After power comes back, wait a few minutes before turning your appliances on, and do not use anything that got wet. If you smell gas, leave right away and call from a safe place.
Key takeaways
- After power returns, wait a few minutes before turning electronics and appliances back on (SDG&E).
- During an outage, unplug appliances and electronics, and use surge protectors where you can (SDG&E).
- Never use electrical appliances while standing in water (CDC).
- Make sure appliances are completely dry before you use them again. If you are unsure, have a certified electrician check them (CDC).
- If you smell gas, leave immediately and call from a safe place (SoCalGas, CDC).
Last checked: October 14, 2026. Alerts and closures change quickly, so check the official sources listed at the end before you act.
What happened in the area
Storm Rachel brought heavy rain and flooding to parts of Southern California in October 2026, including the Coachella Valley (KESQ, Oct 11) and Long Beach (Fox LA, Oct 13). This page does not say where outages or surges happened. It is a general guide for any home where the power went out, flickered or returned suddenly.
What should I do with my appliances after a power outage or surge?
Follow the steps below. They come from the utilities and agencies named, not from us.
While the power is out
- Unplug appliances and electronics. SDG&E advises unplugging TVs, appliances and electronics during an outage to reduce overload when power returns, and leaving one light on so you know when it is back.
- Keep the refrigerator and freezer closed. SDG&E notes that opening them lets cold air escape.
- Use generators outdoors only. The CDC says never to run a generator or other gasoline engine inside a home, basement, garage, carport or porch, or within 20 feet of a door, window or vent. It also says not to connect a generator to home circuits without an approved device.
When the power comes back
- Wait a few minutes before turning things on. SDG&E says a sudden spike in demand can cause problems after restoration.
- Turn appliances on gradually, and reset clocks and timers. This also follows SDG&E guidance.
If water reached your home or appliances
- Do not use electrical appliances while standing in water. The CDC says never to switch power on or off, or use electrical tools or appliances, while standing in water.
- Check that everything is completely dry first. The CDC says electrical equipment and appliances should be completely dry before use. If you are unsure whether an item is safe, it advises having a certified electrician check it.
- Avoid contact with floodwater. The CDC notes that floodwater may contain sewage. It says to discard food that touched floodwater.
If you smell gas
- Leave immediately and call from a safe place. SoCalGas says to evacuate the area and call from a safe location. The CDC adds: do not use lights or do anything that could create a spark, and do not return until you are told it is safe. If you cannot reach your gas utility, SoCalGas says to call 911.
Food in the refrigerator and freezer
- FoodSafety.gov (run by USDA and other federal agencies) says food in a refrigerator stays safe for about 4 hours without power if the door stays closed. After 4 hours, perishable foods such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs and leftovers should be discarded.
- A full freezer keeps food safe for about 48 hours, and a half-full freezer for about 24 hours, if the door stays closed.
- Perishable food held at 40°F or above for more than 2 hours should be discarded. FoodSafety.gov also says never to taste food to judge its safety: if you are unsure, throw it out.
For model-specific steps
Check the owner guide from your appliance’s manufacturer. Brands differ, and the guide is the source for your exact model.
Official resources
- CDC: Reentering Your Flooded Home – electricity, appliances, gas, generators and floodwater.
- SDG&E: Power Outage Safety – unplugging appliances, restoring power and keeping food cold.
- SoCalGas: Emergency Information – what to do if you smell gas.
- FoodSafety.gov: Food Safety During a Power Outage – refrigerator and freezer timings.
- Ready.gov: Floods – flood preparation and recovery.
- American Red Cross – disaster safety and recovery.
- NWS San Diego – forecasts and warnings.
- AlertSanDiego – county emergency alerts.
Frequently asked questions
How long should I wait before turning appliances back on after the power returns?
SDG&E advises waiting a few minutes, because a sudden spike in demand after restoration can cause problems. Turn things on gradually, not all at once.
Should I unplug appliances during an outage?
SDG&E recommends unplugging TVs, appliances and electronics to reduce overload when power returns. It suggests leaving one light on so you can tell when the power is back.
Is it safe to use an appliance that got wet?
The CDC says appliances and electrical equipment should be completely dry before use, and that you should never use them while standing in water. If you are unsure, it advises having a certified electrician check them.
What should I do if I smell gas?
SoCalGas says to leave the area right away and call from a safe location. The CDC adds that you should not use lights or do anything that could create a spark.
How long can food stay in the refrigerator or freezer without power?
FoodSafety.gov says food in the refrigerator stays safe for about 4 hours without power if the door stays closed, after which perishable foods such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs and leftovers should be discarded. A full freezer keeps food safe for about 48 hours and a half-full one for about 24 hours.
If you need help with an appliance repair, please use our contact page.
Written by the American Service Alliance team. Sources last checked October 14, 2026.