National Preparedness Month: How to Get Through a Multi-Day Power Outage

It does not take a hurricane or wildfire to leave a home without power for days.

A strong thunderstorm, ice storm, or overloaded electrical grid can be enough. The difference between a dangerous situation and a manageable inconvenience often comes down to preparation.

Start with food and water.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, an unopened refrigerator will generally keep food safe for about four hours. A full freezer can hold its temperature for about 48 hours, while a half-full freezer may stay cold for about 24 hours.

Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible.

If you are unsure whether food is still safe, throw it away.

Water is just as important. Emergency planners commonly recommend storing at least one gallon of water per person per day.

Lighting also matters.

Use flashlights instead of candles whenever possible. Candles can increase the risk of fire during an outage, especially when they are left unattended or used around children and pets.

Keep phones charged before severe weather arrives, and consider keeping a portable power bank on hand.

A battery-powered radio can also be useful when internet or cellular service becomes unreliable, and you still need weather updates or emergency information.

One of the most serious dangers during a power outage comes from improper generator use.

Ready.gov advises that portable generators, camp stoves, and grills should be used outdoors only and kept at least 20 feet away from windows, doors, and vents.

Never run a generator inside a garage, even if the garage door is open.

Generator exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an odorless and invisible gas that can be deadly.

For the same reason, never use a gas oven to heat a home.

Households should also plan ahead for anyone who depends on electricity for medical care.

That may include people who use oxygen equipment, powered mobility devices, or other medical equipment.

Have a backup plan before the power goes out.

Refrigerated medications may also need special attention if an outage lasts for an extended period. Check the storage instructions for medications such as insulin and contact a pharmacist or health care provider if you are unsure whether they are still safe to use.

Older adults and people with health conditions may be especially vulnerable when heating or air conditioning stops working.

Check on neighbors and relatives who may need help.

It is also a good idea to keep some cash at home.

When power is out across a community, ATMs and credit card readers may stop working along with the lights.

A multi-day outage can be stressful, but a few basic preparations can make a major difference.

Keep water, flashlights, batteries, backup power, and emergency supplies ready before they are needed. Know how to operate a generator safely. And make a plan for medical needs and vulnerable family members.

The best time to prepare for a power outage is before the lights go out.