Home and city
Prolonged blackout
No power for hours or days: storm, freeze, heat, or rolling blackouts from the power grid operator.
Do this nowTap each step when done
- 1Check the breakers. If your neighbors also have no power, call your electric or gas company.
- 2Don't open the refrigerator or freezer.
- 3Unplug computers and TVs. Leave one lamp on.
- 4Save battery: keep just one phone on for alerts.
- 5Control the heat or cold (Heat and Freeze cards).
- 6Generator: outside only, more than 20 ft (6 m) from the building.
- 7Headache, dizziness, or nausea in several people? Suspect CO. Get out and call 911.
Don't
- Don't use a generator indoors, in a hallway, or on a covered balcony.
- Don't plug the generator into a wall outlet.
- Don't use candles as your main light.
Have ready
- One flashlight per person and batteries.
- Charged power banks and a battery-powered radio.
- Battery-powered CO detector.
Key factClosed refrigerator: up to 4 hours. Full freezer: about 48 hours; half full, about 24.
More detail
Reviewed: Nov 2026 · Sources: Chapter 9 · Urban survival
