Power Outage — First 24 Hours

Most power outages last a few hours. Some last days or weeks. The actions you take in the first 24 hours determine how well you cope with both short and extended outages.

⚠️ Never use a generator, gas stove, charcoal grill, or camp stove indoors. Carbon monoxide poisoning kills within minutes and produces no warning.

Minutes 1–15 — Immediate Assessment

Action	Detail
Check if it is only your property	Check your fuse/breaker box; if neighbours also lost power, it is a wider outage
Report the outage	Call your electricity supplier or use their app — your report helps them prioritise
Locate torches and batteries	Do this now while there is still light; do not use candles unless necessary
Unplug sensitive electronics	Surge protectors help but are not perfect — unplug TVs, computers, appliances to protect from surge when power returns
Leave one lamp on	So you know when power is restored
Check on neighbours	Elderly or vulnerable neighbours should be checked early

Hour 1 — Stabilise

Food and Fridge

Rule	Detail
Keep fridge and freezer closed	A closed fridge keeps food safe for 4 hours; a full freezer for 48 hours
Do not open unless necessary	Every opening releases cold air and reduces safe storage time
Identify what needs using first	Dairy, cooked leftovers, and opened meats are highest priority

Water

Action	Detail
Fill bathtubs and large containers	If there is any risk the outage may affect water pumping
Fill drinking bottles	From the tap now — some outages also affect water supply
Locate stored water	Know where your emergency water supply is

Communication

Action	Detail
Conserve phone battery	Reduce screen brightness; close background apps; switch to low-power mode
Switch to battery/hand-crank radio	For emergency broadcasts and outage updates
Charge devices from a power bank	If available
Identify an alternative charging location	Car charger; community hub; charged power bank

Hours 1–6 — Manage the Environment

Warmth (Cold Weather)

Action	Detail
Seal off one room	Smaller space is easier to keep warm
Layer clothing	Start adding layers before you feel cold
Close internal doors	Retain heat in occupied rooms
Safe heating alternatives	Proper wood burner with open flue; do NOT use gas ovens for heating
Blankets and sleeping bags	Gather now while it is still manageable

Cooling (Hot Weather)

Action	Detail
Close blinds and curtains	Keeps radiant heat out
Open windows at night	Night air is cooler — ventilate overnight
Wet towels on skin	Evaporative cooling
Move to lowest floor	Hot air rises — ground floor is cooler
Identify cooling centres	Libraries, malls, community centres often have generators

Medical Equipment

Equipment	Action
Powered medical devices (CPAP, oxygen, dialysis)	Contact provider immediately; identify backup power; call 999/111 if life-dependent
Refrigerated medications (insulin, biologics)	Insulin remains safe at room temperature for 28 days once opened; refer to medication guidance
Electric mobility aids	Charge immediately from car or power bank

Hours 6–24 — Extended Management

Decision	Guidance
Stay or go	If you have medical needs requiring power, vulnerable household members, or the outage affects heating in dangerous cold — consider moving to a family member, hotel, or community shelter
Food decisions	After 4 hours without power: discard anything with unusual smell or texture; use cooler/ice if available
Water heating	Camp stove or wood fire outdoors; never gas indoors
Light	Torches and battery lanterns; use candles only in stable holders away from flammables
Generator use	Outdoors only, minimum 7 metres from windows and doors

What Never to Do During a Power Outage

Never	Reason
Use a generator indoors	CO poisoning — can be fatal in minutes
Use a gas oven for heating	CO poisoning risk; fire risk
Use candles unattended	Leading cause of house fires during outages
Touch downed power lines	Assume live at all times — 6 metres minimum clearance
Ignore a burning smell	Could be electrical fault causing a fire in the wall
Restore power by resetting a repeatedly tripping breaker	Indicates a fault — leave off and call an electrician

Quick Reference

Time	Priority Actions
First 15 minutes	Report outage; locate torches; unplug electronics; leave one lamp switched on
Hour 1	Keep fridge closed; fill water containers; conserve phone battery; get radio
Hours 1–6	Manage temperature; check medical equipment; charge devices from car
Hours 6–24	Food safety decisions; consider relocating if vulnerable; generator outdoors only
Throughout	Never use combustion indoors; never touch downed lines