What to Do Before, During and After a Power Outage

We know power outages can be frustrating. While Tucson Electric Power invests in our equipment year-round to ensure reliable service, power outages will happen no matter how thoroughly we prepare.

Here’s what to expect and how to prepare before, during and after power outages.

Before a Power Outage:

A little preparation can make a big difference, particularly during storm season.

Assemble an Emergency Kit

Check your emergency kit at least once a year so you’re prepared when storms hit. Refresh any old items or create a brand-new kit each year. Your kit should contain at a minimum one flashlight for each family member, a battery-powered radio, fresh batteries, a first aid kit, non-perishable food and one gallon of drinking water per person, per day.

Don’t forget pets need water and food, too. Last, make sure you have a means of charging your mobile phone such as a portable power bank. Use candles only with extreme caution during an outage as these pose a fire risk.

Purchase and use surge protectors

Trim Trees

Protect Your Home

Use Backup Power Safely

Protect Yourself

If you rely on electronic medical devices or refrigerated medications, consult your healthcare provider for a power outage plan. Consider backup generators, have ice chests on hand, and create a plan to stay with friends or family who have power.

TEP customers with medical devices that require electricity are encouraged to enroll in our Medical Device Alert program. Customers in this program are kept informed about the status of service interruptions and the estimated time of restoration.

If you plan to use a generator, camp stove or charcoal grill during the outage, remember that these should only be used outdoors and should be kept at least 20 feet from away windows. In addition, it’s critical that you install carbon monoxide detectors throughout your home to prevent accidental carbon monoxide poisoning, which can be fatal.

Be Aware

During a Power Outage:

There are several safety steps to take if you experience a power outage.

Shut it Down

Turn off your air conditioner. When power is restored after a summertime outage, the resulting surge of demand from multiple air conditioners starting up at the same moment on the same distribution circuit can cause voltage instability, potentially resulting in equipment damage. Manually turning the unit on after the power is restored is safer. Your other appliances and electronics should be protected by surge protectors. If you don’t have surge protectors in place, unplug all electronics and appliances.

Keep The Fridge and Freezer Closed

Minimize food loss by keeping your refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. Refrigerators will generally keep food cold for about four hours without power and a freezer can preserve food without power for 48 hours. If the temperature of food exceeds 40 degrees for two or more hours, throw it out rather than risk food poisoning.

If the outage will be lengthy, purchase dry or block ice to keep the refrigerator as cold as possible.

If you plan to eat refrigerated meat, poultry, fish or eggs during the outage, ensure they are thoroughly cooked to a safe internal temperature. This will destroy any foodborne bacteria that may be present.

If power is out more than one day and you haven’t used ice to keep your refrigerator contents cool, discard any medication that must be refrigerated. Call your doctor for a new supply.

Stay Cool

Stay hydrated and wear loose, breathable clothing. Without an A/C or evaporative cooler to keep you comfortable, the extreme heat of the monsoon can be dangerous. Consider purchasing cooling neck wraps and battery-operated fans to use during outages as these will help you regulate your body temperature.

If the outage is prolonged, consider going to a cooling center and hydration station.

After a Power Outage:

Now that your electricity is back in service, there are a few steps to take to ensure safety.

Check Your Property for Downed Lines

When in Doubt, Throw it Out

Reconnect Electronics and Appliances

Put Away Backup Power

Portable generators typically have multi-step processes for shutdown and storage, and you should refer to manufacturer’s instructions to complete these. If you have a gas or diesel generator, this will include either burning off the remaining fuel through standard use or draining the fuel into an appropriate container.

Standby generators will shut down automatically, and solar chargers and generators only need to be disconnected and stored carefully. Power banks should be recharged so they’re ready to go when they’re needed next.

Replenish Your Emergency Kit

Check on Any Vulnerable Neighbors

What to Do Before, During and After a Power Outage

Before a Power Outage:

During a Power Outage:

After a Power Outage:

Outage Map

Outage Restoration 101

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