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First Hours of a Power Outage

Check others nearby. Avoid opening fridge. Turn off major appliances. Listen to emergency radio. Follow official guidance.

Risk Tier B Reviewed: verified on 2026-10-31

Your first actions

The minutes and hours after a power outage are crucial. Here's what to do:

Immediate steps (first 5–10 minutes)

  1. Check the main electrical panel to see if it's a local breaker issue (if you know how) or if the whole neighbourhood is dark
  2. Check your phone and power banks —make sure they're charged or charging
  3. Get your flashlights ready but don't use them yet if daylight is sufficient
  4. Stay calm —power outages are common and usually temporary
  5. If anyone needs medical support (oxygen, refrigerated medication, etc.), ensure they have backup power or a plan immediately

Second (check on others)

  1. Check on elderly neighbors, family, and friends nearby
  2. Offer to share a generator or shelter if you have one and they need it
  3. Make sure children and pets know what's happening and have supervision

Third (secure your home)

  1. Turn off major appliances (stove, oven, dryer) to prevent damage when power returns
  2. Leave one light switch on so you'll know when power is restored
  3. Close and lock doors and windows if you're concerned about security (some people become brazen in blackouts)
  4. Avoid opening the fridge or freezer —each opening warms the inside and spoils food faster

Fourth (get information)

  1. Turn on a battery-powered or wind-up radio to listen for emergency announcements
  2. Check your phone for emergency alerts or news updates
  3. Text or email to tell family you're okay (texts go through better than calls when networks are congested)
  4. Avoid calling 911 unless it's a life-threatening emergency

What NOT to do

  • Don't use candles as your main light source (fire risk)
  • Don't run a generator indoors (risk of carbon monoxide poisoning)
  • Don't try to fix downed power lines (extremely dangerous—call authorities)
  • Don't assume the outage is neighborhood-wide without checking
  • Don't open the fridge repeatedly to look for food
  • Don't open your garage door manually unless it's an actual emergency

Shelter and heating

In cold weather:

  • Dress warmly and gather together in one room with good insulation
  • Use blankets and sleeping bags
  • Close off unused rooms to concentrate warmth
  • Avoid using ovens or stoves to heat your home (carbon monoxide risk)
  • If you have a fireplace, use it for warmth if the chimney is clear
  • Move to a warming centre if provided by authorities (usually in libraries, community centres)

In hot weather:

  • Keep indoors with windows and doors closed during the day to retain cool air
  • Open windows early morning and at night to let cool air in
  • Use fans if you have battery or generator power
  • Stay hydrated
  • Go to a cooling centre if provided by authorities

Pets and livestock

  • Bring outdoor pets inside to prevent theft and ensure their safety
  • Supply water and food from your emergency supplies
  • If you have livestock, ensure access to water and check on them regularly
  • Have carriers ready if evacuation is ordered

Water and sanitation

Don't assume water is unsafe—most water systems have backup power. But:

  • Avoid flushing unnecessarily if you're on a septic system
  • Gather rainwater or bathtub water for non-drinking purposes if you're concerned
  • Use hand sanitizer or wet wipes if tap water is not safe

Expect the outage to last

  • Assume it will take at least a few hours (even short outages can take time)
  • Don't count on getting information quickly
  • Be self-sufficient for the first 24 hours at minimum
  • Follow official timelines and updates once available

When power returns

Wait a few minutes before turning appliances back on to avoid surges that damage equipment. Turn them back on one by one to prevent overloading the system.

See also: Keep food safe during a power outage, flashlights and batteries, and power banks and phones.