What to Do in a Power Outage (and When to Call an Electrician)

Step 1: figure out the scope

Check whether the neighbors have power and look at your utility's outage map. If the whole area is out, report it and wait. If only your home is out, check the main breaker. If only part of the home is out, look for a tripped branch breaker or GFCI.

Step 2: safe checks

You can safely:

• Reset a tripped breaker once by pushing it fully off, then on
• Press the reset on GFCI outlets in bathrooms, kitchen, garage, and outdoors
• Unplug appliances on the affected circuit
• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed

Step 3: know when to call

Call the utility if the main breaker is on but the house is dark, or if half the house has dim or flickering lights (often a lost neutral or one leg of service — a hazard). Call an electrician if a breaker trips immediately after reset, if you smell burning, or if storm damage pulled the service mast or meter base from the house — the utility usually won't reconnect until an electrician repairs the owner's side.

Generator safety

Never run a generator indoors, in a garage, or near windows. Never connect a generator to house wiring without a transfer switch or interlock.