Before an outage, charge phones and power banks, keep flashlights and batteries ready, and place thermometers in the fridge and freezer. During one, keep doors closed: a closed fridge keeps food cold about 4 hours, a full freezer about 48 hours (24 if half full). Discard perishables held above 40°F for over 2 hours. Never run generators, grills or camp stoves indoors.
Most outages are short; some last days. A little preparation keeps food safe, people warm and phones working.
Before
- Charge phones, power banks and rechargeable lanterns.
- Put appliance thermometers in the fridge and freezer.
- Freeze containers of water to fill empty freezer space.
- Know how to open your garage door manually.
- Check your 72-hour kit and stored water.
- Plan backup power for medical devices; see power station sizing.
During
| Task | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Fridge and freezer | Keep doors closed |
| Lighting | Flashlights and lanterns, not candles where avoidable |
| Heat | Dress in layers, use one room; never use ovens or grills for heat |
| Generators | Outdoors only, at least 20 ft from doors and windows |
| Electronics | Unplug to avoid surge damage when power returns |
| Information | Battery or crank weather radio |
Food safety (USDA)
| Appliance | Safe without power (closed) |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator | About 4 hours |
| Full freezer | About 48 hours |
| Half-full freezer | About 24 hours |
Discard perishable food above 40°F for more than 2 hours. Frozen food that still has ice crystals or is at 40°F or below can be refrozen.
Carbon monoxide
Install battery-backed CO alarms on every level. CO is invisible and odorless. If an alarm sounds, get outside and call 911.
After
Check food temperatures, reset clocks and breakers, and restock what you used.
Browse kits and planning.
Common questions
How long does food last in a fridge without power?
About 4 hours if the door stays closed. A full freezer holds about 48 hours, a half-full one about 24 hours.
When should I throw out refrigerated food?
Discard perishable food that has been above 40°F for more than 2 hours, according to USDA guidance.
Is it safe to use a camp stove indoors?
No. Camp stoves, grills and generators produce carbon monoxide and must only be used outdoors.
What should people on home medical devices do?
Plan backup power with the device maker and your doctor, and register with your utility's medical priority program if offered.