is it safe to use a gas generator indoors?
- Never. Carbon monoxide from generators kills silently. Operate outdoors, 20+ feet from windows and vents.
- How do I keep phones charged?
- Power banks, car chargers, or a portable power station. Enable low-power mode and limit screen use.