Between 2012 and 2022, power outages across the U.S. have increased 64 percent, and they’re continuing to trend upward. This is largely due to the fact that the country’s existing electric system wasn’t designed to endure the changing climate, which has caused an increase in extreme weather events. There’s no better time than now to ensure you’re adequately prepared for the next power outage so you can keep your family safe and comfortable.
With extreme weather becoming more frequent—think hurricanes, blizzards, or heatwaves—it’s no surprise that our aging grid is struggling to keep up. I’ve seen this firsthand in my neighborhood, where a single storm can knock out power for days. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) notes that the U.S. saw a 20% increase in billion-dollar weather disasters from 2010 to 2020 compared to the previous decade. Being ready isn’t just about comfort; it’s about safety. Stocking up on essentials like batteries and water, and knowing what *not* to do, can make all the difference.
1. Assume the Power Is Out for Everyone
Check your circuit breaker to make sure your power outage isn’t just an overloaded circuit. If that’s not the issue, start checking with your neighbors, but keep in mind that since most towns operate on a grid system, you may lose power while the houses across the street still have it. Checking local apps like Nextdoor (or neighborhood groups on Facebook) can help you determine if neighbors on adjacent streets are also experiencing outages.
I’ve made this mistake before—assuming the whole block was dark when it was just my house. A quick check of the breaker saved me a call to the utility company. If it’s not a local issue, apps like Nextdoor can be a lifesaver for real-time updates. Fun fact: the U.S. Energy Information Administration says about 10% of outages are due to localized issues like tripped breakers or faulty wiring. If it *is* a broader outage, don’t hesitate to confirm with neighbors. It’s a good excuse to chat and share tips on staying comfortable!
2. Forget to Report the Outage
While many utility companies have systems in place that can identify power outages, it’s still a good idea to report an outage to your local electric company. (And the more neighbors who report losing power, the better—outages that affect multiple households will get the electric company’s attention.) The sooner the electric company understands the full scope of the outage, the sooner they can prioritize restoration efforts.
I learned this the hard way during a storm a few years back. I figured the utility company already knew, but reporting it myself got the issue on their radar faster. According to the Edison Electric Institute, utilities often prioritize repairs based on the number of affected customers, so every report counts. Pro tip: keep your utility’s outage hotline saved in your phone. It’s faster than digging through their website in the dark!
3. Rely on Candles for Lighting
While lighting candles is a time-tested solution to the “no lights” problem, it isn’t your safest option. Kids and pets can knock them down, and some candle holders can become very hot if you leave a candle burning for too long. It goes without saying, of course, that you should never leave a burning candle unattended. Instead of relying on the wax fire hazards, stash flashlights in strategic areas around the house, and check them periodically to make sure the batteries still work.
Candles might seem cozy, but they’re a hassle waiting to happen. I’ve got a curious cat who nearly sent a candle flying last outage. The National Fire Protection Association says candles cause about 7,600 house fires annually in the U.S. Instead, I keep a few LED flashlights in drawers around the house—kitchen, bedroom, you name it. A good trick is to buy flashlights with a crank or solar option; they’re cheap, usually under $20, and you’ll never worry about dead batteries.
4. Leave Electronics Plugged In
If you leave small appliances plugged in during an outage, you may experience a power surge that will fry them (or overload your house’s circuits) when the power comes back on. One of the first things to do when the power goes out is to go through each room of your home (starting in the kitchen) and unplug televisions, computers, and appliances. You should also turn off smaller items, like lamps and radios.
I fried a laptop once because I didn’t unplug it during an outage—lesson learned! Power surges can spike voltage up to 6,000 volts, according to electrical experts, and that’s enough to toast your electronics. A surge protector is a solid investment (they start at around $15), but unplugging is the safest bet. Make it a habit to do a quick sweep of your home when the lights go out. It takes 5 minutes and could save you hundreds in repairs.
5. Open the Fridge or Freezer
Leaving your refrigerator and freezer closed will help prevent cold air from escaping, and keep your food fresher for longer. Closed refrigerators can maintain proper temperatures for at least 4 hours, and a shut freezer might keep your food cold for up to 2 days. If it’s hot outside when the power goes out, consider wrapping these appliances in blankets to give them an extra layer of insulation.
I’ve been tempted to peek in the fridge during an outage, but every time you open it, you’re letting out precious cold air. The USDA says a half-full freezer can stay cold for about 24 hours, and a full one up to 48 hours, if you keep it closed. Wrapping the fridge in blankets sounds odd, but it works like a cooler. I’ve also found that keeping a few frozen water bottles in the freezer helps maintain the chill longer—they double as emergency drinking water if they thaw!
6. Grill Indoors
While you may be tempted to bring the grill inside during a winter power outage, forget it—this is a deadly idea. Gas and charcoal grills emit fumes that, if not fully ventilated, can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
I get it—when it’s freezing and you’re craving a hot meal, an indoor grill seems tempting. But carbon monoxide is no joke; the CDC reports it causes about 400 deaths a year in the U.S. Instead, I keep a small camping stove (propane, used *outside*) for outages. They’re affordable, around $30, and safe if used properly. Always cook in an open area, and never near the house where fumes can sneak in.
7. Go Near Pooling Water
When hurricanes and storms cause power outages and there are pools of water on your property, stay indoors. The storm may have brought branches and power lines down in the downpour. Resist the urge to survey damage outdoors—don’t risk electrocution. Give authorized work crews the time and space they need to safely clear the area.
After a big storm, I was itching to check my yard, but a downed power line in a puddle stopped me cold. The National Weather Service says water and electricity are a deadly combo, with even small amounts of water conducting enough to cause serious injury. Stay safe and let the pros handle it. If you must go outside, wear rubber-soled shoes and avoid any standing water—better safe than sorry!
8. Let Your Pipes Get Too Cold
If you lose power in the winter, one of your primary concerns should be the risk of burst pipes. While pipes in recently updated homes are likely to be properly insulated, that may not be the case in older homes. If your home is older, check the basement, garage, and exterior plumbing for pipes that aren’t insulated. Wrap them with foam, old blankets, or towels. Regardless of how old your home is, it’s a good idea to keep a trickle of water running on all faucets to reduce the risk of frozen pipes.
Living in an older home, I’ve had a scare or two with pipes in the garage. A burst pipe can cost thousands to fix—plumbing repairs average $300-$700, per HomeAdvisor. Wrapping pipes with foam insulation (about $1 per foot) is a cheap fix. I also leave cabinet doors open under sinks to let warm air circulate. And that trickle of water? It doesn’t have to be a stream—just a drip every few seconds keeps things moving.
9. Allow the Temperature Indoors to Get Too Hot (or Too Cold)
If it’s hot, dress in lightweight clothing, crack the windows, and close the blinds on south-facing windows. If it’s cold, bundle up, block leaky windows with blankets, and close doors to rooms you’re not using. After opening the damper, light a fire in the fireplace, if you have one. Never use a gas oven for heat: It can emit carbon monoxide and poison your family and your pets.
During a summer outage, my house felt like an oven until I closed the blinds and opened a few windows for a cross-breeze. The Department of Energy says proper window management can cut indoor heat by up to 20%. In winter, I pile on layers and use a fireplace, but I’m careful to check the chimney first. Gas ovens are a hard no—carbon monoxide builds up fast. A small, battery-powered fan or hot water bottle can also work wonders for comfort.
10. Use Well Water
Most well pumps rely on electricity, so a power outage can render them useless. Even if you can retrieve some water from the faucets, it’s best not to use it since doing so can drain your reservoir. An empty reservoir will trigger the pump’s pressure switch, which will prevent your pump from working once the power is restored. If you have a backup generator that powers your well pump and any connected purification filters, however, you can still use your water during an outage.
I know folks with wells who got stuck without water during an outage—tough lesson! Draining the reservoir can mess up your pump, costing $500 or more to repair, according to well maintenance experts. If you rely on a well, consider a small generator (around $400-$600) to keep the pump running. I also keep a few gallons of bottled water stashed away, just in case, which costs me about $10 a year to maintain.
11. Use Up Your Water Supply
Unless you get water from a well, your home’s plumbing should work when the power is out. But your hot water tank can hold only so much, and some citywide systems use electricity to pump sewage from homes to the treatment plant, which can quickly get backed up. You’ll want to shower and flush sparingly until power is restored to keep everything running longer.
I’ve been guilty of taking a long shower during an outage, only to regret it when the hot water ran out. A standard tank holds about 40-50 gallons, so go easy on it. The EPA says a low-flow showerhead can cut water use by half, which is a smart upgrade for outages (and your water bill). Also, keep a bucket handy for manual flushing if the sewage system backs up—it’s not glamorous, but it works.
12. Drain Your Batteries
Tweeting about the power outage and playing games on your phone to kill time until the electricity comes back on will run your phone’s batteries down in a hurry. To preserve your battery, close apps you’re not using, minimize those that run in the background, then break out the real-life board games. It’s also a good idea to have some charged power banks on hand, which can charge your phone and other devices during an outage.
I’ve burned through my phone battery scrolling during an outage, and it’s the worst when you need it for emergencies. A decent power bank (about $25) can give you 2-3 full charges. Energy.gov suggests dimming your screen and turning off Wi-Fi to stretch battery life further. I also keep a deck of cards handy—nothing beats a good game of Go Fish to pass the time without draining your phone!
13. Run Generators Indoors
Portable generators that run on gasoline, propane, or diesel should never be used inside since they can release harmful levels of carbon monoxide, an odorless gas that is lethal. Portable generators are also fire hazards, with parts that can get really hot and potentially ignite flammable household items nearby. If you want a backup power supply you can use indoors, consider a portable power station.
A neighbor once thought running a generator in their garage was safe—big mistake. The Consumer Product Safety Commission says generators cause about 70 carbon monoxide deaths annually. I stick to portable power stations for indoor use; they’re pricier (starting at $200), but they’re silent and safe. If you use a generator, keep it at least 20 feet from your home, and point the exhaust away from windows.
14. Not Put Your Coolers to Good Use
If your power is likely to be out for a while, remember that any coolers you have on hand can be used to temporarily store perishable items. In many cases, your freezer will still have ice that you can throw in the cooler; just make sure that you grab the ice and any perishable items quickly so you don’t release too much cool air from the freezer or refrigerator.
I’ve saved a week’s worth of groceries by tossing them in a cooler with freezer ice during a long outage. A good cooler (around $50) can keep food cold for days if you pack it tightly. The FDA recommends keeping perishable food below 40°F to avoid spoilage, so check with a thermometer if you have one. Pro tip: layer ice packs on top, since cold air sinks, to maximize cooling efficiency.
15. Neglect Your Safety Alarms
Many electric smoke and carbon monoxide detectors have backup batteries that kick in during a power outage. However, these batteries will only last so long. If your power has been out for an extended period or you’re not sure whether your alarms have adequate backup, it’s worth purchasing battery-operated versions to ensure your safety through the outage.
I once had a carbon monoxide detector beep during an outage, and it was a wake-up call to check the batteries. Most backup batteries last 12-24 hours, per manufacturer specs, so don’t assume they’ll hold up for days. Battery-operated alarms cost as little as $15 and can be a lifesaver. I test mine twice a year when I change my clocks—it’s a small habit that gives big peace of mind.