What do you do during a blackout?

Power Outage Tips

1. Keep freezers and refrigerators closed.
2. Use a generator, but ONLY outdoors and away from windows.
3. Do not use a gas stove or oven to heat your home.
4. Disconnect appliances and electronics to avoid damage from electrical surges.

How do you pass time during a power outage?

7 Ways to Pass Time During a Power Outage

1. Have games on hand. Keep board games in the house.
2. Keep a battery-powered radio. When you have no electricity, you can sometimes feel a little secluded from the outside world.
3. Telling scary stories.
4. Reading and Sleeping.
5. Cleaning around the house.
6. Going out.
7. Find a friend.

What should you turn off during a power outage?

Unplug everything in your home. Turn off breakers or remove fuses. If there is an extended power outage, you may want to leave one lighting circuit on so you will know when the electricity comes back on.

What are some fun things to do during a power outage at night?

10 Ways To Stay Entertained When The Power Goes Out

• If you have a fireplace, use it. Via ctsweep.com.
• Finally start reading that book you’ve been thinking about starting to read for years now.
• Draw or paint.
• Write a letter to someone special.
• Board Games!
• Get drunk.
• Clean your house.
• Lights Off, Pants Off, Dance Off.

How long is the average power outage in the United States?

Investor-owned utilities’ customers averaged about four hours without electric service, while co-op customers averaged about six hours without electric service. In 2016, when major events are excluded, the average U.S. electricity customer was without power for 112 minutes and experienced one outage.

What should you do after a power outage?

Keep the door closed as much as possible. Discard refrigerated perishable food such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and leftovers after 4 hours without power. After a power outage never taste food to determine its safety. You will have to evaluate each item separately—use this chart as a guide. When in Doubt, Throw it Out!

When to throw out food during a power outage?

Refrigerated Food and Power Outages: When to Save It and When to Throw It Out. As the USDA notes in Keeping Food Safe During an Emergency, your refrigerator will keep food safe for up to 4 hours during a power outage. Keep the door closed as much as possible. Discard refrigerated perishable food such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs,…

How often do municipal utilities have power outages?

Municipal utility customers experienced the lowest instances of power outages in both frequency and duration, averaging one outage and less than two hours of interrupted electric service in 2016.