About one-quarter of U.S. households reported experiencing a power outage in 2023, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Housing Survey. Approximately 23.6 million, or about 70%, of the households that reported an outage said they experienced one lasting six hours or longer. In the wake of a natural disaster, power outages can last much longer. Prolonged power outages aren't just inconvenient. They also can be costly. The slideshow above highlights six of the biggest impacts that a prolonged power outages have on households. Around 14.5 million U.S. households reported having medical devices that require electricity, with 31.6% of them reporting an outage at some point in 2023. Likewise, around 8.6 million households with at least one person who has a disability reported experiencing an outage, which can be disruptive for both the individual with the disability and their caretakers. Homeowners were more heavily affected by power outages than renters last year, with 28.3% of homeowners reporting an outage compared to 19.9% of renters. Just over 35% of those in rural areas reported experiencing a power outage, compared to those 22.8% of those in urban areas. According to the Census Bureau, the U.S. metro cities that had the most housing units experience a power outage over the last year were:

• Detroit: 44.8%
• San Francisco: 36.2%
• Seattle: 29.3%
• Houston: 25.7%
• Boston: 25.3%

To help protect themselves from losses, Ready.gov suggests the following tips for those experiencing a power outage:

• Keep freezers and refrigerators closed.
• Only use a generator outside and away from windows.
• Do not use a gas stove or oven to heat the home.
• Disconnect appliances and electronics to avoid damage from electrical surges.
• Have alternative plans for refrigerating medicines or powering medical devices.
• Check with local officials about public heating and cooling locations if necessary.

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• Deadly Helene unleashes floods and knocks out power to millions
• When does a power outage trigger insurance coverage?