A power outage can be a mild inconvenience or a serious disruption, depending on how long it lasts and how well you’ve prepared. While some outages last only a few minutes, others can stretch for hours or even days, especially during extreme weather. Taking the right steps ahead of time can keep your home safe, minimize stress, and help you stay comfortable until the power comes back on. Here’s a thorough guide to getting ready before the lights go out.
1. Build an Emergency Kit
Having a well-stocked emergency kit ensures you have the basics covered when an outage occurs. Store these items in an easy-to-access place so you can grab them quickly:
- Flashlights & Batteries – Keep several flashlights in different areas of your home and check batteries regularly.
- Portable Phone Charger – A fully charged power bank can keep your phone running when you can’t plug in.
- Battery-Powered or Hand-Crank Radio – This allows you to stay informed about weather conditions and updates.
- Non-Perishable Food & Water – Stock up on shelf-stable foods like granola bars, canned goods, and peanut butter. Aim for at least one gallon of water per person per day.
- First Aid Kit – Include basic medical supplies, prescription medications, and any necessary pet care items.
- Warm Blankets & Layers – If it’s winter, extra blankets and warm clothing can help keep you comfortable without electric heating.
- Manual Can Opener – If you’re relying on canned food, make sure you have a way to open it.
- Cash – If the outage affects card machines or ATMs, having some cash on hand is useful.
2. Plan for Food & Water Safety
Refrigerated food can spoil quickly when the power goes out. Here’s how to keep your food safe and make it last longer:
- Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. A closed fridge can keep food cold for about 4 hours, while a full freezer can stay cold for 48 hours (or 24 hours if half-full).
- Freeze water bottles or ice packs in advance to help keep perishable items cool longer.
- If an outage is expected, consider transferring items to a cooler with ice to keep essential food cold.
- If the power is out for more than 4 hours, check perishable foods carefully. Anything that has been above 40°F for more than 2 hours should be discarded.
3. Have a Backup Power Plan
If you rely on electricity for medical devices, heating, or working from home, a backup power plan is essential:
- Portable Generators – If you own one, make sure it’s in good working condition and never run it indoors due to carbon monoxide risks. Store extra fuel safely.
- Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) – A UPS can keep critical electronics running briefly, giving you time to save work or shut things down properly.
- Solar Chargers – Small solar panels can be used to keep phones, tablets, and small devices charged.
4. Protect Your Electronics & Appliances
A power outage can be followed by a surge when electricity returns, which can damage electronics and appliances.
- Unplug sensitive devices like computers, televisions, and gaming consoles to prevent damage.
- Use surge protectors for essential electronics to help guard against sudden voltage spikes.
- If the power goes out, switch off major appliances like the stove or heater to prevent an unexpected restart when electricity is restored.
5. Stay Safe During the Outage
- Never use outdoor heating or cooking equipment indoors. Items like grills, camp stoves, and propane heaters release dangerous gases and should only be used in well-ventilated outdoor areas.
- Be mindful of candles. While they provide light, they also pose a fire hazard. Flashlights and battery-powered lanterns are safer alternatives.
- Check on neighbors, especially elderly residents or those with medical conditions. Make sure they have what they need, especially if the outage lasts longer than expected.
- Follow local updates. If the outage is widespread, check for information on estimated restoration times and emergency services through a battery-powered radio or mobile updates.
6. Know When to Report an Outage
Your utility provider should always be your first point of contact when the power goes out. Many providers have online outage maps or text alerts to keep you updated on restoration efforts. If you see downed power lines, sparks, or signs of electrical damage, stay far away and report it immediately.
7. Prepare for Extended Outages
While most outages are resolved quickly, some last for days—especially after severe storms or grid failures. If an outage extends beyond 24 hours, consider:
- Relocating to a friend or family member’s home if conditions become unsafe.
- Using community warming or cooling centers if available.
- Conserving mobile phone battery by reducing screen brightness and closing unused apps.
A little preparation goes a long way when the power goes out. By assembling an emergency kit, having a food safety plan, and protecting your devices, you can stay comfortable and reduce stress when outages occur.
At NextVolt Energy, we’re committed to keeping you informed and prepared for anything. Stay ahead of the next outage by putting these steps into action today.