Electrical
Power outage: what to do in order
Tell an outage apart from a panel problem in two minutes, then protect food, electronics, and anyone who depends on powered equipment.
Beginner About 20 minWhole homePro required
Video: Xiane Homes original — hand-picked by Xiane and matched to the written steps below.
Never run a generator in a garage or near an opening — carbon monoxide is deadly. Stay far away from any downed line and call 911.
Emergency preparedness
Protect people first, then protect the house
- 1Treat every downed wire as energized. Stay well back, keep others away, and report it to 911 and the utility.
- 2Move anyone who relies on powered medical equipment to the backup plan or emergency location established with their care team.
- 3Use battery lights instead of candles. Keep one flashlight at the panel and another near each sleeping area.
- 4Keep generators outdoors and far from doors, windows, and vents. A garage is unsafe even with the door open.
- 5Discard refrigerated food after four hours without power unless it stayed at 40°F or below; never taste food to judge safety.
Related safety videos
Reset a tripped breaker safelyOnly when neighbors still have power and your panel shows a trip.Watch video Test smoke and CO alarmsConfirm the alarms protecting every sleeping level are ready.Watch video Protect pipes before a freezePrepare water lines if an outage also removes heat.Watch video
Food-safety timing follows USDA guidance. Generator and carbon-monoxide precautions follow federal emergency guidance; always follow local utility and emergency instructions.
Steps
Tools
- Flashlights
- Phone battery pack
Parts
- No parts required.
Published February 10, 2026 · Last reviewed September 1, 2026 · Next review March 1, 2027 · Source: Video: Xiane Homes original