Emergency Mode
The Power Is Out
I'm here. Let's handle the important things first.
1. Check Safety
- Look for immediate hazards before doing anything else: smoke, a burning smell, sparking outlets, or water near electrical equipment.
- Stay far away from downed or sagging power lines and anything touching them, and report them to your utility or emergency services.
- If you smell gas or feel unwell, get everyone outside first and call for help from there.
Verified guidance · Ready.gov (FEMA) — Power Outages
2. Preserve Phone Battery
- Lower screen brightness and switch on low-power mode.
- Close or limit apps doing background work, and avoid video and streaming.
- Keep one charged power bank for the phone you'll actually use for emergencies.
- Leave emergency and weather alerts switched on.
3. Keep Cold Food Cold
- Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible — every opening costs cold air.
- A full freezer holds its temperature longer than a half-empty one.
- Follow published food-safety timing and temperature guidance before eating anything that warmed up. When in doubt, throw it out.
Verified guidance · FoodSafety.gov — Food Safety During Power Outage
4. Check Your Water Situation
- If your household is on an electric well pump, your water stops with the power — start using stored water.
- On municipal water, the tap usually keeps running. Don't assume it's unsafe simply because the electricity is out.
- Follow any boil-water or advisory notice from your local water utility.
Verified guidance · Ready.gov (FEMA) — Power Outages
5. Use Safe Lighting
- Use flashlights, headlamps and battery lanterns rather than candles or open flames.
- Give each person their own light source if you can.
- Keep one light where you can find it in the dark without hunting.
Verified guidance · Ready.gov (FEMA) — Power Outages