A power outage can interrupt lighting, communication, refrigeration, and everyday routines. Preparing a few essentials in advance helps you respond calmly instead of searching for supplies in the dark. This power outage checklist is a starting point: adapt it to your household and follow instructions from your local authorities and utility provider.
Keep battery-powered lighting within reach
Store flashlights in familiar, accessible locations and make sure household members know where to find them. Battery-powered lanterns can provide light for shared spaces. Check which batteries each device needs and keep compatible replacements available. Avoid relying on candles, which introduce an open flame.
When choosing emergency lighting, compare the manufacturer's stated runtime, charging requirements, and intended environment. Test your equipment before you need it.
Plan for phone charging and local alerts
Keep a compatible power bank charged and store it with the correct charging cables. Backup charging capacity varies by device and battery condition, so do not assume one power bank can keep every household device running throughout an outage.
Enable local emergency alerts and consider a battery-powered radio as another way to receive updates. Write down important phone numbers in case your phone becomes unavailable. During an outage, reduce unnecessary battery use while keeping access to urgent messages.
Prepare water, food, and personal supplies
Choose shelf-stable foods your household can use without electrical appliances, and include a manual can opener if needed. Store drinking water according to official preparedness guidance. Keep hygiene items, first aid supplies, and essential personal items easy to reach.
If you use refrigerated medication or electrically powered medical equipment, arrange an outage plan with your clinician, pharmacist, or equipment provider before an emergency. Ordinary phone power banks are not substitutes for an approved medical-equipment backup system.
Protect refrigerated food
Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. Food safety depends on temperature and how long the power is out, not just how food looks or smells. Check current guidance from FoodSafety.gov before deciding what to keep or discard.
Use backup power safely
Never operate a fuel-burning generator indoors, in a garage, or near doors, windows, and vents. Follow the manufacturer's placement and operating instructions and official carbon monoxide safety guidance. Never connect a generator to household wiring through a wall outlet. Permanent connections require appropriate equipment and a qualified electrician.
Do not use outdoor grills or camping stoves indoors. Maintain smoke and carbon monoxide alarms according to their instructions, including any backup batteries.
Make a simple power outage checklist
- Accessible flashlights and compatible spare batteries.
- Charged phone power banks and matching cables.
- A way to receive emergency alerts.
- Drinking water and suitable shelf-stable food.
- First aid, hygiene, and household-specific supplies.
- Written contact details and a plan for essential medical needs.
Explore PreparedSavior's Power & Light collection for equipment to consider for your plan. Review each product's specifications and instructions to confirm it suits your needs.
What to do when the power goes out
Check your utility provider's outage updates if it is safe to do so. Use battery-powered lighting, preserve phone power, and follow local guidance. Stay away from downed power lines and report them through the appropriate emergency or utility channels.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most useful power outage essentials?
Begin with lighting, communication, drinking water, food that does not require electrical preparation, and supplies specific to your household. Your medical needs, local climate, and expected outage conditions may change your priorities.
How do I choose a power bank for emergencies?
Check device compatibility, capacity, charging connections, and manufacturer instructions. Keep it charged, test it periodically, and inspect it for damage.
How often should I check emergency lighting?
Include it in a recurring household preparedness review. Check battery condition and follow the manufacturer's maintenance guidance.
For additional planning information, visit Ready.gov's power outage guide.