When the Power Goes Out: How Families Should Prepare Before the Storm

INDIANAPOLIS | For many families, the storm is only the beginning. The real emergency starts when the lights go out and stay out.

Power outages can follow tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, ice storms, heavy snow, extreme heat, flooding and high winds. They can last minutes, hours or days. For some households, an outage is an inconvenience. For others, it can become a medical, financial or safety crisis.

That is why outage planning belongs in every severe-weather plan. A family that knows where to shelter but has no plan for medicine, heat, cooling, food, phones or medical equipment may still be vulnerable after the immediate storm passes.

The first step is information. Families should have more than one way to receive weather alerts and outage updates. Cell phones are useful, but batteries die and networks can become overloaded. A battery-powered or hand-crank radio can provide information when internet service fails. Portable chargers should be charged before storms arrive. People should enable emergency alerts and keep key phone numbers written down in case a device is lost or damaged.

Lighting comes next. Flashlights and batteries are safer than candles during outages, especially when children, pets or possible gas leaks are involved. Headlamps can help adults move safely while keeping hands free. Every household should know where lights are stored before the power fails.

Food and water planning should be realistic. Ready.gov recommends emergency supplies that allow people to manage on their own for several days after a disaster. That means water, nonperishable food, a manual can opener, baby supplies if needed and pet food. Refrigerators and freezers can keep food cold for a limited time if doors remain closed, but families should follow food-safety guidance and avoid guessing when perishables have warmed too long.

Medicine may be the most important outage issue for many households. People who rely on refrigerated medication, oxygen, powered medical devices, mobility equipment or electronic monitors need backup plans. That may include contacting a doctor, pharmacy, power company or local emergency-management office before storm season. Families should know whether a nearby relative, shelter, fire station, hospital or community center can help if power loss becomes medically dangerous.

Temperature is another major risk. In winter, an outage can create unsafe cold inside a home. In summer, especially during heat waves, the loss of air conditioning can threaten older adults, infants, people with medical conditions and anyone without access to cooling. Families should identify warming or cooling options before they are needed.

Generator safety deserves special attention. Portable generators can be lifesaving when used correctly and deadly when used incorrectly. They should never be operated inside a home, garage, basement, porch or enclosed space. Carbon monoxide is invisible and can kill quickly. Generators should be kept outside and away from windows, doors and vents. Homes should have working carbon monoxide detectors with battery backup.

Extension cords and electrical safety also matter. Improper generator connections can endanger utility workers and residents. People should follow manufacturer instructions and use appropriate equipment. Downed power lines should always be treated as live. Keep people and pets far away and report them to authorities.

Water systems may also be affected. Some homes rely on electric pumps. Municipal systems can issue boil-water advisories after flooding or power disruptions. Families should store water before severe weather and follow local instructions after outages.

Pets should not be forgotten. Heat, cold, stress, damaged fences and unfamiliar shelter environments can put animals at risk. Keep leashes, carriers, food, medication and vaccination records accessible. If evacuation becomes necessary, know which shelters or hotels accept animals.

Money and documents are part of preparedness too. ATMs and card readers may not work during widespread outages. A small amount of cash can help. Important documents, insurance information, identification, medical details and emergency contacts should be stored in waterproof or easily carried form.

Neighbors are an underrated safety system. A family may be prepared, but the elderly person next door may not be. A quick check after a storm can identify medical needs, blocked exits, fallen trees, flooding or power-line hazards. Community preparedness often begins with ordinary people knowing who may need help.

Businesses and schools should also plan for outages. Employers need policies for severe weather, remote work, cooling, heating and safe closure. Schools need communication plans for parents if power or phones fail. Apartment complexes should communicate about elevators, security doors, water systems and vulnerable residents.

After power returns, caution is still important. Appliances, electronics and heating systems may need to be checked. Food may need to be discarded. Flooded electrical systems should be inspected by professionals. People should avoid rushing into damaged areas just because lights are back on.

Outage preparedness is not about expecting disaster every time clouds gather. It is about reducing the number of decisions a family must make under stress. Severe weather already brings uncertainty. A plan brings order.

The lights may go out. The plan should not.

Additional Reporting By: NOAA Severe Weather 101; National Weather Service; FEMA Ready.gov; local emergency-management preparedness materials