Power outage checklist

Carbon monoxide [1][2]

• Have a battery-powered or battery backup CO detector on every level.
• Use an extension cord more than 20 feet long for the generator.
• Keep camp stoves and charcoal grills outdoors, at least 20 feet from windows.
• Keep the generator dry. Let it cool before refueling.
• Symptoms: headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, confusion. People asleep or drinking can die before symptoms.

Food safety times [1][3]

Doors closed:

Appliance	Keeps food safe about
Refrigerator	4 hours
Full freezer	48 hours
Half-full freezer	24 hours

• After 4 hours without power or ice, throw out fridge meat, fish, cut produce, eggs, milk, and leftovers.
• Thawed freezer food with ice crystals or at 40°F or below can be refrozen or cooked.
• Discard food at 40°F or higher for 2 hours or more, or that smells, looks, or feels unusual.
• Never taste food to test it. When in doubt, throw it out.

Water and medicines [2][5][6][7]

• Store at least 1 gallon per person per day for several days.
• Follow any boil-water notice.
• After a day or more without power, throw away refrigerated medicine, except a drug someone’s life depends on: use it until a new supply arrives.
• Insulin can stay unrefrigerated between 59°F and 86°F for up to 28 days. Do not let it freeze; do not use frozen insulin.
• Ask a pharmacist or provider whether a medicine kept at the wrong temperature is still usable.

First hours

• Keep the refrigerator and freezer closed
• Unplug appliances and electronics
• Use flashlights, not candles
• Stay away from downed power lines
• Check on anyone who needs medicine or powered medical equipment
• Report the outage and note the restoration estimate

Days 1 to 3

• Throw out perishable fridge food after 4 hours without power or ice
• Check fridge and freezer thermometers
• Call your pharmacist about refrigerated medicine after a day
• Let the generator cool before refueling
• Test CO detector batteries
• Move to a warming or cooling location if needed

Days 4 to 7

• Eat from nonperishable food stores
• Track water against 1 gallon per person per day
• Follow any boil-water notice
• Replace refrigerated medicine as soon as possible
• Go to a shelter if heat, cold, or a medical device makes home unsafe

After power returns

• Discard food held at 40°F or higher for 2 hours or more
• Replace refrigerated medicine that sat warm over a day
• Restock water, batteries, and food