# Power outage safety at home

> Staying safe when the power is out: generators outdoors 20 feet from windows, carbon monoxide alarms, how long fridge and freezer food lasts, and refrigerated medicine.

- Canonical URL: https://72hourkit.com/power-outage-safety/
- Source: [Ready.gov, power outages (safety tips)](https://www.ready.gov/power-outages)
- Checked: 2026-10-25
- Structured data: https://72hourkit.com/data/power-outage-safety.json

## Generators and carbon monoxide

Carbon monoxide from generators and fuel-burning appliances is one of the biggest dangers in a long outage. Ready.gov's power outage advice ([Ready.gov](https://www.ready.gov/power-outages)):

- Run generators **outdoors only**, at least **20 feet** from windows, doors and garages, and store fuel safely.
- Install carbon monoxide alarms with battery backup on every level of the home and near sleeping areas.
- Never use a gas stovetop, oven, grill or dryer to heat your home, and never leave a car running in a garage, even with the door open.
- Learn the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning, which can feel like the flu.

## Food in the fridge and freezer

| Appliance | Keeps food cold for | If the door stays closed |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | About 4 hours | Yes |
| Full freezer | About 48 hours | Yes |
| Half-full freezer | About 24 hours | Yes |

Source: [FoodSafety.gov](https://www.foodsafety.gov/blog/three-ways-keep-food-safe-when-you-lose-power). If the outage lasts more than 4 hours, throw out refrigerated meat, poultry, fish, eggs and milk. Thawed food can be refrozen if it still has ice crystals or is at 40°F (4°C) or below. Discard anything that smells, looks or feels off, and never taste food to check it. Keep an appliance thermometer in both.

## Refrigerated medicine and medical devices

Make a plan with your doctor for storing medicine during an outage. Refrigerated medicine should be replaced if the power is out for a day or more, unless the label says otherwise; if it has been at room temperature, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Talk to your doctor about devices that need electricity and how you will power them ([Ready.gov](https://www.ready.gov/power-outages)).

## Light and appliances

Use flashlights or battery lanterns, not candles. Unplug appliances and electronics to avoid damage from surges when power returns, and follow any boil-water advisories.

## Build it into your kit

The [kit builder](https://72hourkit.com/) adds carbon monoxide alarms, flashlights, batteries and a radio to your checklist, and the [reminders](https://72hourkit.com/keep-your-kit-fresh/) keep them working.

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