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Getting through a power outage

Keep the fridge and freezer closed, unplug electronics, and never run a generator or grill indoors. A closed fridge keeps food safe about 4 hours; a full freezer about 48.

Easy10 min to readFree

You'll need

  • Flashlights and batteries
  • A charged power bank
  • An appliance thermometer, if you have one

What to know

  1. Keep the fridge and freezer doors closed. The fridge keeps food safe up to 4 hours; a full freezer about 48 hours, or 24 if half full (FoodSafety.gov).
  2. Unplug appliances and electronics to protect them from surges (Ready.gov).
  3. Use flashlights, not candles (Red Cross).
  4. Never use a gas stove or oven to heat your home. Generators, camp stoves and grills go outdoors, at least 20 feet from windows, doors and garages (Ready.gov).
  5. If it's very hot or cold, go to a community location with power (Ready.gov).
Watch out. Carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless. Headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach and confusion are common symptoms (CDC). If you suspect it, get to fresh air and call 911.

If it doesn't work

  • Power back on and unsure about food? Throw out refrigerated perishables like meat, eggs and leftovers after 4 hours without power. Never taste food to decide (FoodSafety.gov).
  • Frozen food can be refrozen if it still has ice crystals or is at 40°F or below (FoodSafety.gov).
  • Medicine that needs refrigeration? If the power was out more than a day, call your doctor or pharmacist (Ready.gov).

Good to know

Plan ahead

Make a list of things you need that run on electricity, and have a flashlight for everyone (Ready.gov).

CO detectors

Ready.gov says to install carbon monoxide detectors with battery backup on every level of your home (Ready.gov).

When in doubt

Throw it out if food has been above 40°F for 2 hours or more, or smells, looks or feels off (Ready.gov).

Sources

  1. Ready.gov (FEMA) Power outages
  2. FoodSafety.gov Food safety during a power outage
  3. American Red Cross Power outage safety
  4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Carbon monoxide poisoning basics

Lesson H7.2 · Last checked October 2, 2026 against the sources listed. See a mistake?