Surviving the Dark: Your Power Outage Safety Checklist

2026-06-19 · ← All posts

Power outages in Atlanta can be as unpredictable as the weather in Georgia! Whether it's a summer thunderstorm or a winter ice storm, when the lights go out, it pays to be prepared. So, what should you do when you're left in the dark? Here’s your essential power outage safety checklist.

1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

First things first: take a deep breath. Panic won’t help, but assessing your surroundings will. Check if the outage is affecting just your home or the entire neighborhood. You can do this by:

Checking with your neighbors.
Looking for streetlights that are still on.
Using your phone (if it’s charged) to check social media or local news for updates.

2. Keep Your Refrigerator Closed

Did you know that a refrigerator can keep food cold for about 4 hours if kept closed? Your freezer can keep the temperature for about 48 hours if it’s full. The key is to minimize how often you open the door. When the power is out, keep that fridge closed! Here are some tips:

Have a cooler and ice packs ready for perishables.
Consider using a thermometer to check food temperatures after power is restored.
When in doubt, throw it out! Spoiled food can lead to foodborne illnesses.

3. Use Flashlights, Not Candles

Candles might set the mood for a romantic dinner, but they’re not your best bet during a power outage. Flashlights are safer and more reliable. Here’s how to gather your lighting:

Locate all your flashlights and check if they have working batteries.
Keep candles as a last resort—but make sure they are placed safely away from flammable items.
Consider investing in battery-powered lanterns for future outages.

4. Power Up with a Generator

If you have a whole home generator or a portable one, now's the time to use it! Here’s a quick guide:

Make sure it's in a well-ventilated area to avoid carbon monoxide buildup.
Only connect essential appliances and avoid overloading the generator.
If you don’t have a generator yet, give us a call at Peachtree Electric to discuss your options!

5. Stay Informed

Keep a battery-operated radio handy to receive updates on the power outage from local news or emergency services. If you have a smartphone, make sure you have a power bank charged. You’d be surprised how many people miss out on updates because their phones are dead!

6. Keep Emergency Numbers Handy

Make a list of important numbers, such as:

Your utility company’s outage reporting number.
Local emergency services.
Peachtree Electric: (855) 532-7550 for any electrical emergencies or questions.

Wrap-Up

Power outages can be a nuisance, but being prepared can turn a potentially stressful situation into just a minor inconvenience. With this checklist in hand, you can safely navigate those dark moments.

Have any questions or need help with a generator installation? Don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Peachtree Electric. Give us a call at (855) 532-7550 and let’s keep your home powered and safe!