Power Outage Preparation Checklist
Before an outage
- List every device that needs electricity (Ready.gov) — medical devices first
- Flashlight for every household member + spare batteries
- Power banks charged for every phone
- Battery or hand-crank radio
- Key phone numbers written on paper (family, doctor, utility, insurer)
- Utility outage alerts on; outage map bookmarked
- Medical plan agreed with your provider; join utility medical register if eligible
- Appliance thermometers in fridge and freezer
- Non-perishable food and water stored
- CO alarms with battery backup on every level; smoke alarms tested
- Know how to open the garage door manually
- Some cash at home; car fuel tank kept reasonably full
- Backup power tested with real loads (power station / generator / sump backup)
During an outage
- Keep fridge and freezer doors closed (fridge ~4 hrs; full freezer ~48 hrs, half ~24 hrs — FoodSafety.gov)
- Turn off or unplug electronics; leave one lamp on to know when power returns
- Never heat your home with a gas stove or oven
- Generators outdoors only, 20+ ft from windows, doors and vents
- Never plug a generator into a wall outlet (backfeeding)
- Prioritise battery power: medical → fridge → phones → lights
- Go to a heating/cooling centre if heat or cold is extreme
After an outage
- When in doubt, throw it out — food above 40°F (4°C) for 2+ hours
- Never taste food to judge safety
- Refreeze frozen food only if it has ice crystals or is at 40°F or below
- Check refrigerated medicines; ask a pharmacist if power was out 1+ day
- Plug appliances back in gradually
- Recharge power banks and power station; restock batteries, food, fuel
- Note what you were missing and add it to your kit
Sources: Ready.gov (ready.gov/power-outages), FoodSafety.gov / USDA, US CPSC generator safety alert. General information only. Full guide: wattfort.com/guides/power-outage-preparation-checklist/