Power outage help: what to do
Outages happen for many reasons — storms, equipment problems, heat, wildfire risk or planned maintenance. Knowing where to find reliable information and what to do first can make an outage easier to handle. Always rely on your utility and local emergency authorities for official emergency and restoration information.
First steps during an outage
- Check whether neighbors are also out, and check your breaker panel.
- Report the outage to your utility and check its official outage map or alerts.
- Stay far away from downed power lines and report them to your utility or 911.
- Unplug sensitive electronics to protect them when power returns.
- Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible.
Planned outages and Public Safety Power Shutoffs
Utilities sometimes schedule outages for maintenance and usually notify customers in advance. In some wildfire-prone areas, utilities may proactively shut off power during dangerous weather — often called a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS). Sign up for your utility's notifications so you hear about these early.
Extended outages
- Food and refrigeration — a closed refrigerator generally keeps food cold for a limited number of hours; follow official food-safety guidance from FoodSafety.gov or your local health department when deciding what to keep.
- Medical devices — if anyone relies on powered medical equipment, have a backup power plan, tell your utility if a medical program exists in your area, and contact emergency services if needed.
- Heat and cold — extreme temperatures make outages more dangerous; know where local cooling or warming centers are.
Backup power safety
- Never run a generator, grill or camp stove indoors or in a garage — carbon monoxide can be deadly.
- Follow manufacturer instructions for generators and portable power stations.
- Home batteries may provide backup power depending on how they're installed — see our solar and battery page.
- Use flashlights rather than candles when possible.
Restoration times
Utilities may provide estimated restoration times, but estimates can change as crews assess damage. Rely on your utility's official updates rather than unofficial sources.
Preparing for future outages
- Sign up for your utility's outage alerts and your local emergency alerts.
- Keep flashlights, batteries, water, medications and a phone power bank ready.
- Know how to manually open your garage door.
- See Ready.gov for national preparedness checklists.
How Wattie can help
- Wattie helps you review available outage information and utility notices in one place.
- Wattie shares restoration updates when your utility makes them available and suggests calm next steps.
- Wattie is not your utility or an emergency service and cannot guarantee restoration times. For immediate danger, call 911.
Wattie provides general information and organization help. Always verify programs, rates and deadlines with official sources.
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