How To Stay Safe During a Power Outage

Power Outage Safety Tips: Stay Safe and Be Prepared

You can’t control the weather—but you can take steps to protect your home and family against the dangers of power outages. Whether you’re preparing for a storm or already in the dark, these tips can help you stay safe until the lights come back on.

Stay Safe

Staying home and indoors is the safest option during a power outage. Keep these tips in mind:

• Get the essentials: Stock a three- to seven-day supply of:

  • Food and water (per person)

  • Flashlights and extra batteries

  • Battery-powered radio

  • First-aid supplies

  • Any essential medications

• Conserve power: Unplug or turn off small appliances and electronics to protect them from power surges.

• Protect your water supply: If purification systems aren’t functioning, use bottled, boiled, or treated water. Check local guidance for water safety updates.

• Protect your food supply: Keep fridge and freezer doors closed. Food stays safe:

  • ~4 hours in an unopened fridge

  • ~48 hours in a full freezer

  • ~24 hours in a half-full freezer

• Maintain a safe body temperature:

  • In cold weather: Dress in layers, use sleeping bags and extra blankets. Learn more about preventing hypothermia.

  • In hot weather: Stay hydrated and avoid exertion. Review the CDC’s heat safety guidance.

• Avoid carbon monoxide: Never run generators indoors or near windows. Keep them 20 feet away from the home. Don’t use stoves or ovens for heat.

• Check on loved ones: When safe, contact friends, family, or neighbors to make sure they’re OK.

If you must leave your home, limit travel and check with local authorities to confirm it’s safe to do so.

Be Prepared

Not currently in an outage? Now is the perfect time to prepare:

• Invest in a generator: A portable backup power source can keep essential systems running.

• Use surge protectors: Protect electronics like TVs and computers with UL-listed surge protectors.

• Make a family emergency plan: Identify meeting points and save key info on your phone.

• Build a survival kit: Include pet supplies too. The Red Cross recommends:

  • 1 gallon of water per person, per day (for 3+ days)

  • 3-day supply of nonperishable food

  • Flashlight and extra batteries

  • First-aid kit

  • Hygiene and sanitation products

  • Important documents (e.g., IDs, medical info)

  • Phone chargers (wall and car)

  • Pet food, supplies, and water

  • Emergency contacts

For more resources and information, visit the CDC website.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. For specific concerns, consult a licensed medical professional. © 2021 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.