A power outage during hot weather feels different from a winter outage. The home warms up, the fridge and freezer stop, phones lose battery power and people with health conditions may become stressed more quickly.
In the first 15 minutes, check whether only your home or the wider area is affected. Switch off risky appliances, keep fridge and freezer closed, use a flashlight instead of candles and save phone battery.
In the first hour, put drinking water in a visible place. Place power bank, radio, flashlight, medicine and cash in one fixed spot. Choose the coolest room and check who needs special help.
If it lasts longer, open cooling appliances as rarely as possible, use perishable food first and never cook indoors with a grill, camping stove or open flame. Generators must never run indoors, in garages or near windows.
Rule of thumb: safety first, then information, then supplies.
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General
31.05.2026
May advice: Power outage during heat — what to do first
During an early-summer power outage, the first minutes matter. This simple order helps with light, water, cooling, food and communication.
