Blackout: What to Do in the First Hour
Most blackouts are short. The first hour decides whether you stay comfortable for two hours or struggle for two days.
Minute 0–5: What is happening?
Check if it is only your building (breakers, ask neighbors) or the grid (street lights, utility app). If only you: locate the tripped breaker, check for a burning smell before resetting anything.
Minute 5–20: Light and information
Headlamp or flashlight, not candles (fire risk). Phone on power-saving, one radio (battery/crank) on a news channel. Do NOT call emergency services about the outage – overload endangers real emergencies.
Minute 20–60: Protect the cold chain and heat
Keep fridge/freezer closed (freezer holds 24–48 h). Cook only what you will eat. In winter: one room to heat, doors closed, layers + sleeping bags. Never bring charcoal/BBQ grills indoors – carbon monoxide kills silently.
First-hour checklist
Breakers/grid status · light on · radio/phone info · fridge closed · one warm room · water container filled (grid-down pumps can stop water pressure in tall buildings) · check on neighbors 70+.
Recommended gear
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