When the power goes out, your options are limited. Lights fail, phones drain and your fridge starts warming. That’s why what truly matters is preparation long before an outage occurs. A clear plan keeps your home safe and well-supplied, even amid uncertainty. This checklist guides you through the most important steps. You can work through it in one afternoon, so you feel ready before the next disruption hits.
Start With Your Home’s Risk Profile
Begin by identifying critical devices that stop working when power goes out. Consider lights, refrigeration, internet, and any medical equipment you or family members rely on.
Extended outages disrupt essential facilities. Water service can take time to return. Gas stations shut down. Grocery stores and ATMs close. Planning at home limits how much those disruptions affect you.
Emergency agencies recommend households stay self-sufficient for at least 72 hours after a major incident. That means having three days’ worth of supplies and backup electricity in place. This helps you avoid scrambling in the immediate aftermath.
Choose Backup Power That Fits Your Needs
Worsening weather has increased blackouts and service disruptions. In the U.S., 80% of power outages from 2000 to 2023 were caused by winter storms, hurricanes and strong winds.
Your backup power should meet household needs and reflect risks in your region. Most importantly, it must fit your budget.
For example, the West Coast faces short, localized outages from winter windstorms or wildfire damage. For shorter interruptions like these, a portable generator can keep refrigerators working and lights on. Always place it outdoors, though. Carbon monoxide near windows and doors can become a serious health risk.
For renters, battery power stations suit apartments well, as they charge phones, laptops and small appliances. Solar panels can add charging capacity during sunnier months.
Regions where outages last longer — like the Southeast, Northeast and Midwest — often face widespread infrastructure damage. Homes here need a more reliable solution. Solar and battery systems provide stronger support. Battery storage keeps refrigerators and medical equipment running longer and avoids fuel shortages that can cripple generators.
Build a Steady Supply of Resources
Supplies run down fast when trips to the store aren’t possible. Building a home stockpile reduces dependence and provides a reliable fallback.
Food and Water
Plan 1 gallon of water per person per day and include enough for pets. Stock shelf-stable foods that don’t need cooking, like canned meats and vegetables. If you prefer warm meals, keep gas canisters for cooking beans, pasta or rice. For cans without pull tabs, store a manual can opener nearby.
Cold storage needs a plan. Refrigerators can maintain temperatures for about four hours if the doors stay closed. A full freezer holds temperature for roughly 48 hours, while a half-full one stays chilled for 24 hours. Freeze potable water in advance to store as ice, so food stays cool longer. When melted, it also doubles as drinking water.
Medical Needs
If anyone in your family relies on medical devices, plan for a reliable alternative power source. Inform your electricity provider to receive advance notice of scheduled outages and arrange backup if needed.
Store medications in plastic containers to keep them dry. Check with your provider how long each medication can tolerate warm summer temperatures. Extreme heat is linked to a 19% rise in asthma cases in children, so if you have kids with the condition, ensure relief medicines are readily available.
Lighting and Communication
Keep flashlights in every room so you can grab one quickly without having to search randomly in the dark. Store spare batteries next to them. A battery-powered or hand-crank radio provides updates when TV and social media are unavailable. A whistle helps, too. It carries farther than shouting and saves energy when you need to attract attention.
Comfort Items
Temperature swings without heaters or air conditioners can be harsh. Sleeping bags help you stay warm during winter outages. Portable, battery-powered fans can provide comfort in the summer. For little kids, cards and books ensure calm evenings when screens run out of charge. Also, keep their comfort items like blankets or stuffed toys within easy reach to avoid tantrums in the dark.
Protect Your Home System
Unplug electronics during outages because power often returns with surges. Those spikes can damage appliances and increase utility bills. Include a gas and water shut-off tool in your kit so you can quickly turn off utilities during emergencies, preventing leaks. Having a fire extinguisher adds another layer of safety against flame hazards.
Create a Family Strategy
Power loss can disrupt phone lines and make calls hard to get through. Decide in advance how you’ll communicate with your family during an emergency, especially if you’re not together. Text messages often work better than calls during outages, so agree to use texting as your primary check-in method.
Check and Refresh Your Resources
Update your provisions twice a year. Replace expired food and batteries, and test generators and power stations to ensure they work. Be sure to review medical needs regularly and update if needed. Practice your plan at least once a year and keep a printed copy in your supplies bin.
Outage-Proof Your Household
While you can’t prevent blackouts, preparing for them is half the battle. Having a clear checklist turns unexpected outages into manageable events that help you stay safe and comfortable when the power goes out.
