⚡ Power Outages
Practical, safety-first power outage checklists and buying guides—backup power, sump pumps, extension cords, and what to do before/during/after.
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Power Outages
What to do before, during, and after an outage—focused on safety, food protection, water risks, and staying comfortable.
Generator Safety
Never run a generator indoors or in a garage. Carbon monoxide can kill in minutes. Keep generators outdoors, far from doors and windows, and follow manufacturer instructions.
If the Power Is Out Right Now
Fast actions to protect your home and stay safe:
- ✅ Keep fridge and freezer closed — A closed fridge stays cold 4+ hours
- ✅ Confirm scope — Is it just your home or the neighborhood? Check breakers first
- ✅ Unplug sensitive electronics — Or use surge protection
- ✅ Check your sump pump — If you have one and it’s raining, this is priority #1
- ✅ Set up safe lighting — Flashlights, not candles
- ✅ Charge devices — Use battery banks or car charger if needed
Before / During / After
Power Outage Response
Before
- Must do
Charge battery banks and power stations
- Should do
Freeze water bottles (helps keep fridge cold)
- Must do
Know where flashlights are staged
- Should do
Have a sump pump backup plan if applicable
- Nice to have
Check extension cord condition and ratings
During
- Must do
Keep fridge/freezer closed as much as possible
- Must do
Run generator outdoors only — never in garage
- Should do
Unplug appliances to prevent surge damage
- Must do
Check on sump pump if it's raining
- Should do
Use flashlights, not candles
After
- Must do
Check fridge/freezer temperature
Discard food if above 40°F for 2+ hours
- Should do
Reset clocks and check appliances
- Should do
Restock batteries and rotate supplies
- Nice to have
Document any damage for insurance
Common Outage Scenarios
2-4 Hour Outage
Keep everything closed. Your fridge is fine. Focus on lighting and device charging.
Overnight Outage
Fridge contents still likely safe if kept closed. Consider moving critical items to a cooler with ice. Have a bedtime plan for kids.
Multi-Day Outage
Fridge contents at risk after 4+ hours above 40°F. Generator or power station becomes valuable. Consider staying elsewhere if weather is extreme.
Outage + Heavy Rain
Sump pump is your priority. If you have a basement and no battery backup, you may need to manually bail or use a generator (outdoors only, with proper cords).
Outage in Extreme Heat or Cold
More urgent. Heat: stay hydrated, find cooler spaces. Cold: layer up, close off rooms to conserve heat, know where warming centers are.
Checklists
- Power outage checklist (before/during/after)
- Fridge/freezer outage recovery plan
- Phone and internet continuity basics
- Sump pump outage plan
- Extension cord safety checklist
- “Cold night outage” quick list
Buy Smarter: Backup Power
Generator vs Power Station
| Factor | Generator | Power Station |
|---|---|---|
| Run time | Hours (with fuel) | Limited by battery |
| Noise | Loud | Silent |
| Indoor use | Never | Yes |
| Upfront cost | Lower for power | Higher for power |
| Maintenance | Oil, fuel, storage | Minimal |
| Best for | Long outages, high loads | Short outages, essentials |
Our take: Power stations are great for 90% of outages (phones, lights, fridge for a few hours). Generators make sense if you have a sump pump, medical equipment, or live in an area with frequent multi-day outages.
Extension Cord Safety
- Match gauge to load (lower number = heavier duty)
- Don’t daisy-chain cords
- Don’t run under rugs or through closed doors
- Inspect for damage before use
- Indoor cords stay indoors; outdoor cords for outdoor use
Upgrades That Help
- Sump pump battery backup — Keeps pump running during outages
- Dedicated generator inlet — Installed by an electrician, safer than extension cords
- Surge protection — Whole-home or point-of-use
- Smart plugs with energy monitoring — Know what’s drawing power
Transfer Switches
Never “backfeed” power into your electrical panel without a proper transfer switch installed by a licensed electrician. This can kill utility workers and start fires.
Make It a Routine
Monthly:
- Test flashlights and replace batteries as needed
- Check battery bank charge levels
- Test sump pump float switch
Before Storm Season:
- Review power outage plan
- Check generator fuel and oil (if applicable)
- Verify extension cords are in good condition
Families + Pets During Outages
- Kids: Have a bedtime plan with battery-powered lights
- Pets: Keep pets comfortable without HVAC; watch for heat/cold stress
- Charging priorities: Medical devices → phones → entertainment
- Communication: Designate an out-of-area contact if local cell service is overwhelmed
Related
- Sump pump not running
- GFCI keeps tripping
- Weather Hardening — Storm prep
- Family + Pet Readiness
- ← Back to Resilience
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