What to Do After a Power Outage (Home Safety Checklist)

Power outages in California happen more frequently than they used to - PSPS (Public Safety Power Shutoff) events from utilities, wind events, and grid strain during heat waves can leave homes without power for hours or days. Here's what to check and do when the power comes back (and while it's out).

During the Outage

Food safety: - Refrigerators maintain safe temperature for about 4 hours if the door stays closed - Freezers maintain temperature for 24-48 hours if full (12-24 hours if half-full) - When in doubt: throw it out. The rule of thumb - if the food is above 40F for more than 2 hours, it's not safe

Candles and heating: - Never use a gas oven or range for heat - carbon monoxide risk - Never run a generator indoors or in the garage - carbon monoxide risk, even with the door open - Keep candles away from anything flammable; never leave them unattended

Medical equipment: - If anyone in the home uses electrically-powered medical equipment, know the backup plan before an outage happens - your utility may have a Medical Baseline program

Sump pumps: - If you have a sump pump and it's rainy, monitor your basement or crawlspace. Sump pumps need power. A battery backup sump pump ($150-$300) is worth installing if outages are common in your area.

When Power Comes Back On

Electrical Safety First

Wait 30 minutes after power restoration before turning on major appliances. Power restoration can involve voltage spikes that can damage electronics and appliances. Whole-house surge protectors ($150-$300 installed) help with this.

Reset circuit breakers that tripped. If power restored but some circuits don't have power, check the breaker panel. Reset any tripped breakers (moved to the center position). If a breaker trips again immediately, there's an issue on that circuit - call an electrician.

Check GFCI outlets. GFCI outlets (kitchen, bathrooms, garage, outdoor) often trip during outages. Press the "Reset" button on the outlet or on the GFCI outlet that protects that circuit.

Appliance Checks

Refrigerator and freezer: Check the temperature. If the refrigerator is above 40F, food has started to spoil. When in doubt about food safety, discard perishables.

Water heater (gas): Many gas water heaters with electronic ignition need to be re-lit or reset after a power outage. Check the pilot light and follow the reset procedure in your water heater manual.

HVAC system: Set the thermostat correctly and verify the system starts. If the AC or furnace doesn't respond after power restoration, check the breaker and thermostat settings.

Garage door opener: Most openers disengage during a manual override used during outages. Reconnect the trolley by lifting the door to the fully open position and pulling the red release cord toward the door (not toward you) to re-engage.

Clocks and timers: Reset any clocks that lost power, including microwave, oven, alarm systems, sprinkler timers, and any programmable devices.

Look for Damage

Check for flickering lights or buzzing. Fluctuating lights after power restoration can indicate a loose neutral wire or a utility issue. Call your utility company if lights flicker or appliances behave erratically.

Smell for gas. If you smell gas after power is restored, leave immediately and call your gas company from outside. Don't operate any switches.

Check sump pump operation. If you have one, verify it's operating properly, especially if the outage was during a rain event.

Inspect outdoor appliances. Check the AC condenser, outdoor lighting, and any outdoor receptacles for storm damage if the outage was weather-related.

After Extended Outages (24+ Hours)

Generator maintenance: If you ran a portable generator, let it cool completely before storing. Drain the fuel if storing for more than a month (stale fuel causes starting problems). Change the oil if it ran for more than 50 hours.

Power surge damage assessment: Extended outages followed by power restoration can damage electronics and appliances through voltage irregularities. If any electronics behave oddly after restoration, unplug them and have them checked before assuming the damage is permanent.

Water system: If you're on a well with an electric pump, check that the well pump is operational and water pressure is normal.

Preparing for the Next Outage

• Surge protectors on electronics: At minimum, plug computers, TVs, and entertainment systems into surge-protected power strips
• Whole-house surge protector: Installed at the panel by an electrician, protects all circuits ($150-$300 installed)
• Flashlights in accessible locations: Not just one - several throughout the house
• Battery backup for key devices: A UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) for internet router, computer, and medical equipment keeps them running through short outages
• Portable generator: For extended outages. Size it based on what you need to run (refrigerator, lights, medical equipment). Always use outdoors.

Bottom Line

Power outages require safety checks both during and after. Food safety, CO awareness, and electrical checks after restoration are the key items. Prepare before the next outage by installing surge protection and having flashlights and a backup plan for critical equipment.

Sources and editorial notes

Prices and permit requirements vary by location, property, equipment, and scope. Treat price ranges as planning estimates and confirm current requirements with the relevant authority and contractor.

• California Contractors State License Board - when a contractor license is required
• US Department of Energy - Energy Saver
• US Consumer Product Safety Commission - home safety

Related guides

• Home Generator Installation: What to Know Before You Buy
• Dishwasher Installation Requirements: Plumbing, Power, and Space
• Broken Window After Hours: How to Secure the Opening Safely

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