What to do in a power outage

Most power outages in the US are local: a tree on a line, a failed transformer, a car into a pole. This guide covers what to do in the first minutes, how to stay safe during a long outage, and why restoration happens in the order it does. For the live report count in your area, open your state and city power outage page.

Is it just my house?

  1. Look outside. If streetlights and neighbors have power, the problem is probably inside your home.
  2. Check the main breaker. Switch it fully off, then firmly back on.
  3. Check GFCI outlets in the kitchen, bathroom and garage. A tripped GFCI can cut power to a wider circuit.
  4. Check for a disconnection notice if the outage affects only your address.
  5. If the whole street is dark, report it to your utility so a ticket exists for your address.

What to do during a power outage

  • Report it. Use your utility’s outage line, app or map. Smart meters do not always report every outage automatically.
  • Unplug electronics. Power often returns with a brief voltage spike.
  • Keep the fridge and freezer closed. A closed fridge stays cold for about 4 hours; a full freezer for about 48 hours, a half-full one for about 24.
  • Use flashlights, not candles.
  • Check on neighbors who are elderly or rely on powered medical equipment.
  • Keep your phone charged from a car or power bank so you can follow utility updates.

Food safety after an outage

Refrigerated food that stayed above 40°F for more than 2 hours, including meat, dairy, eggs, leftovers and cooked pasta, should be thrown out. Frozen food that still has ice crystals or is at 40°F or below can be refrozen. When in doubt, throw it out. Some utilities reimburse spoiled food after long outages; keep receipts and note the start and end times.

Generator and heat safety

  • Never run a generator indoors, in a garage, basement or near open windows. Carbon monoxide has no smell and kills quickly.
  • Keep a portable generator at least 20 feet from the house with the exhaust pointed away.
  • Do not connect a generator to your home wiring without a transfer switch installed by an electrician. Back-feeding can kill line workers.
  • Install battery-powered CO alarms on every level of your home.
  • Never heat your home with a gas oven or outdoor grill.

Downed power lines

Stay at least 35 feet away from any downed line and keep children and pets back. Assume it is live even if it is not sparking. Call 911, then your utility. If a line falls on your car, stay inside unless there is a fire; if you must get out, jump clear without touching the car and the ground at the same time, and shuffle away with your feet together.

What causes power outages

Weather is the most common cause: wind and trees bring down overhead lines, ice adds weight until spans fail, lightning damages transformers. Equipment failure increases with age and heat, when transformers run hot on high-demand afternoons. Animals such as squirrels cause a surprising number of short, local outages. Vehicle accidents and digging damage poles and underground cables. Planned maintenance is usually announced in advance. Large multi-state blackouts are rare; most outages affect a few streets or a neighborhood.

How power is restored

Utilities restore power in the order that brings the most people back safely and fastest:

  1. Public safety hazards such as downed live lines across roads.
  2. Transmission lines and substations that feed tens of thousands of customers.
  3. Critical facilities: hospitals, 911 centers, water treatment.
  4. Main distribution lines that serve neighborhoods.
  5. Tap lines and individual services that serve a few homes.

That is why a neighbor across the street can get power back before you. “Assessment pending” on an outage map means crews have not yet found the failed equipment. Estimated restoration times can move when a line trips again or crews find more damage.

Preparing for the next outage

  • Save your utility’s outage number and sign up for its text alerts.
  • Keep flashlights, batteries, a power bank and a battery radio in one place.
  • Keep a few days of non-perishable food and water.
  • If you use powered medical equipment, register with your utility’s medical program and have a backup plan.
  • Consider a UPS for your modem and router so internet stays up during short outages.

Frequently asked questions

How long do power outages usually last?

Most local outages are fixed within 2 to 4 hours. Storm damage that requires new poles or many repairs can take days. Only your utility’s outage map has an estimate for your address.

Should I call 911 for a power outage?

No, unless there is a downed line, fire or medical emergency. Report routine outages to your utility.

Why do my lights flicker?

Brief flickers are often a tree branch touching a line or equipment switching on the grid. Frequent flickering in only your home can be a loose connection and should be checked by an electrician or your utility.

Why does my neighbor have power when I do not?

Homes on the same street can be fed from different lines or transformers, or a single service line to your home may be damaged.

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