What Happens If the Power Goes Out and I Don’t Have a Generator?

You don’t realize how much you rely on electricity until it’s gone.

One minute, you’re finishing dinner and scrolling through your phone, and the next, everything stops. The lights flicker off. The furnace hum fades. Your Wi-Fi, appliances, and outlets all go silent. If you're like most homeowners, the first reaction is confusion... quickly followed by concern.

Now imagine that outage stretches from minutes to hours, or even days.

No fridge. No Wi-Fi. No way to charge your phone or open the garage door. If you live in an older home, the risks increase even further. Outdated wiring and aging panels don’t just make recovery harder; they make the whole situation more dangerous.

At Integra Electrical, we’ve seen firsthand the stress and damage that a power outage can cause. We’ve also seen how a little preparation can make all the difference. Whether you’re thinking about getting a generator someday or just trying to understand what’s at stake, this article will walk you through what happens when the power goes out and what you can do to protect your home.

Before the end of this article, you will know:

• What critical systems are affected during an outage
  
• What hidden hazards and safety risks you could face
• Why older homes are more vulnerable to power-related issues
• What backup power options are available (even if you're not ready for a full system)

What Actually Happens During an Outage?

When the power cuts out, it’s more than just a temporary inconvenience. You instantly lose access to the systems you depend on most, many of which are working behind the scenes to keep your home running safely and comfortably.

Here’s what typically shuts down when your power goes out:

• Lighting – Obvious, but essential. No lights means no visibility at night, making stairs, hallways, and bathrooms a tripping hazard.
  
  
• Outlets – That means no phone charging, no TV, no computers, and no kitchen appliances.
  
  
• HVAC systems – No heat in the winter or A/C in the summer can quickly make your home uncomfortable or even unsafe, especially for children and older adults.
  
  
• Refrigerators and freezers – Food starts to spoil after just four hours without power.
  
  
• Garage doors – Many openers won’t work without a battery backup, potentially trapping your car inside.
  
  
• Wi-Fi and communication systems – No power = no internet or phone chargers = no way to get updates or call for help if cell towers are down.
  
  
• Sump pumps – In heavy rain, losing your sump pump can lead to serious basement flooding. 

And here’s the thing, power outages aren’t rare. According to MidAmerican Energy’s outage map, Iowa experiences hundreds of localized outages every year, caused by everything from windstorms to grid overloads. Some last minutes. Others can stretch into days.

If your home’s electrical panel has been acting up, an outage might be the moment a small issue turns into a big one. Frequent breaker trips, for example, could mean your panel is already under strain. If that’s the case, check out our guide on why breakers trip repeatedly; it might help you catch a problem before it escalates during a blackout.

The Dangers Most People Don’t Think About

• Food Spoilage – According to the FDA’s food safety guide, perishable food can become unsafe to eat in as little as 4 hours without refrigeration. A full freezer may buy you 48 hours, but only if you never open the door.
  
• Basement Flooding – If your sump pump stops working during a storm, even a small amount of water can lead to thousands in damage, ruined storage, and mold growth.
• Frozen Pipes – In the winter, no heat means water in your pipes can freeze and burst. That kind of damage isn’t just messy, it’s expensive to fix.
• Medical Equipment Failure – For homes with oxygen machines, CPAPs, or refrigerated medications, a prolonged outage isn’t just a hassle. It’s a health risk.
• Security System Downtime – Most alarm systems and smart home devices rely on continuous power. When the power's out, you're potentially unprotected.
• Surge Damage When Power Returns – Many people don’t realize that when power is restored, it can surge back through your system. This sudden spike can fry sensitive electronics and even damage your panel.
  
  

Why Older Homes Are More at Risk

If your home was built more than 30 years ago, the chances are good that your electrical system wasn’t designed to handle today’s power needs. Older panels, ungrounded outlets, and aluminum wiring all make it harder for your home to respond safely when the power comes back on.

We often use thermal imaging during our diagnostic evaluations to spot issues that aren’t visible to the eye, like overheating wires, loose connections, or overloaded circuits. 

And if your panel is outdated or shows signs of wear, you might want to explore our breakdown of electrical panel replacement costs. It covers what to expect based on home size, age, and permit requirements in Iowa.

The bottom line? Outages don’t just test your patience; they test your wiring. And if your home’s electrical system isn’t ready, the outage could leave more than just your lights out.

What Are Your Options?

You don’t need to jump straight into a whole-house generator to be prepared. But doing nothing? That’s where most homeowners run into trouble.

When the power goes out, you have two choices: wait and hope it comes back quickly, or have a plan in place that keeps your essentials running, even if it’s just the basics.

• Portable Generators – These are a common entry point. They’re relatively affordable and can power a few critical devices, like your fridge, sump pump, or medical equipment. The catch? They’re noisy, require manual setup (often in the dark or rain), and need to be kept outside to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.
• Standby (Whole-Home) Generators – These systems turn on automatically the moment power is lost. They’re connected directly to your home’s electrical panel and powered by natural gas or propane, which means no extension cords or manual start-up. They’re more expensive, but offer full peace of mind.
• Battery Backups – For specific needs like sump pumps or medical devices, standalone battery systems can buy you several hours of runtime. While not a long-term solution, they’re worth considering for targeted protection.
  

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a portable generator indoors?

No. Portable generators should never be used indoors or in enclosed spaces. They produce carbon monoxide, which can be deadly in just minutes. Always place portable generators outside, away from windows, doors, and vents.

What size generator do I need for my home?

That depends on what you want to power during an outage. A small portable generator might handle a fridge and a few outlets, while a whole-home standby system can run your entire electrical panel. During our free electrical evaluation, we can help assess your load needs and recommend the right-sized solution.

Do I need a permit to install a standby generator in Iowa?

Yes. In most Iowa municipalities, standby generator installation requires a permit to ensure compliance with electrical codes and safety standards. At Integra, we handle all the permitting and inspections for you.

How long do generators typically last?

A well-maintained standby generator can last 20–30 years, depending on usage and manufacturer. Portable generators usually last 10–15 years with proper care. Longevity also depends on whether the unit is used regularly and receives annual service.

How much does it cost to install a generator in Iowa?

Costs vary widely based on the size, fuel source, and whether it’s portable or permanently installed. If you’re curious about real numbers, we’ve put together a helpful overview of our generator installation services to walk you through what to expect.