The power has gone out at your home or in your area. This can feel confusing and inconvenient. There are simple first steps you can take to stay safe and get information.

Why This Situation Matters

A power outage can disrupt normal routines. Food in refrigerators may warm up if the outage lasts. Lighting, heating, cooling, and phone charging may be affected. Taking a few calm steps can reduce hassle and help you decide what to do next.

What to Do Immediately

1. Stay calm and look around. Note which lights and devices are off and whether the outage affects just your home or nearby buildings.
2. Check if neighbors have power. Step outside briefly or call a neighbor to see if they are also without power. This can tell you if the issue is local to your home.
3. Keep refrigerator and freezer closed. Opening doors can let cold air out and speed warming. Food may last longer if doors stay shut.
4. Turn off or unplug sensitive electronics. Unplug computers and other devices to help avoid damage from a power surge when electricity returns.
5. Use battery-powered lights if needed. Use flashlights or battery lanterns rather than candles to reduce fire risk.

Things to Avoid

• Do not use open flames for light if you can avoid them. Candles may increase fire risk.
• Do not run a generator indoors. Running fuel-powered equipment inside can be dangerous.
• Do not open refrigerators often. Frequent openings can let food warm faster.
• Do not assume a repair is best handled yourself. Avoid trying to fix wiring or electrical panels without training.
• Do not overload circuits when power returns. Turning many appliances on at once may cause issues.

What to Do Next

Watch for updates from your local utility or community sources. You may receive outage information by phone text, website, or social media. Keep a small list of priority needs, such as power for medical devices or refrigeration. If you need to charge devices, consider using a car charger or a portable battery pack. Note the time the outage began and any patterns you observe so you can report them if needed.

When to Get Professional Help

Professional help may be appropriate if the outage seems limited to your home after checking basic things. Contact your utility company if the outage covers a wider area or if you want to report it. A licensed electrician may be helpful if you suspect a problem with your home’s wiring or breaker and the issue continues or worsens. For problems with specific appliances, contacting the manufacturer’s support or a qualified repair service may be useful.

Quick Summary

• Check whether the outage is only at your home or in the neighborhood.
• Keep fridge and freezer doors closed and use battery lights.
• Unplug sensitive electronics and avoid risky actions like using open flames.
• Contact your utility or a trained professional if the problem continues or seems related to home wiring.

About the Author

Situation Guide Editorial Team

The Situation Guide editorial team writes clear, practical guides for common real-world situations. Content focuses on safe first steps, plain-language explanations, and helping readers recognise when professional help may be appropriate. This guide provides general information only and is not a substitute for personalised professional advice. Specific circumstances can vary.