How long will food last in the refrigerator without power?

A refrigerator keeps food safe for about 4 hours with the door closed. A full freezer holds temperature for 48 hours; a half-full freezer holds for 24 hours. Use a food thermometer — discard anything that reaches 40°F (4°C) or above.

What should I do immediately when the power goes out during a hurricane?

Keep fridge and freezer doors closed. Turn on your battery-powered weather radio for updates. Use flashlights, not candles. Don't go outside during the storm. Report outages to your utility company. If you have a generator, set it up at least 20 feet from your home — never indoors.

When the Lights Go Out

Power Outage Checklist

Q: Is it safe to use a generator indoors?

No. Never run a generator indoors, in a garage, on a porch, or near any window, door, or vent. Generators produce carbon monoxide — a colorless, odorless gas that can kill in minutes. Always operate generators at least 20 feet from your home with the exhaust pointing away from structures.

What to do immediately, how to stay safe for days without power, and what to check when electricity returns. Generator safety rules included.

Supply Checklist → Evacuation Checklist →

⚠ Generator Safety — Read Before Anything Else

Never run a generator indoors. Not in a garage. Not on a porch. Not near any window, door, or vent. Carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless, and fatal. Run generators at least 20 feet from your home, exhaust pointing away from all structures. Install CO detectors on every floor.

⚡ Immediately When Power Goes Out

ImmediateKeep refrigerator and freezer doors closed — do not open them
ImmediateTurn on battery-powered weather radio for storm updates
ImmediateUse flashlights — not candles (fire risk increases after storms)
ImmediateUnplug major appliances and electronics to prevent surge damage when power returns
ImmediateLeave one light switched on so you know when power returns
ImmediateReport outage to your utility company
ImmediateDo not go outside during the storm — wait for all-clear

🔌 If Using a Gas Generator

GeneratorSet up generator at least 20 feet from your home
GeneratorExhaust pointing away from all doors, windows, and vents
GeneratorCO detectors installed on every floor of the house — working batteries confirmed
GeneratorNever refuel a hot generator — let it cool first
GeneratorUse heavy-duty outdoor-rated extension cords only
GeneratorNever backfeed into wall outlets — risk of electrocuting utility workers

⚠ Consider a portable power station instead — no fuel, no fumes, works safely indoors. Sufficient for phones, fans, radios, and small medical devices.

🍽 Food Safety

FoodKeep refrigerator closed — safe for 4 hours with door closed
FoodFull freezer stays safe 48 hours; half-full freezer: 24 hours
FoodUse a food thermometer — discard food above 40°F (4°C) for more than 2 hours
FoodIf in doubt, throw it out — foodborne illness risk rises sharply in heat
FoodConsume non-refrigerated items first — canned goods, crackers, peanut butter
FoodUse a camp stove outdoors only if cooking without power (never indoors)

🌡 Heat Safety

In Gulf Coast and Southern states, heat stroke is a serious risk during extended summer outages.

HeatLocate nearest cooling center or shelter before outage season
HeatStay hydrated — drink water regularly even without thirst
HeatUse battery-powered fans to improve air circulation
HeatClose blinds and curtains to reduce heat gain
HeatCheck on elderly neighbors, young children, and pets daily
HeatKnow signs of heat stroke: hot dry skin, confusion, rapid pulse — call 911 immediately

📻 Communication

CommsBattery or hand-crank NOAA weather radio — primary info source
CommsConserve phone battery — enable low-power mode
CommsSend brief check-in texts to family — texts use less power than calls
CommsDownload offline maps before the storm (Google Maps, Maps.me)
CommsPortable battery bank charged and ready

💊 Medical Needs

MedicalInsulin and temperature-sensitive medications stored with ice or cooling packs
MedicalBackup batteries or manual alternatives for powered medical devices (CPAP, oxygen)
MedicalContact provider about medication if power outage will last more than 24 hours
MedicalKnow nearest hospital or urgent care with backup generator power

✅ When Power Returns

ReturnWait a few minutes before plugging major appliances back in (voltage surge protection)
ReturnCheck food temperatures — discard anything above 40°F (4°C)
ReturnShut off generator safely — let it cool before storing
ReturnCheck water safety before drinking tap water — boil-water notices may be in effect
ReturnInspect your home for structural damage before full re-entry
ReturnDocument any property damage with photos for insurance
ReturnRestock supplies you used during the outage

Sources: FEMA, ready.gov, FDA food safety guidelines, CPSC generator safety. Progress saves automatically.

More Preparedness Tools

📋 Supply Checklist →

Complete hurricane kit: water, food, power, first aid, documents.

🚗 Evacuation Checklist →

Go-bag, routes, and when to leave.

🌀 Storm Center →

Live NHC tracking and advisories.

Affiliate disclosure: This Storm Season may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.

Affiliate Link

Portable Power Stations

Charge phones, run fans and small devices — safely, indoors. No fuel, no fumes, no carbon monoxide risk.

Duracell Power Stations →

Recommended

Battery-Powered Fans

Essential in Gulf Coast heat. USB and battery-powered fans keep air moving without grid power.

Shop Battery Fans →

Recommended

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Required if you own or plan to use a gas generator. Battery-powered models work during outages.

Shop CO Detectors →

FAQ

Power Outage Questions

Is it safe to use a generator indoors?

No. Never. Generators produce carbon monoxide — a colorless, odorless gas that kills quickly and without warning. Never run a generator indoors, in a garage, on a porch, or near any window or door. Always operate generators at least 20 feet from your home, with exhaust pointing away from all structures. Install CO detectors on every floor.

How long will food last without power?

A closed refrigerator keeps food safe for about 4 hours. A full freezer maintains temperature for 48 hours; a half-full freezer for 24 hours. Use a food thermometer and discard anything that reaches 40°F (4°C) or above. When in doubt, throw it out.

What should I do immediately when the power goes out?

Keep fridge and freezer closed. Turn on your battery weather radio for updates. Use flashlights. Unplug major appliances. Leave one light on to know when power returns. Report the outage to your utility. Stay inside until the storm has passed.

Can I drink tap water after a hurricane?

Not always. Flooding can contaminate water systems. Wait for an official "all-clear" from your water utility before drinking tap water. If a boil-water notice is issued, boil water for at least 1 minute before drinking, cooking, or brushing teeth.

Disclaimer: This checklist is for general preparedness guidance only. Always follow instructions from local emergency officials. Generator safety guidance is sourced from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. In an emergency, call 911.