I’ve talked a lot about our unstable power grid before.

And what you should do the next time the power grid fails.

But what’s equally important is what NOT to do.

Because some mistakes are more dangerous than most people think.

1. Opening the fridge for no reason.

Look, I understand, the first thing you might think about is whether your food’s going to spoil.

But every time you look inside that fridge, you’re letting out precious cold air.

Keep it shut, and your food will stay safe for up to 4 hours in the fridge and 48 hours in the freezer, provided you don’t go peeking!

If this time has passed already, and you want to test if your food is still safe to eat, follow these instructions.

And the same goes for your exterior doors.

Keep your doors and windows shut to maintain your house’s current temperature as much as possible. This is especially crucial in extreme weather conditions.

2. Put down the candles.

Candles might seem like the obvious go-to for light, but they’re a fire hazard if you have children running around in the dark.

And especially in a prolonged outage, when we tend to forget about them.

It’s wiser to stick to solar flashlights or LED lanterns.

If you want to use candles, go ahead, but be very careful.

And don’t let your children near ‘em.

3. Trying to use the elevator.

This one might seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be shocked by how many folks forget the elevator doesn’t work during power outages.

When the power’s out, those metal boxes turn into death traps.

If the elevator stops working when you’re already inside of it, stick to these 4 steps.

4. Using generators indoors

Generators are a godsend during a blackout, but they’re also a source of carbon monoxide.

Don’t ever use them indoors or close to windows and doors. Keep them outside and away from your living spaces to escape any risks.

5. Not staying put

This one’s for your children.

Unless it’s unsafe to stay in your house, the safest place to be during a blackout is exactly where they are.

Venturing outside can expose them to unnecessary hazards when streetlights and road signals are out.

Remember, folks, staying informed and prepared is your best defense against the challenges a blackout can bring.

Keep these tips in mind and you’ll navigate through the darkness like a pro.