What is the first thing you do when the power goes out?

What to Do When the Power Goes Out

When the lights suddenly go out, it’s easy to panic—but the first thing you should do is stay calm and take action. The moment you notice a power outage, call your local utility company or check their website. Reporting the outage is crucial, especially if you're the first in your neighborhood to notice. This helps speed up response times and gets your street back online faster.

In many areas, especially those with deregulated energy markets, you might buy electricity from a Retail Electric Provider (REP), but the actual delivery—along with outage repairs—still falls to the local utility. So even if you get your bill from a private company, the utility is the one responsible for restoring service. Don’t assume someone else has reported it. A quick call or online report could make all the difference.

While you’re waiting, resist the urge to immediately open the fridge or check your phone. Keeping appliances closed helps maintain temperature and conserve battery. If the outage lasts more than a few hours, consider using flashlights instead of candles to reduce fire risk, and unplug sensitive electronics to protect them from surges when power returns.

It’s also a good idea to have a small emergency kit ready: bottled water, non-perishable snacks, a battery-powered radio, and phone chargers. These small preparations go a long way during unexpected outages, especially in extreme weather.

Ultimately, staying informed and taking prompt action can turn a stressful situation into a manageable one. Start with a phone call—then let the utility do their job.