Never indoors
Never run a portable generator in a garage, basement or shed. Carbon monoxide builds up fast, even with doors open.
Storms & outages
How to Prepare Your Home for Power Outages in New Jersey, Plus What to Do in an Emergency
Storms, ice and summer thunderstorms knock out power across Monmouth County every year. This checklist covers what to do before, during and after an outage, with local numbers and the safety rules that keep families and utility crews safe.
If your home is the only one dark, or something is sparking, our electricians answer 24 hours a day for emergency calls.
- Written by licensed electricians
- New Jersey code
- Local to Monmouth County
The short answer
Before: save JCP&L's outage number, charge devices, test your sump pump and generator. During: check if it's just your home, unplug electronics, keep the fridge closed and run generators only outdoors. After: plug things back in slowly and call an electrician if any part of the home still isn't working.
Why it matters here
Outages Are a Fact of Life in Monmouth County
Recent storms show why a plan matters.
Tall trees, overhead lines and coastal storms make long outages common here. During Tropical Storm Isaias in August 2020, Marlboro's mayor reported more than 11,000 local customers still without power the evening after the storm, and many waited days.
In July 2026, storms again knocked out power across town. Two days later, about 1,000 Marlboro homes were still dark, and the township opened the Recreation Center and library as charging stations. Planning ahead makes that kind of week far easier.
Before the storm
Your Pre-Outage Checklist
Ten minutes now saves hours of stress later.
- Save JCP&L's outage line: 888-544-4877, or text OUT to 544487
- Charge phones, power banks and laptops
- Test your sump pump and keep the basement drain clear
- Put flashlights and batteries where you can find them in the dark
- Check that smoke and CO alarms work. See our smoke alarm guide
- If you have a standby generator, confirm it shows Auto
- If you use a portable generator, test it outside and have fuel stored safely
- Fill the car's gas tank or charge your EV
Someone at home uses medical equipment? Make a plan now for backup power or a place to go.
During the outage
What to Do When the Power Goes Out
Stay safe first, then protect your home.
Check your neighbors
If the whole street is dark, it's a utility outage. Report it to JCP&L. If only your home is out, the problem may be inside, so call an electrician.
Check your panel
Look for a tripped main breaker. If it's tripped and won't reset, or you smell burning, call a 24 hour emergency electrician.
Unplug sensitive electronics
Power can come back with a surge. Unplug TVs and computers or use surge protectors.
Keep fridge and freezer closed
Per USDA food safety guidance, a closed fridge keeps food cold about 4 hours. A full freezer holds about 48 hours, half full about 24.
Leave one light switched on
You'll know right away when power returns.
Generator safety
Using a Generator the Safe Way
Generators save the day, and they cause injuries every storm season when used wrong.
Keep it far away
The CDC advises keeping it at least 20 feet from the house, with exhaust pointed away from windows and doors.
No backfeeding
Never plug a generator into a wall outlet. It can send power onto the lines and endanger utility crews.
Use a transfer switch
A transfer switch or interlock lets you power furnace, fridge and sump pump safely.
Wondering how big a generator you'd need? Read What Size Generator Do You Need for a Whole House?.
After the outage
When the Power Comes Back
A few quick checks catch problems early.
- Plug electronics back in a few at a time
- Reset clocks, timers and your generator's schedule
- Check the sump pump is running again
- Throw out food that got too warm
Call an electrician if...
- Part of the house still has no power
- Lights are dim or flickering
- Outlets or GFCIs stopped working after a surge
- Water got near the panel or outlets
- The service wires or meter on your house were damaged
Tired of riding out storms? Compare a whole house generator and whole house surge protection.
Keep reading
More Guides From Our Electricians
Plain-English answers to the questions homeowners ask us most.
Brands & service areas
Brands and Towns We Serve
Help Across Monmouth and Middlesex County
Our licensed electricians serve Marlboro and these nearby towns.
View All Service AreasQuestions
Questions Readers Ask
How do I report a power outage to JCP&L?
Call 888-544-4877, text OUT to 544487, or use the outage page on the FirstEnergy website.
How long will food last in the fridge without power?
USDA guidance says about 4 hours in a closed fridge, about 48 hours in a full freezer and about 24 hours if it's half full.
Only my house lost power. What should I do?
Check your main breaker. If it's not tripped, or it won't reset, the problem may be your service or panel. Call an electrician.
Can I plug my generator into a wall outlet?
No. It's dangerous and can injure utility workers. Use a listed transfer switch or interlock.
How far should a generator be from my house?
The CDC recommends at least 20 feet, with the exhaust pointed away from doors and windows.
Ready Before the Next Outage?
Talk to a licensed electrician about generators, transfer switches and surge protection. Same-day visits and 24 hour help.
(732) 419-5195