What to Do During a Power Outage: A Homeowner’s Checklist

A power outage can last anywhere from a few minutes to several days, and the first 10 minutes are the most important for keeping your family and home safe. This checklist covers exactly what to do before, during, and after an outage, with tips specific to Chicago and surrounding communities within 40 miles.

Whether you are in Joliet, Naperville, Aurora, or on the North Side of Chicago, outages hit differently depending on the season and cause. Read through this guide so you are never caught off guard.

Confirm the Outage Source Before Doing Anything Else

Your first step is figuring out whether the outage is limited to your home or affects your entire neighborhood. This distinction matters because it changes everything about how you respond.

• Check if your neighbors have power by looking for lit windows or porch lights.
• Look at your street for utility trucks or downed lines.
• Check ComEd’s outage map at comed.com or call 1-800-334-7661 to report and track outages.
• If only your home has lost power, check your main breaker panel immediately.
• If the breaker has tripped, reset it once. If it trips again, do not force it. Call a licensed electrician.

Chicago winters and summer thunderstorms are two of the biggest causes of outages in the area. Ice storms along the I-88 corridor and severe storms in the southwest suburbs regularly knock out power to thousands of homes at once.

If ComEd confirms a neighborhood outage, there is nothing to do on your end electrically. Focus on safety and comfort until power is restored.

Follow This Step-by-Step Safety Checklist Immediately

Once you know an outage is happening, move through this checklist in order. Speed and order both matter here.

1. Turn off or unplug major appliances. When power returns, a surge can damage electronics and appliances left plugged in. Unplug TVs, computers, and kitchen appliances.
2. Leave one light switch ON. This tells you when power has been restored without you having to check constantly.
3. Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed. A full freezer holds food safely for up to 48 hours. A refrigerator holds for about 4 hours.
4. Use flashlights instead of candles. Candles are a major fire risk, especially in Chicago-area homes with older wood construction.
5. Check on elderly neighbors. In extreme cold or heat, older adults are especially vulnerable. Chicago has lost residents to cold weather outages in the past.
6. Stay away from downed power lines. Report them to ComEd and stay at least 30 feet away.
7. Never run a generator indoors or in a garage. Carbon monoxide poisoning is the number one outage-related cause of preventable death.

Jimco Electric strongly recommends keeping a dedicated outage kit in your home at all times. The few minutes it takes to prepare now can make a multi-day outage much more manageable.

Build a Power Outage Kit Before the Next Outage Hits

Chicago averages around 1 to 3 major storm events per year that cause widespread outages. The suburbs southwest and west of the city, including areas like Plainfield and Bolingbrook, frequently see severe weather that disrupts power for 12 to 72 hours.

Your outage kit should be stored in an easy-to-access location like a hall closet or basement shelf. Here is what to include:

Item	Recommended Quantity	Notes
Flashlights	One per bedroom	LED flashlights last longer. Brands like Maglite or Streamlight are reliable.
Extra batteries	2 sets per flashlight	Replace annually even if unused.
Battery-powered or hand-crank radio	1	Helps you receive emergency alerts from city and county offices.
Portable phone charger (power bank)	1-2	Keep fully charged at all times. 20,000 mAh capacity is recommended.
First aid kit	1	Include any prescription medications that do not need refrigeration.
Bottled water	1 gallon per person per day	Target a 3-day supply minimum for your household.
Non-perishable food	3-day supply	Canned goods, granola bars, peanut butter. Include a manual can opener.
Warm blankets	One per person	Critical for winter outages in Chicago where temperatures drop fast.

If anyone in your household relies on electrically powered medical equipment, register with ComEd’s Life Support Equipment program so your address is flagged as a priority during restoration efforts.

Know When to Call an Electrician vs. Wait for the Utility

One of the most common mistakes homeowners make during outages is waiting for ComEd when the actual problem is inside their home. Here is a clear breakdown of who handles what.

Situation	Who to Call	Typical Response Time
Neighborhood-wide outage	ComEd (1-800-334-7661)	2 to 72 hours depending on severity
Only your home has lost power	Licensed electrician	Same day in most cases
Breaker keeps tripping after reset	Licensed electrician	Same day, treat as urgent
Burning smell from panel or outlets	911 first, then electrician	Immediate. This is an emergency.
Power restored but outlets not working	Licensed electrician	Schedule within a few days
Downed power line on your property	ComEd + 911	Emergency response, stay clear

Jimco Electric handles electrical issues that are inside your home or at your panel. We serve Chicago and communities up to 40 miles out, including Oak Lawn, Tinley Park, Orland Park, and Naperville.

If you smell burning, see scorch marks near an outlet, or hear buzzing from your panel, that is not a wait-and-see situation. Call us at 708-304-8687 right away.

Protect Your Appliances and Electronics From Surge Damage

Power surges happen when electricity is restored after an outage. The sudden spike in voltage can damage anything plugged in at that moment, from your refrigerator to your laptop to your smart TV.

Here is how to protect your home before power comes back:

• Unplug all electronics and major appliances while power is out.
• Install whole-home surge protectors at your main panel. This is one of the best upgrades any Chicago homeowner can make.
• Use point-of-use surge protectors (not just power strips) for computers, TVs, and gaming systems.
• Wait about 5 minutes after power is restored before plugging things back in. This lets the grid stabilize.
• Plug appliances back in one at a time rather than all at once.

Whole-home surge protectors typically cost between $250 and $500 installed by a licensed electrician. That is a small investment compared to replacing a refrigerator, HVAC system, or home theater setup after a surge.

Jimco Electric installs whole-home surge protectors for homeowners across the Chicago area. It is one of the most practical upgrades you can make before storm season.

Check Your Home After Power Is Restored

When the lights come back on, your job is not done. A quick walkthrough of your home helps catch problems before they turn into bigger issues.

• Check your refrigerator and freezer. If food has been above 40 degrees Fahrenheit for more than 2 hours, throw it out. When in doubt, toss it out.
• Reset your clocks, thermostat, and any smart home devices that lost their settings.
• Check GFCI outlets in your kitchen, bathrooms, and garage. Press the reset button on any that tripped during the outage.
• Look for signs of water intrusion if the outage was caused by a storm. Water near your electrical panel is a serious hazard.
• If any appliances are making unusual sounds or not working correctly, do not ignore it. Have them inspected.
• Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Replace batteries if they are more than 6 months old.

In older Chicago homes, especially those built before 1980, power restoration after a major outage can sometimes reveal wiring issues that were already borderline. If lights are flickering or circuits keep tripping after power returns, schedule an inspection soon.

FAQs on Power Outages for Homeowners

How long can food stay safe in the refrigerator during a power outage?

A closed refrigerator keeps food safe for about 4 hours. A full freezer holds for 48 hours, and a half-full freezer holds for 24 hours. Always use a food thermometer to check if you are unsure. If food is above 40 degrees Fahrenheit, throw it out.

What should I do if my breaker keeps tripping after a power outage?

If your breaker trips repeatedly after you reset it, stop resetting it and call a licensed electrician. A breaker that keeps tripping is protecting you from a wiring issue or overloaded circuit. Forcing it back on repeatedly can cause a fire. Call Jimco Electric at 708-304-8687 for same-day service in the Chicago area.

Is it safe to use a generator during a Chicago winter outage?

Generators are safe when used correctly, but they must always be operated outdoors, at least 20 feet from doors and windows. Never run a generator in a garage, even with the door open. Carbon monoxide has no smell and can be fatal within minutes. Standby generators installed by a licensed electrician are a safer long-term option.

How do I find out when ComEd will restore power to my area?

Visit comed.com and use their outage center to view your address status and estimated restoration time. You can also call 1-800-334-7661 or text OUT to 26633 to report an outage and get updates. During major storms, restoration times can range from a few hours to several days.

Should I turn off my main breaker during a neighborhood outage?

You do not have to, but turning off your main breaker protects your home’s appliances and wiring from the power surge when electricity is restored. If you do turn it off, remember to flip it back on after utility power returns. This is especially recommended for older homes in Chicago with outdated panels.

When should I get my electrical panel inspected after a major outage?

If your power went out due to a storm and you noticed burning smells, flickering lights, or non-working outlets after restoration, schedule an inspection promptly. Panels in Chicago homes older than 30 years should be inspected every few years regardless. An inspection typically takes 1 to 2 hours and can catch problems before they become emergencies.

Wrap Up and Next Steps

Being prepared for a power outage is one of the simplest and most effective things you can do as a homeowner in the Chicago area. Follow the checklist above, build your outage kit before the next storm season, and know who to call when the issue is inside your home rather than on the utility lines.

If you have questions about surge protection, panel inspections, or generator installation, Jimco Electric is ready to help. We serve Chicago and communities up to 40 miles out, including the south and west suburbs.

Call us at 708-304-8687 to schedule an inspection or get answers from a licensed local electrician. Do not wait until the next outage to find out your panel or wiring needs attention.