Top 10 Things to Prepare for a Power Outage

1. Store safe drinking water

Keep at least one gallon per person per day for drinking and basic sanitation. Start with three days and increase your supply if space allows.

Helpful tip: If your home uses a well pump, electricity loss may also interrupt water service.

2. Keep flashlights and lanterns ready

Place LED flashlights, headlamps, and battery-powered lanterns where you can find them in the dark.

Helpful tip: Avoid candles when possible because they increase fire risk.

3. Charge phones and backup power banks

Keep power banks charged and compatible cables together. Enable low-power mode and use text messages to conserve battery.

Helpful tip: Recharge backup devices regularly, not just before a storm.

4. Protect refrigerated and frozen food

Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed. An unopened refrigerator generally keeps food safe for about four hours; a full freezer for about 48 hours, or 24 hours if half full.

Helpful tip: Use an appliance thermometer. Discard perishable refrigerated food after four hours without power or a cold source, and follow USDA food-safety guidance.

5. Plan no-cook meals

Stock ready-to-eat, shelf-stable meals such as canned foods, crackers, nut butter, and fruit that do not require electric appliances.

Helpful tip: Keep a manual can opener and consider allergies and special diets.

6. Prepare safe backup power

Choose battery stations or professionally installed generators sized for essential loads. Follow equipment instructions and plan fuel storage safely.

Helpful tip: Never operate generators indoors, in garages, or near doors, windows, or vents. Use a transfer switch installed by a qualified electrician for home connection.

7. Keep indoor temperatures safer

Have blankets, layered clothing, and a plan for staying warm in winter. In summer, close sun-facing blinds, drink water, and identify an air-conditioned place you can reach.

Helpful tip: Never use grills, ovens, or outdoor heaters to heat your home. Move to a safer location if indoor temperatures become dangerous.

8. Have a medical-device power plan

List medications that need refrigeration and medical devices that depend on electricity. Discuss backup options with healthcare providers and equipment suppliers.

Helpful tip: Do not wait until an outage to find out how long a device can run on backup power.

9. Stay informed without internet

Keep a battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA Weather Radio and a printed emergency contact list. Enable official local emergency alerts.

Helpful tip: Check for utility restoration updates when you have service, but conserve phone power.

10. Make a family outage routine

Agree on where supplies are stored, how to check on neighbors, and when to leave home if conditions are unsafe. Keep games, books, and comfort items available.

Helpful tip: Practice a short power-outage drill and review supplies seasonally.

Printable power outage checklist

Use this list to review your household preparations.