The Most Dangerous Mistakes People Make During Power Outages

 When a power outage hits, the biggest risks often come from quick “workarounds” people assume are harmless. In the dark and stress of an outage, it’s easy to choose convenience over safety—lighting candles, running a generator in the garage, using a grill indoors for heat, or plugging too many items into extension cords. Understanding the most common mistakes helps you avoid them and keep your household safe.

See more: When Is Nor’easter Season? Typical Months, Patterns, and Why Storms Peak

Mistake #1: Relying on candles for lighting. Candles feel traditional and accessible, but they create an open flame hazard in a time when visibility is reduced. Curtains, paper, and clutter become ignition sources. Children and pets can knock candles over without warning. Safer alternatives include flashlights, LED lanterns, and rechargeable lights. If you keep candles for emergencies, store them with sturdy holders and a lighter, and use them only with constant supervision and ample clearance.

Mistake #2: Operating a generator in a garage or near windows. This is one of the leading causes of outage-related fatalities. Portable generators produce carbon monoxide, an odorless gas that can kill in minutes. Opening the garage door is not enough. The only safe rule is to run generators outdoors, far from doors, windows, vents, and crawlspace openings. Place the generator on a dry, stable surface and protect it from rain with a properly designed canopy—not by placing it inside a structure.

Mistake #3: Using charcoal grills or gas stoves for indoor heating. People underestimate how quickly carbon monoxide can accumulate. Even if you “feel fine,” CO poisoning symptoms can look like fatigue or headache. Never bring outdoor cooking equipment indoors. If you need heat, use layers, blankets, and a warm-room strategy. If you have a vented fireplace or wood stove, use it correctly and keep a CO detector operating.

Read more: Nor’easter Preparedness at Home: Heat, Food, and Power Outage Basics

Mistake #4: Overloading extension cords and power strips. During outages, people may run limited power from a generator, battery inverter, or UPS and plug in everything at once. This can cause overheating, fires, or equipment failure. Use heavy-duty cords rated for the load, avoid connecting multiple power strips together, and keep cords visible (not under rugs). Prioritize essentials: refrigeration, limited lighting, phone charging, and necessary medical devices.

Mistake #5: Opening the refrigerator repeatedly. Food safety becomes a concern when power is out for hours. Every time you open the fridge, you release cold air and shorten the safe time window. Decide what you need, open once, and close quickly. Consider using a cooler with ice for frequently accessed items.

Mistake #6: Turning everything on the instant power returns. When the grid restarts, voltage can fluctuate. Turning on multiple high-draw appliances simultaneously can trip breakers or damage devices. Instead, turn on lights first, then refrigerator/freezer, then other appliances gradually. If you smell burning or hear unusual noises, switch off and investigate safely.

Mistake #7: Ignoring neighborhood hazards. Downed power lines, flooded basements, and icy walkways can be present after storms. Treat all downed lines as live and keep your distance. Avoid wading through water near electrical equipment.

For a more detailed overview of outage safety—including best practices during winter outages—this resource is helpful: https://weather365.com/en/winter/power-outage-safety-tips