Can I flush the toilet during a power outage?

Yes, you should be able to flush the toilet during a power outage. Power outages shouldn’t affect your plumbing if your home is connected to the municipal water supply. If you have a well, you may need to pour water into the tank to flush if it’s empty.

How do I use a generator in a power outage?

Plug your generator into a power inlet box outside and at least 20 feet away from doors and windows. Keep your generator dry and away from water to avoid electrical shock. Install carbon monoxide detectors throughout your home to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

What is the difference between a power outage and a rolling blackout?

A rolling blackout may be put in place when the state’s power grid becomes overwhelmed with energy demand. In Texas, for example, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) temporarily shuts off power across specific areas to help curb demand and protect the grid from complete failure. Rolling blackouts typically last for a few hours and rotate over different areas of the region. On the other hand, power outages are sudden and unintentional loss of power, often caused by extreme weather or accidents that harm power lines.

Power Outage Guide 2025

Here’s what to do if you experience a power outage.

Written by Dominique Sabins

Edited by Jamie Cesanek

Last updated 01/29/2025

Imgorthand/E+/Getty images

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Key Points

Report a power outage in your area to your utility company.
Follow this power outage checklist to stay safe when your electricity is out.
Power outages can affect plumbing, water, transportation, businesses, food, and medical devices, among other things.

What you should know about a power outage

A power outage is an unplanned and sudden loss of electricity that lasts for an undetermined amount of time. Power outages often occur at the most inconvenient times, leaving home and business owners feeling frustrated, helpless, and quite literally in the dark. When the power goes out, it helps to know what to do and who to call to keep yourself safe. Here are some of the most important things to know if you experience a power outage.

How do I know there is a power outage?

Use the following tips to determine if there is a current power outage in your area.

Check your surroundings. Find out if the streetlights are still on and whether your neighbors have power. This will help determine whether your home is the only one affected or if there is a power outage for everyone in your area.
Investigate your home. Check if the power is out in every room. If power is still on in some rooms, you may have tripped a switch and need to reset your breaker.
Check your electricity bill. Make sure your electricity bills have been paid. Some energy providers might disconnect your service if you have outstanding bills.

Prepare for a power outage with this safety checklist

Power outages often occur when we least expect them. It’s important to be prepared ahead of time to keep yourself and your family safe. Use these tips to be prepared before a power outage occurs.

Electrical surges during a power outage can ruin electronic appliances when the power comes back on. To prevent damage to your electronics, unplug important or large appliances, such as TVs and computers, as long as it is safe to do so. Surge projectors are also a great way to protect your appliances before a power outage, but it’s a good idea to turn them off before a major storm.

Who do you call if the power goes out?

If there is a power outage in your neighborhood, call your local utility company. You can find this information on your energy bill. Your utility company is responsible for restoring power and will be able to provide you with updates on when service will be restored. Visit our Texas utility contact guide to find your utility company.

What to do during a power outage

If your power goes out, use this safety checklist, based on tips from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to keep yourself and your family safe.

Stay hydrated and cool. During hot summer months, power outages can be especially dangerous due to hot temperatures and lack of access to AC. Keep your home cool by closing your doors, windows, and curtains. Drink lots of water to stay hydrated.
Use your emergency kit. Once you have identified that a power outage has occurred, use your emergency kit and safety checklist.
Unplug appliances and electronics. As long as it is safe, unplug large appliances and electronics.
Stay informed. You can listen to the radio, check online, or contact your utility company for updates on when power will be restored.

What to do after a power outage is over

Check your food. Throw away any food that was not kept at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below.
Check any refrigerated medications. If your power was out for more than a day, check the labels on your medication to see if it needs to be thrown away. When in doubt, call your doctor or pharmacy.
Replenish your emergency kit. If you used materials such as batteries, non-perishable food, or water in your emergency kit, replenish these supplies to prepare for a future power outage.

How a power outage can affect your plumbing

Most homes connected to municipal water will retain water during a power outage. However, homes with electric water heaters will run out of hot water after the water that is in the tank at the time of the outage is used up. Gas-powered water heaters will continue to produce hot water. The following plumbing features may also be affected by a power outage.

Tankless water heater. Like electric water heaters, tankless heaters use electricity. However, they do not have a water reservoir, meaning hot water will not be available once the power is out.
Sump pump. Sump pumps remove water to prevent flooding in basements. But without electricity, standing water could collect in the underground parts of your home.
Pipes. If your power goes out during freezing temperatures, your pipes may freeze and burst. If the power is out for a long time, let water drip through the pipes to prevent them from freezing.
Sewage waste removal. Like a sump pump, some sewage removal systems use a pump system to advance waste. Without electricity, stagnant waste could collect and eventually back up into your home.

Power outage FAQs

Yes, you should be able to flush the toilet during a power outage. Power outages shouldn’t affect your plumbing if your home is connected to the municipal water supply. If you have a well, you may need to pour water into the tank to flush if it’s empty.
Plug your generator into a power inlet box outside and at least 20 feet away from doors and windows. Keep your generator dry and away from water to avoid electrical shock. Install carbon monoxide detectors throughout your home to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
A rolling blackout may be put in place when the state’s power grid becomes overwhelmed with energy demand. In Texas, for example, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) temporarily shuts off power across specific areas to help curb demand and protect the grid from complete failure. Rolling blackouts typically last for a few hours and rotate over different areas of the region. On the other hand, power outages are sudden and unintentional loss of power, often caused by extreme weather or accidents that harm power lines.