Preparing for a Long Power Outage

20 items · Home · Medium difficulty · 30 min

Essential steps to prepare your home for a long power outage.

• Assemble emergency lighting kit

  Keep lights in easy-to-reach spots: entry, bedrooms, kitchen.

• Pack flashlights and spare batteries

  Use LED flashlights; store fresh batteries nearby.

• Pack candles and waterproof matches/lighter

  Keep candles in holders; never leave burning unattended.

• Pack headlamps and glow sticks
• Charge devices and power banks

  Top up all device batteries before the outage.

• Fully charge power banks and phones now

  Charge to full; keep one bank plugged in if possible.

• Gather charging cables, car charger, and solar charger

  Label cables and keep them in a single pouch.

• Store drinking water for 3 days

  Aim for 1 gallon per person per day; include pets.

• Prepare fridge & freezer to preserve food
• Move perishables to cooler and freeze containers

  Use frozen water bottles as ice packs to extend cold time.

• Set fridge/freezer to coldest and keep doors closed

  Don't open unless necessary; group items together.

• Prepare alternative cooking & heating methods
• Test portable gas stove outdoors and store fuel safely

  Use only outdoors; store fuel in approved containers away from the house.

• Review generator manual and fuel storage

  Know startup, shutdown, and safe fueling practices.

• Position and test generator outdoors with proper ventilation

  Keep generator away from windows; use heavy-duty cords and never run indoors.

• Keep emergency cash and important documents accessible

  Small bills, copies of IDs, and insurance cards in a waterproof pouch.

• Pack battery-powered or hand-crank radio and spare batteries

  Tune to local emergency frequencies; test it now.

• Assemble personal emergency kit (meds, toiletries, pet needs)

  Include 3 days of prescription meds and supplies for infants/pets.

• Plan neighbor check-in schedule and contacts

  Arrange who checks on elderly/disabled and set a meeting point.

• Unplug sensitive electronics and set refrigerators to energy-saving mode

  Prevent surge damage and conserve stored cold.

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