Surviving the Inevitable Summer Power Outage (2024)

As a blanket of intense heat settles over the U.S. this summer, the nation will hold its collective breath as demand on its tired and aging electrical grid spikes, threatening widespread blackouts.

Many experts predicted that the summer of 2023 would see devastating power outages and rolling blackouts as overtaxed electrical grids wilted in record-setting heat. While those predictions thankfully never came to fruition, the summer of 2024, which is expected to set new heat records, looms.

Climate change is Compounding the problem, increasing the odds of severe storms that can knock out power. The U.S. experienced 28 separate weather events that cost at least $1 billion in 2023, the highest ever in any calendar year, according to Climate.gov. It’s also taking longer for utilities to restore power when it does go out. The duration of power outages has been on the rise, spiking from around 3 hours in 2013 to around 5.5 hours in 2021, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

Given this gloomy summer outlook, it’s crucial to take measures to prepare your household for the increased odds of summer power outages. Here’s what you can do.

Get Backup Power

Though they’re an investment, a portable generator is one effective way of ensuring you have power when the grid goes down. Portable generators produce between 2,000 and 15,000 watts of power and cost between $300 and $3,000. Smaller generators can keep your lights on and power your refrigerator and small appliances. Models that produce 6,000 watts and up can run several appliances at once and keep your air conditioner going.

If you do decide to use a portable generator to provide auxiliary power, make sure to use it safely. One of the biggest killers after disasters is carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, which can happen when people put their portable generators too close to their homes. Position a generator more than 20 feet away from the home with the exhaust facing away from doors and windows and a good distance from any air conditioning units, vents, or other openings where carbon monoxide can enter your home. The CDC also recommends having carbon monoxide detectors in every sleeping area of the home as an added precaution.

Stockpile Water

Unless you experience a prolonged power outage, chances are you won’t have to endure a water outage as part of a summer blackout as long as you’re on city water. Homes on well water are another story. Since wells work off an electric pump, you won’t have water until power is restored. In that case, prep for summer outages by having at least a three-day supply of bottled water on hand to serve as a backup. The CDC advises storing at least one gallon of water per person per day. Account for intense heat by doubling that amount.

Preserve Food

The clock starts ticking on the food in your fridge when the power goes out. According to the CDC, perishables will keep for four hours in the fridge and 24 hours in a half freezer. Don’t open the fridge or freezer unless you absolutely have to—it’ll stay cold longer after a blackout if you don’t let the cold air escape.

For meals, prioritize food in the fridge first, then fire up your outdoor grill and eat that frozen hamburger and anything else in the freezer. From there, work your way through canned food like beans and corn. If you’ve got access to water, then raid your pantry for things like pasta, rice, and dried beans.

Get a Gas Grill

While your electric range and microwave will be out of commission during a blackout, you can still use your grill to cook. Keep an extra 20-gallon propane tank or two in reserve, so you can put your grill into service when the power goes out. If you don’t already have a gas grill, consider investing in one and start honing your outdoor cooking skills now.

Keep SmartPhones Charged

With the power out and your WiFi down, your smartphone and its data plan is your connection to news, utility company updates, friends, family and emergency services during a blackout. You’ll get around 10 hours out of a smartphone battery, depending on how much you’re using it. Investing in a power bank can give you some insurance, ensuring your phone doesn’t die before power is restored. Make sure it’s at the ready when disaster strikes by keeping it fully charged.

Ready Your Flashlights

While you’ll have the benefit of longer days during the summer, you may still have to get through the night without electricity. Have a supply of flashlights, battery-powered lanterns, or headlights at the ready. Store them in an easy to access place, so you don’t have to hunt for them in the dark when the lights go out. Don’t forget to keep a supply of batteries on hand to power those flashlights.

Bug Out

If you’re facing an extended power outage and temperatures are soaring, it may be wise to leave home and head for cooler pastures. Take shelter in an air-conditioned location, such as a shopping mall, movie theater, or coffee shop, during the hottest parts of the day. If you can afford it, consider retreating to a nearby hotel that has electricity until your home’s power is restored.