A power outage is when the electrical power goes out unexpectedly, and extended outages can affect the whole community. For older adults, an outage is more than an inconvenience. It can disrupt communications, water, and transportation, close grocery stores and pharmacies, cause food spoilage and water contamination, and prevent the use of medical devices. Knowing what to do before, during, and after an outage can protect your health, your food, and your independence.
Key Takeaways
- Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed: food stays cold about 4 hours in the fridge and 48 hours in a full freezer.
- Never use a gas stove or oven to heat your home; it raises the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and fire.
- Use generators outdoors only, at least 20 feet from windows, doors, and attached garages.
- Install carbon monoxide detectors with battery backup on every level of your home.
- Talk to your medical provider about a plan for power-dependent medical devices and refrigerated medicines.
- When in doubt about food safety, throw it out.
Why Power Outages Are Risky for Seniors
A power outage may disrupt communications, water, and transportation; close retail businesses, grocery stores, gas stations, banks, and other services; cause food spoilage and water contamination; and prevent the use of medical devices. Older adults are more vulnerable during outages because they are more likely to depend on electricity for medical equipment, refrigerated medications, heating, cooling, and communication. Planning ahead reduces those risks and helps you stay comfortable until power returns.
📖 What Is Prepare Before an Outage?
Prepare Before an Outage
Take an inventory of the items you need that rely on electricity. Plan for batteries and other alternative power sources, such as a portable charger or power bank, to meet your needs when the power goes out. Have flashlights for every household member, and determine whether your home phone will work in a power outage and how long its battery backup will last. Install carbon monoxide detectors with battery backup in central locations on every level of your home, and test them regularly. Keep a supply of non-perishable food and bottled water on hand.
📖 What Are Know Your Medical Needs?
Know Your Medical Needs
Talk to your medical provider about a power outage plan for medical devices powered by electricity and for refrigerated medicines. Find out how long your medication can be stored at higher temperatures, and get specific guidance for any medications that are critical for life. If you use oxygen, a CPAP machine, a power wheelchair, or another electric device, ask about backup power options and keep contact numbers for your equipment supplier handy.
If extreme heat or cold is expected during the outage, check with local officials about heating and cooling locations open near you, and go to a community location with power if needed.
📖 What Is During the Outage: Stay Safe at Home?
During the Outage: Stay Safe at Home
Keep freezers and refrigerators closed to preserve cold temperatures. Disconnect appliances and electronics to avoid damage from electrical surges when power returns. Never use a gas stove or oven to heat your home: doing so increases your risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and can also increase the risk of fires and burns. Use flashlights instead of candles whenever possible. Keep warm with extra clothing and blankets, and stay cool with light clothing and water if the outage happens in hot weather.
📖 What Is Generator Safety?
Generator Safety
Generators can be helpful when the power goes out, but they must be used safely to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning and other hazards:
- Generators and fuel should always be used outdoors and at least 20 feet away from windows, doors, and attached garages.
- Install working carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly.
- Keep the generator dry and protected from rain or flooding. Touching a wet generator or devices connected to one can cause electrical shock.
- Always connect the generator to appliances with heavy-duty extension cords.
- Let the generator cool before refueling; fuel spilled on hot engine parts can ignite.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
📖 What Is Food Safety During and After an Outage?
Food Safety During and After an Outage
Have enough non-perishable food and water on hand. Keep freezers and refrigerators closed. The refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours, and a full freezer will keep its temperature for about 48 hours. Use coolers with ice if necessary and monitor temperatures with a thermometer. Throw out food if the temperature reaches 40 degrees or higher. After the outage, throw away any food that has been exposed to temperatures of 40 degrees or higher for two hours or more, or that has an unusual odor, color, or texture. When in doubt, throw it out.
📖 What Are Medications and Medical Devices?
Medications and Medical Devices
If the power is out for more than a day, discard any medication that should be refrigerated, unless the drug’s label says otherwise, and consult your doctor or pharmacist immediately for a new supply. Have alternate plans for refrigerating medicines, such as a cooler with ice, and for using power-dependent medical devices. If you take insulin, keep it cool but not frozen, and follow the storage guidance from your pharmacy. Do not take medicines that may have spoiled without checking with a pharmacist.
📖 What Are After the Power Returns?
After the Power Returns
When power comes back, turn appliances back on one at a time to avoid overloading circuits. Check refrigerated and frozen food for spoilage and throw away anything questionable. Restock your supplies so you are ready for the next emergency, and replace batteries in flashlights and carbon monoxide detectors. If you are a caregiver, check on older neighbors and family members after an outage to make sure they are safe and have what they need.
📖 What Are Frequently Asked Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does food stay safe in a refrigerator during an outage? About four hours if the door stays closed. A full freezer keeps food safe for about 48 hours.
Can I use my gas oven to heat my home? No. Never use a gas stove or oven to heat your home because it increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and fire.
What should I do with refrigerated medicine during an outage? Talk to your provider in advance about storage limits. If the outage lasts more than a day, discard refrigerated medicines unless the label says otherwise, and get a new supply from your pharmacist.
How far from the house should a generator be? Use generators outdoors and at least 20 feet away from windows, doors, and attached garages, with carbon monoxide detectors working in the home.
Sources: Ready.gov, Federal Emergency Management Agency. This general health information is provided for educational purposes and does not replace guidance from local officials.
