Power Outage
Short-term grid interruptions caused by storms, accidents, or equipment failure. Most last under a day. Preparation prevents them from becoming dangerous or costly.
Immediate Action Protocol
Execute these immediate safety steps in chronological sequence when this hazard threatens your area.
Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed. A full freezer holds its temperature for up to 48 hours.
Unplug sensitive electronics to protect them from surge damage when power returns.
Use battery-powered lanterns — never candles, grills, or camp stoves indoors.
Check on neighbors, especially those relying on medical equipment or with mobility limits.
Report the outage to your utility and monitor their restoration estimates.
Priority Gear for Power Outage
Guidance for this protocol draws upon public safety documentation provided by:
- Ready.gov Power Outages
- American Red Cross: Power Outage Safety
- CDC: Keep Food Safe During Emergencies