Electrical · checked 5 Oct 2026
The whole house lost power
Safety first
- Use a flashlight, not candles.
- Keep away from wet or damaged electrical equipment.
- Downed wire? Stay away; call 911.
Fix it nowEight steps
- Check the utility outage map; ask neighbors by phone.Nearby power does not rule out a utility fault.
- Report the outage to your electric delivery utility.Your report helps identify an outage affecting only your home.
- With dry hands, unplug accessible appliances; turn off heating and cooling.Reduce electrical load before power returns or you reset.
The other five steps
- Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed.Keep stored food cold longer.
- Check only accessible, labeled MAIN handles; never open or remove panel covers.Skip this if wet, damaged, buzzing, hot, or unfamiliar.
- If MAIN is tripped, stand aside; reset OFF, then ON, once, one-handed.Only attempt with dry hands, dry footing, and undamaged equipment.
- Still dark? Call utility. Breaker trips again? Leave OFF; call an electrician.Repeated resets can reenergize a dangerous fault.
- Keep generators outdoors, 20 feet from openings; never plug into household outlets.Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning and dangerous backfeeding.
When to stop
Stop and get a electrician if:
- Smoke, flames, or active sparking: leave immediately; call 911 from outside.
- Downed wires or damaged service equipment: stay away; call the utility. For downed wires, call 911.
- Water near electrical equipment, buzzing, burning odor, or unusual heat: do not touch; call an electrician urgently.
- The main trips again or will not reset: stop; leave it OFF and call an electrician.
- Essential medical equipment stops without adequate backup: seek emergency help now; call 911 for immediate danger.
What it probably is
Utility outageNearby homes are dark or the utility reports an outage. Neighbors having power does not rule this out.For a pro
Tripped main breakerThe labeled MAIN handle is between ON and OFF or indicates a trip. Only attempt the guarded reset below.You can check
Damaged service connection or household electrical faultThe utility confirms supply, but your house remains dark. Damaged meter equipment needs utility coordination and an electrician.For a pro
Time and parts
- Time
- 5–10 minutes for safe checks; utility restoration time varies.
- Parts
- $0; no replacement parts for these checks.
Get it done
More than a quick fix? Vora gets quotes privately and recommends one electrician.
Checked against
- Oncor: Storm Center
- Southern California Edison: How to Reset Circuit Breakers
- Ready.gov: Power Outage Safety Sheet
- CPSC and USFA: Generator Safety During Power Outages
Written for Vora from these public sources and checked on 5 Oct 2026. General guidance, not a substitute for a pro on site. In danger, leave and call 911.