Quick answer: After a storm or power outage, keep the fridge and freezer closed, unplug sensitive appliances, wait about five minutes after power returns, then restart them one at a time and watch for error codes, burning smells or tripped breakers. If an appliance will not start or stops cooling or heating, stop using it and call a technician.
Oklahoma storms bring outages, surges and sometimes flooded basements. This checklist covers what to do with each major appliance in a Broken Arrow home, in the order that protects your food, your appliances and your safety. It is general guidance, not a substitute for your utility, your fire department or a licensed electrician.
Safety first
- If there is standing water around an appliance, outlet or breaker panel, do not touch it. Shut off power at the main only if the panel is dry and you can reach it safely, or call your utility or an electrician.
- If you smell gas, leave the house and call the gas company or 911 from outside.
- Never run a generator indoors or in a garage. Plug appliances into the generator with proper cords, not through the house wiring.
- Do not use an appliance that was under floodwater until a professional has checked it.
During the outage
Refrigerator and freezer
- Keep the doors closed. Per USDA food safety guidance, an unopened refrigerator keeps food cold for about 4 hours, a full freezer for about 48 hours, and a half-full freezer for about 24 hours.
- Group food together in the freezer so it stays cold longer.
- Use an appliance thermometer if you have one. Discard perishable food that has been above 40°F for more than 2 hours.
- When in doubt, throw it out. For more local guidance, see OSU Extension.
Everything else
- Unplug washers, dryers, microwaves, dishwashers, TVs and computers so a surge cannot damage them when power returns.
- Leave one light switched on so you know when power is back.
When the power comes back
- Wait about five minutes before plugging things back in, as many utilities suggest. Power can flicker or surge as the grid restarts.
- Restart appliances one at a time, starting with the refrigerator.
- Check the fridge and freezer temperature before eating anything. Check that the compressor is running and the fridge is cooling.
- Reset the clock and settings, and watch for error codes on each appliance.
Appliance-by-appliance check
Refrigerator and freezer
Listen for the compressor to start. If the fridge runs but does not cool within several hours, or the control panel is dead, the control board or compressor relay may have been damaged. See our refrigerator repair in Broken Arrow page.
Washer and dryer
Run an empty cycle. A washer that will not drain or start, or a dryer that spins but does not heat, can point to a surge-damaged board or a tripped thermal fuse. See washer repair and dryer repair.
Oven, range and microwave
Test each burner and the oven on a low setting. A dead display, flashing code, or an element that will not heat suggests a damaged control. Do not use a microwave that sparks or smells burnt. See oven and range repair and microwave repair.
Dishwasher
Run a short cycle and check that it drains and heats. Standing water or a dead panel after a storm is worth a technician visit. See dishwasher repair.
Breaker panel
If a breaker trips again right after you reset it, or you smell burning at the panel, stop and call an electrician. See circuit breaker service.
Signs an appliance needs a professional
- It will not start, or the control panel is dead.
- It shows repeated error codes.
- You smell burning or see scorch marks.
- The fridge or freezer stops cooling, or a dryer or oven stops heating.
- A breaker trips again after you reset it.
Need help in Broken Arrow, Bixby, Coweta, Wagoner, Catoosa, Inola, Mounds or Haskell? See areas we serve, read our complete appliance repair guide, or call +1 (539) 281-3311.
Frequently asked questions
How long does food stay safe in the fridge during a power outage?
Per USDA guidance, an unopened refrigerator keeps food cold for about 4 hours. A full freezer holds its temperature for about 48 hours, or about 24 hours if it is half full. Keep doors closed, and discard perishable food that has been above 40°F for more than 2 hours.
Should I unplug appliances during a storm?
Yes, if you can do it safely. Unplugging refrigerators, washers, dryers, microwaves and electronics protects them from surges when power returns. Never touch a plug, appliance or breaker panel if there is water on the floor or around it.
How long should I wait before turning my refrigerator back on after an outage?
Many utilities and manufacturers suggest waiting about five minutes after power returns so the compressor is not hit by a surge or rapid restart. If the fridge stays off for hours, check the temperature before eating anything inside.
What are signs of appliance damage after a power surge?
Common signs are a dead control panel, flashing error codes, a fridge that runs but does not cool, a dryer that spins but does not heat, a burning smell, or a breaker that trips again right after you reset it.
When should I call an appliance repair technician?
Call if an appliance will not start, shows repeated error codes, smells like burning, or stops cooling or heating after the power returns. Call an electrician for a breaker that keeps tripping or any burning smell at the panel.