Power Outage: What to Do — The Step-by-Step Checklist
Blackouts are the most realistic crisis scenario — grid stress keeps growing. This checklist covers the first minutes, the first day and multi-day outages, based on utility-company and emergency-agency guidance.
First 15 minutes
Check whether it is a local or area-wide outage (street lights, neighbors). Report to your grid operator. Keep fridge/freezer closed — a full freezer holds 48 h, half-full 24 h.
Lighting
LED headlamps beat flashlights (hands free). Candles are a fire risk — use only supervised. Emergency radios with crank/solar keep you informed without draining batteries.
Staying warm
One room, closed doors, layered clothing, sleeping bags. Never bring grills or generators indoors — carbon monoxide kills silently.
Food safety
Fridge: 4 h max. Freezer: 24–48 h. When in doubt, throw it out. Cook first what spoils first; keep a no-cook emergency food stock.
Power solutions
Power banks (pre-charged), solar chargers as backup. For medical devices: a small power station sized to real consumption.
Extended outages (3+ days)
Water: taps may fail — store 3 L per person per day. Cash: card terminals fail without power. Gas station pumps are electric too.