Appliances After a Storm or Power Outage

During the outage

• Keep the refrigerator and freezer closed. FoodSafety.gov says a closed fridge keeps food safe for about 4 hours, a full freezer about 48 hours, and a half-full one about 24.
• Unplug sensitive electronics and appliances with control boards if you can do it safely. That protects them from a surge when power returns.
• Turn off the water to the ice maker if it was flooding before the outage.
• Never run a generator indoors or in the garage.

When power comes back

1. Plug appliances back in one at a time instead of all at once.
2. Reset clocks and any control locks. Some ovens won't heat until the clock is set.
3. Check the fridge and freezer with a thermometer. The fridge should be at 40°F or below and the freezer at 0°F. FoodSafety.gov has a chart for what to keep and what to throw out.
4. Press the reset button on any GFCI outlets in the garage, laundry and kitchen.
5. Run the dishwasher and washer on a short cycle to make sure they fill and drain.

If water got in

If floodwater reached a washer, dryer, dishwasher, fridge or range, don't use it until a qualified technician has checked it. Water damage to motors, wiring and controls isn't always visible.

Signs of surge damage

A dead display, an appliance that powers on but won't run, a fridge that won't cool after several hours, or a breaker that trips right away can all point to surge damage. See appliance repair in Brandon and choose your appliance.