Extended Power Outage Guide
Managing food safety, heat/cold exposure, and medical needs during prolonged outages.
4 min read · 5 sections
Food Safety Timeline
- Refrigerator: safe for 4 hours if door stays closed
- Full freezer: safe for 48 hours (24 hours if half-full)
- Keep a thermometer in fridge — discard if above 40°F (4°C)
- Rule: "When in doubt, throw it out"
- Never smell or taste food to determine safety
Heating in Winter
- Layer clothing — wool and synthetics trap body heat better than cotton
- Close off unused rooms and gather household in one heated space
- Use indoor-safe space heaters only (no combustion inside)
- Never run a generator indoors or in an attached garage
- Carbon monoxide is odourless and undetectable — always have a battery CO detector
Cooling in Summer
- Wet towels on neck and wrists lower body temperature quickly
- Go to an air-conditioned public space (library, mall) during peak heat
- Close blinds during the day; open windows at night if cooler
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine — they accelerate dehydration
- Check on elderly neighbours and those with chronic conditions
Medical Equipment
- Register with your utility as a medical baseline customer
- Know how long powered medical devices last on battery
- Contact device manufacturers for emergency backup plans
- Keep a list of dialysis centres, hospitals, and urgent care in range
Generator Safety
- Place generator at least 20 feet from any opening to the home
- Use only outdoor-rated extension cords
- Never back-feed into wall outlets (fire/electrocution hazard)
- Store gasoline safely in approved containers away from heat