Picture this: the lights go out on a Friday night, you’re feeling around for a flashlight, and your phone’s sitting at 12 percent. A little prep turns that scramble into a minor inconvenience. This power outage checklist covers how to get your home ready before the next storm, so you stay safe and comfortable whether the lights are out for an hour or several days.
The short version? Get light, phone power, food safety, water and a backup power plan sorted ahead of time. It takes about an afternoon. Here’s how to tackle each piece.
What’s the safest way to light your home?
Skip the candles. Open flames are a fire risk, especially in the dark when you’re tired and moving around. Battery-powered light is the better bet.
- Keep a flashlight in every bedroom and one in the kitchen, with spare batteries.
- Add a few lanterns or headlamps for hands-free and area light.
- Store batteries somewhere cool and dry, and check them twice a year.
Want something ready-made? Our roundup of backup lighting kits for power outages shows what to look for.
How do you keep phones and devices charged?
- Charge phones, tablets and power banks as soon as a storm’s forecast.
- Keep a couple of charged power banks and cables together in one spot.
- Download maps and key information ahead of time, in case cell service gets spotty.
- Consider a battery-powered or hand-crank radio for weather alerts.
How do you protect your basement and sump pump?
If you’ve got a sump pump, an outage during heavy rain is the worst combo. The pump stops and the water can rise. A battery backup can keep the pump working for hours, and you can learn more in our guide to home battery backup for a sump pump. And if your basement has a history of moisture, keeping your basement dry all year will lower the risk even further.
How long does food stay safe in a power outage?
Now, on to the fridge. General food safety guidance says a refrigerator keeps food cold for about four hours if you leave it closed, and a full freezer for roughly 48 hours (about 24 if it’s half full). Here’s how to make the most of that:
- Set your fridge and freezer to their normal cold settings, and keep an appliance thermometer inside if you have one.
- Keep the doors shut.
- Fill empty freezer space with containers of water or ice packs to hold the cold longer.
- When in doubt, throw it out. Perishable food that’s been above 40 degrees F for more than two hours shouldn’t be eaten.
What water and supplies should you stock?
- Store water. A common guideline is about one gallon per person per day for several days.
- Stock non-perishable food you don’t need to cook, plus a manual can opener.
- Keep a first-aid kit and any medications on hand, including a few days of backup supplies.
- Have some cash too, since card machines may not work.
Can you keep working from home during an outage?
If you work from home, losing power can mean losing a day’s income. A UPS (uninterruptible power supply) keeps your computer and router running through short outages and gives you time to save your work and shut down. See UPS battery backup for a home office to learn how to match one to your equipment. Keep in mind that your internet provider’s network may go down too, so a phone hotspot makes a good plan B.
How do you stay comfortable in the heat or cold?
- In the heat: close blinds and curtains, stay on the lowest floor, drink water, and head to a cooled public place if you need to.
- In the cold: dress in layers, close off unused rooms, and pile on blankets and sleeping bags. Never use a gas oven, grill or camp stove to heat your home, because they can produce deadly carbon monoxide.
- Check on older neighbors and relatives, especially anyone who relies on medical equipment.
Do you need a backup power plan?
For some households, flashlights and a cooler are plenty. For others, especially anyone with medical devices, a well pump or a home office, backup power is worth a serious look. The main choices are:
- Portable power station or solar generator: quiet, no fumes, and good for essentials.
- Portable gas or propane generator: more power, but it must be used outdoors, far from the house.
- Whole home battery or standby generator: a professionally installed system that covers much more of the house. Our guide to whole home battery backup systems explains the category.
Whichever you pick, safety comes first. Never run a generator indoors, in a garage, or near windows and vents, and install carbon monoxide alarms. Our guide to generator carbon monoxide safety covers the rules in detail.
What should you do once the power’s out?
- Unplug sensitive electronics, or use a surge protector, to avoid damage when the power surges back.
- Leave one light switched on so you’ll know when power returns.
- Stay away from downed power lines and report them to your utility or 911.
- Check your utility’s outage map, if you can reach it, for restoration estimates.
Quick printable checklist
- Flashlights, lanterns and batteries
- Charged power banks and cables
- Water and non-perishable food
- Fridge and freezer thermometers
- Medications and first-aid kit
- Sump pump backup, if needed
- Carbon monoxide alarms with fresh batteries
- A backup power plan that fits your household
Frequently asked questions
How long does food last in a fridge without power?
General guidance says about four hours if the door stays closed. A full freezer holds for roughly 48 hours, or about 24 if it’s half full.
What should be in a power outage kit?
Flashlights and spare batteries, charged power banks, water, non-perishable food, a manual can opener, medications, a first-aid kit and some cash. Carbon monoxide alarms with fresh batteries belong on the list too.
How much water should I store for an outage?
A common guideline is about one gallon per person per day for several days.
The bottom line
Getting ready for a power outage takes an afternoon, and it pays off the first time the grid fails. Start with light, phone power and food safety, then decide whether you need backup power for the things you can’t do without. When you’re ready to compare options, use the roundups linked above.