Power outages are becoming more frequent in the U.S. due to an aging power grid and an increase in severe weather events.

The nation experienced particularly challenging outages in 2024, with outage minutes per customer more than 50% higher than in 2023, largely driven by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. According to a 2025 Department of Energy report, blackout hours could increase 100-fold by 2030, making preparation more critical than ever. Rural households experience outages more frequently than urban areas (35.4% versus 22.8%), and homeowners are affected more than renters (28.3% versus 19.9%).

Whether you live in an outage-prone state or experience occasional disruptions, being prepared can make all the difference.

Know Your Risk

Power outages vary significantly by location. Visual Capitalist reports that in 2024, South Carolina experienced an average of 57.8 hours without power per customer, followed by Maine (51.7 hours) and Florida (29.4 hours). By contrast, the District of Columbia (1.6 hours), Massachusetts (1.7 hours), and Arizona (1.8 hours) reported some of the lowest outage times nationwide.

Knowing the likelihood of an extended power outage and the season when it is most likely to occur can help you determine how to prepare. According to a 2024 U.S. Census Bureau survey, approximately 25.4% of U.S. households—roughly 33.8 million homes—experienced at least one power outage in the previous 12 months, with about 70% of those households reporting at least one outage lasting six hours or more.

Why Power Outages Are Increasing

America’s aging power grid is struggling to keep pace with rising electricity demand. According to energy.gov, 70% of transmission lines are more than 25 years old and nearing the end of their typical lifecycle. The power grid faces pressure from both directions: demand is growing faster than ever before due to AI data centers and new factories, while the supply of reliable, around-the-clock power is shrinking as coal, gas, and nuclear plants close faster than they’re being replaced.

Climate change is also increasing the frequency of power outages by driving more severe and frequent weather events—hurricanes, wildfires, heat waves, and winter storms—that damage power lines and equipment. Decreased rain and snowfall can diminish hydroelectric production and increase fire risk. In wildfire-prone areas, power companies may implement public safety power shutoffs, intentionally cutting off power to prevent wildfires when there is a severe risk.

Be prepared with shelf-stable food and sufficient water for drinking and sanitation.

Assess Your Home Safety Needs

First and foremost, think about home safety. Most heating and cooling systems require electricity to operate. Even most natural gas and propane-powered furnaces and boilers need power. Could a blackout mean that your home reaches unsafe temperatures?

Consider these critical questions:

• Medical equipment: Do you have any that requires electricity? According to the Census Bureau, around 14.5 million households have medical devices that require electricity to operate, and nearly a third (31.6%) of these households experienced power outages in 2023. If you use power-dependent medical equipment, consult your healthcare provider about backup power options and enroll in your utility’s medical certificate program if available.
• Garage access: Does your garage door require electricity to open, leaving your car stuck inside? Determine how to open the door without power or disconnect a power garage door opener so it works manually.
• Electric vehicles: If you drive an EV, be sure to charge it when you are likely to lose power. Power will often go out at somewhat predictable times. If you are in the path of a severe storm or hurricane, prepare in advance.
• Climate considerations: If winter power outages are more likely and you live in a cold climate, think about how to stay warm and prevent the pipes from freezing. If outages during heat waves are likely in your area, consider how to keep cool.

Build Your Emergency Kit

Every home should have an emergency kit ready. FEMA recommends preparing supplies to support your household for at least 72 hours. Your kit should include:

Essential Supplies:

• Water, at least one gallon per person per day for three days
• Non-perishable food for at least three days
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio, or solar-powered radio that can also charge cell phones
• Flashlights for every household member
• Extra batteries
• First aid kit
• At least a seven-day supply of prescription medications
• Important documents stored in waterproof containers
• Cash, as ATMs may not work during outages
• Pet supplies, if needed

Power and Communication:

• Fully charged portable power banks and battery packs
• Backup batteries for medical devices
• Car charger adapters for mobile devices
• Portable solar charging systems for devices like cell phones
• Battery-powered fan for summer outages

Special Considerations:

• Baby supplies (formula, diapers, etc.)
• Items for family members with disabilities
• Entertainment for children (books, games, puzzles)

Download the FEMA App for disaster resources, weather alerts, and a customizable emergency supply checklist.

Sign Up for Alerts

Most utilities give customers the option to receive text or email alerts about outages and estimated restoration times. Check your utility company’s website or your recent energy bills for instructions on how to register. You can also track real-time outages through PowerOutage.us, which monitors power disruptions across the United States.

When the Power Goes Out

Immediate Actions:

1. Check that everyone in your household is safe
2. Unplug sensitive electronics and appliances to protect them from power surges when electricity returns
3. Turn off major appliances (leave one light on so you know when power is restored)
4. Check your circuit breaker to ensure the problem isn’t internal
5. Report the outage to your utility company
6. Close refrigerator and freezer doors immediately

Food Safety: According to the FDA, a refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours if unopened. A full freezer will maintain its temperature for approximately 48 hours (24 hours if half full) if the door remains closed. Place a thermometer in your refrigerator and freezer to monitor temperatures. Discard any perishable food that reaches 40°F or higher, or anything that smells or looks questionable.

Staying Cool During Summer Outages

Unfortunately, summer heat waves can cause power outages when increased electrical use overloads the utility grid. If the power fails during extreme heat, it is essential to stay cool:

• Close curtains, blinds, or shades on east, west, and south-facing windows
• Spend time in the coolest rooms in your house, such as the basement or spaces on the north side of the home
• Close doors to the hottest rooms to keep other areas cooler
• Consider a battery-operated fan
• Use water to cool yourself down—wet your hair or place a wet scarf on your neck
• If extreme heat makes your home unsafe, locate cooling centers in your community

Generator Safety

Generators can provide backup power during outages, but they must be used safely. Never operate a generator indoors or in enclosed spaces, such as garages, even with doors or windows open. Generators produce carbon monoxide, an odorless, colorless gas that can be deadly.

Key generator safety rules:

• Always use generators outdoors and at least 20 feet away from windows, doors, and attached garages
• Install battery-backup carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home
• Never connect a generator directly to your home’s wiring unless installed by a qualified electrician with a transfer switch
• Follow all manufacturers’ instructions
• Never use gas stoves, ovens, charcoal grills, or camp stoves indoors for heating—they increase risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and fire

Solar Panels and Battery Backup: An increasingly popular and reliable alternative to gas-powered generators is a solar panel system paired with battery storage. Home battery systems provide backup power during outages without the carbon monoxide risks, noise, or need for fuel that gas generators require. While the upfront cost is higher than a generator, solar offer clean, quiet, renewable backup power and can reduce your electricity bills year-round.

Additional Resources

For comprehensive guidance on power outage preparedness, visit these trusted resources:

• Ready.gov Power Outages Guide – FEMA’s comprehensive preparedness information
• Department of Homeland Security Power Failure Resources – Planning guides and checklists
• U.S. Energy Information Administration – Power grid statistics and reliability data
• FCC Emergency Communications Tips – How to stay connected during emergencies
• Electric Vehicles and Power Outages – Information for EV owners

The Bottom Line

Power outages are becoming increasingly common in American life.

With the power grid under growing stress and climate-related disruptions on the rise, the time to prepare is now—before the next outage happens.

By taking steps to prepare your home, build an emergency kit, and understand your risks, you can turn a potentially dangerous situation into a manageable inconvenience. Remember: the best time to prepare for a power outage is when you still have power.

Editor’s Note: Originally published on October 18, 2022, this article was extensively updated in October 2025.

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