Security · Immediate reference · Basic
Your First Day of a Blackout
A household action sequence for danger checks, safe power, food, water and vulnerable people in the first hours.
This is for educational purposes only. Not professional medical, electrical, or safety advice.
Warning
Carbon monoxide is odorless and deadly. Generators, grills and camp stoves must not be used indoors or in enclosed spaces.
- 01
Check immediate danger
Watch for fire, gas odors and downed power lines. Stay away from damaged lines. Call emergency services for life-threatening danger and report the outage to your utility when safe.
- 02
Get reliable information
Use official alerts and a battery or hand-crank radio. Preserve phone power and keep contact numbers on paper. Do not assume every outage means evacuation or a contaminated water supply.
- 03
Use light and power safely
Prefer flashlights to candles. Keep generators outdoors at least 20 feet from doors, windows and vents; never in a garage. Never use a gas stove or oven to heat the house.
- 04
Protect food and water
Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed and note the time power failed. Follow water advisories and use safe water. Consult official food discard charts; do not taste food to decide whether it is safe.
- 05
Check people and medical needs
Contact household members and vulnerable neighbors. Follow your plan for essential medicines and power-dependent medical equipment. Move to a safe powered location when needed; follow evacuation instructions promptly.