If you live in the Greater New Orleans area long enough, you learn to expect the unexpected. A clear forecast doesn’t always mean a quiet day. A brief rain shower, a curious squirrel, or even a runaway balloon can take down the whole block’s electricity — and a big storm might mean days without power. Want proof? Take a look at this chart posted by WDSU-TV. It’s wild!
So the question isn’t if you’ll lose power; it’s whether you’re ready when it happens.
That’s why we put together this local’s guide to surviving a power outage with your groceries, your electronics, and, most importantly, your sanity intact. We’ll walk you through everything you need to keep your home and family protected, no matter what weather rolls through.
Why New Orleans Is Prone to Extended Outages
New Orleans and surrounding neighborhoods have had more than their share of severe weather events. Hurricanes, wildfires, and heatwaves are part of life here, and so are city-wide outages that last hours or days. Our electrical grid is vulnerable due to geography, infrastructure age, and seasonal climate patterns.
After storms like Ida, Entergy’s “transmission island” setup left many residents waiting days for electric power. That’s why emergency management experts are constantly revisiting preparedness strategies.
You can’t afford not to be ready. A whole-home generator and backup system is more than a convenience — it’s your safety net when the lights go out.
Build Your Power Outage Emergency Kit
Start your power outage plan with a checklist of must-haves. Here’s what your survival kit needs and why it matters:
- Flashlight (And Spare Batteries): Ditch the candle and light the way without risk. A dropped flashlight won’t burn your floor or curtains.
- First Aid Kit: Cuts happen, even in the dark. Stock bandages, antiseptics, gloves, and essential medications.
- Mobile Phone Power Bank: Communication is critical. A charged power bank keeps your phone and internet running for updates and contact.
- Radio: When the cell towers go down, old-school still works. Tune in for emergency management alerts.
- Food and Water: 1 gallon of water per person per day. Stock up on shelf-stable meat, canned food, and non-perishable snacks.
- Lighting Alternatives: Grab lanterns, LED puck lights, or motion-sensor nightlights. Your garage door, stairs, and basement will thank you.
- Important Documents: Keep IDs, insurance policy info, and paper copies of contacts in a waterproof bag.
- Cash: If electricity is down, so are card readers. Small bills = big help.
- Toilet Paper and Hygiene Products: Your plumbing might work fine, but don’t get caught without the basics.
- Propane, Charcoal, or Backup Gas Stove: Cold sandwiches are fun once. Then you’ll want warm cooking options that don’t rely on a microwave or oven.
- Blanket/Sleeping Bag: If your furnace stops, stay cozy through cold nights. This is especially important in winter outages.
Special Considerations for Hot‑Humid Climate
New Orleans summers can feel like a sauna wrapped in a heatwave with no escape. When the air conditioning goes out during a power outage, you need cooling hacks that don’t rely on the grid.
Soak a T-shirt or towel in cold water, wring it out, and wear it around your neck. Keep battery-powered fans handy. Keep windows shaded, and only crack them at night when the temperature dips enough that it’s cool outside. Sleep downstairs if you can because heat rises.
Also, hydrate like your comfort depends on it, because it does. Your water supply might be stable, but it’s smart to have backup gallons stored. Add electrolyte drinks to your kit for extra support when sweating through a muggy day with no ventilation.
Generator & Backup Power: Safety First
A standby generator is a lifeline in the Greater New Orleans area, not a luxury. If you have critical medical devices, kids, or elders at home, a backup power supply gives you peace of mind and the ability to run essentials like your refrigerator, air conditioning, and lighting.
However, safety comes first. Never run a generator inside a garage or enclosed space, even with the door open. Carbon monoxide is a silent killer. Use a carbon monoxide detector to stay protected.
Always keep the fuel tank full and the equipment well-maintained. And if you’re not sure whether your generator is up for the task, call a Keefe’s electrician to perform a full inspection before hurricane season starts.
Food & Fridge Strategy in an Outage
Did you know that food starts to spoil after four hours without electric power? A full freezer can hold temp for about 48 hours if unopened. Know where your ice is, and have coolers ready for transfer. If in doubt, toss it — bad meat isn’t worth the stomach cramps. Label your freezer with tape and open only when absolutely needed.
Pro Tip: Freeze water bottles in advance. They keep things cool and become drinkable once thawed.
Stay Connected & Informed
Don’t play “guess the next step” during a power outage. Stay ahead of the game by signing up for city emergency alerts. Keep a list of utility numbers, especially Entergy, saved both digitally and on a paper backup.
Keep your mobile phone charged, and consider investing in solar chargers or crank-powered devices to keep your communication tools alive during extended blackouts. Social media can be helpful too, but only if your internet connection and battery hold up.
Home Safety: Protecting Your Gear & Property
Unplug electronics and major appliances during a power outage to avoid damage when the electricity kicks back on. But better yet, use high-quality surge protectors. They act as a shield for your computer, thermostat, TV, and other sensitive equipment, helping you ride out blackouts without frying your circuits.
Leave one light on so you’ll know the moment power is restored. After that, check your fuse box or circuit breaker to reset anything that may have tripped. And if your home generator is wired into your panel, make sure it’s connected by a licensed electrician with proper surge protection in place because keeping things safe should be just as easy as flipping a switch.
What to Do During the Outage
Once the power outage hits, here’s what you should do to stay safe and comfortable:
- Check on Everyone in the Household: Especially kids, elderly folks, and anyone relying on a medical device like an oxygen tank or monitor. Your first move is always people before power.
- Turn Off Major Appliances and Lights: Leave one light on so you know when the electricity is restored. Unplug your computer, air conditioning, refrigerator, and cooking appliances to avoid damage when the power flips back on.
- Conserve Your Phone Battery: Use low-power mode, shut off unused apps, and limit streaming. Save your cell phone’s battery for communication, emergency alerts, or a call to your Keefe’s electrician.
- Avoid Candles: They’re a hazard. Opt for battery-powered lanterns and flashlights instead. No mood lighting is worth a house fire.
- Keep the Fridge Closed: Every open door drops the temperature and raises the risk of spoiled food.
- Don’t Run Gas Generators Indoors: Yes, we’re repeating it. Why? Because carbon monoxide is invisible, odorless, and deadly. Keep your generator outdoors, 20 feet away from doors, windows, or vents.
- Stay Cool or Warm Smartly: No air conditioning? Use damp cloths, cold packs, or a bathtub soak. No heat? Layer with blankets, sleeping bags, and cozy clothes. Keep your fireplace ready and chimney clear if it’s winter.
- Secure Pets and Medications: Animals can freak out during outages, so keep them calm and comfortable. Store medication that needs refrigeration in coolers with ice.
After the Lights Return: Recovery Steps
Power’s back — great! But your job isn’t done. Here’s what to do after the outage to reset safely:
- Check Your Food and Meds: Toss anything from the refrigerator or freezer that sat too long above 40°F. Don’t risk food poisoning or spoiled medication.
- Inspect Electrical Systems: If anything sparks, buzzes, or won’t turn on, call an emergency electrician in the Greater New Orleans area. Don’t DIY damaged equipment or overloaded circuits.
- Refill Your Emergency Supplies: Replenish your first aid kit, flashlight batteries, and fuel for your standby generator.
- Evaluate Your Home for Damage: Check the basement, floor, roofline, and plumbing. If you had a flood, don’t use any electrical outlets until inspected.
- Talk to Your Insurance Provider: If your home insurance covers losses, file promptly. Keep a record of damaged electronics and any equipment failures.
- Review Your Emergency Plan: Did it hold up? Make notes while it’s fresh and adjust your checklist. Next time, you’ll be even more ready.
Keep the Power On with a Keefe’s Generator
Want to skip the stress next time the electrical grid goes down? A home generator installed by Keefe’s Air Conditioning, Heating, Electrical, Generator & Plumbing gives you confidence, comfort, and backup power at the flick of a switch. Whether it’s a hurricane warning or just another heatwave outage, your lighting, refrigerator, AC system, sump pump, and garage door will keep humming right along.
We proudly offer the most trusted electric generator brands, paired with professional installation from licensed Keefe’s electricians. We’ll walk you through every step, from choosing the right fuel tank capacity to integrating with your circuit breaker panel. Our systems are safe, efficient, and designed for severe weather reliability.
Call Keefe’s Air Conditioning, Heating, Electrical, Generator & Plumbing today to schedule your generator consultation. Our experts are excited to help you protect your home, your family, and your peace of mind.
