How long can a power outage last?

Most residential outages resolve within a few hours. However, widespread outages from major storms, heat waves, or infrastructure failures can last days to weeks. FEMA recommends preparing for at least 72 hours (3 days) without power as a minimum baseline.

How long is food safe in the refrigerator without power?

A closed refrigerator keeps food safe for about 4 hours. A full freezer maintains safe temperature for about 48 hours (24 hours if half full). Use a cooler with ice to extend perishables further. When in doubt, throw it out — foodborne illness can be serious.

Can I use my gas stove during a power outage?

Most gas stoves use electric ignition that won't work in a power outage. You can light the burners with a match or lighter on many models. DO NOT use the oven as a heat source — it can release dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. Never use camp stoves, gas grills, or charcoal grills indoors.

What should I do first when the power goes out?

1) Check if just your home is affected (blown breaker or local issue) or if it's a wider outage. 2) Turn off and unplug major appliances to prevent surge damage when power returns. 3) Keep the refrigerator and freezer closed. 4) Use your battery-powered or hand-crank radio for updates. 5) Conserve phone battery.

How do I report a power outage?

Contact your utility company directly — their outage reporting number is usually on your bill and on their website. Most utilities also have smartphone apps and text-based outage reporting. Reporting your outage helps utilities identify the scope and prioritize repairs.

Is it safe to run a generator indoors?

Never. Never run a generator indoors, in a garage, or within 20 feet of windows, doors, or vents. Generators produce carbon monoxide, which is odorless, invisible, and lethal. Always operate generators outdoors with exhaust pointing away from your home. Install a battery-backup carbon monoxide detector.

How do I keep warm during a winter power outage?

Layer up: thermal base layers, fleece mid-layer, and a heavy outer layer. Stay in one room and block drafts under doors. Sleep with extra blankets and keep pets close for body heat. If temperatures inside drop below 50°F, go to a warming center, hotel, or the home of a friend or family member with heat.

Emergency Planner

Power Outage Checklist — emergencyplanner.com

https://emergencyplanner.com

Printed: 3/25/2026

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Power Outage Checklist: What to Do Before, During & After

Power Outage Checklist: What to Do Before, During & After

Power outages can last minutes or weeks — and the difference between a minor inconvenience and a real emergency often comes down to preparation. This checklist covers everything your household needs before the next outage: supplies, food safety, battery backup, and how to stay safe when the grid goes down.

Last reviewed: 2026-03-01 · Based on Ready.gov, CDC, FEMA guidance

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Lighting & Power

Light sources and backup power for phones, radios, and medical devices.

LED flashlights (one per person)(1 per person)critical
LED lasts much longer than incandescent. Headlamps are great for hands-free use.
Ready.gov ↗
Extra batteries (AA and AAA)(2 sets per device)critical
Store separately from devices to prevent corrosion. Check expiry dates.
Battery power bank (10,000+ mAh)(1–2 per household)critical
Keep charged. 20,000 mAh banks charge most phones 4–5 times.
NOAA Weather Radio (battery or hand-crank)(1)critical
Receives emergency alerts when cell service is down. Look for WX alert capability.
FEMA ↗
Candles and matches/lighter(5+ candles)
Never leave candles unattended. Keep away from flammable materials.
Solar charging panel(1)optional
For extended outages. Can charge phones and battery banks from sunlight.

Food & Water

Safe food storage and water when utilities fail.

Non-perishable food (3+ day supply)(3+ days per person)critical
Choose foods that don't need cooking. Canned goods, trail mix, granola bars, peanut butter.
Ready.gov ↗
Bottled or stored water(1 gallon per person per day)critical
Water pumps may fail during outages. Have at least 3 days stored.
Ready.gov ↗
Manual can opener(1)critical
Electric openers won't work. Keep with your food supplies.
Cooler with ice or ice packs(1)
Extends refrigerator food life. Keep refrigerator/freezer closed during outage.
Camp stove and fuel (for outdoor use only)(1 stove + 2 fuel canisters)
NEVER use indoors. Carbon monoxide poisoning kills. Use only outside with ventilation.
CDC ↗

Safety & Communication

Stay informed and stay safe.

Carbon monoxide (CO) detector with battery backup(1 per floor)critical
Generator, camp stove, and charcoal grill use cause CO poisoning. CO is odorless and invisible.
CDC ↗
First aid kit(1)critical
Hospitals and urgent care may be busy during widespread outages.
Printed emergency contact list(1 per household)critical
Phones die. Know key contacts by memory or on paper.
Ready.gov ↗
Know how to manually open your garage doorcritical
Many people are trapped because electric openers fail. Pull the red cord to disengage.
Cash in small bills($100–$200 minimum)critical
ATMs and card readers may not work. Gas stations may be cash-only.
Backup charger cables (USB-A and USB-C)(2+)
Extra cables let multiple devices charge from one bank.

Medical & Special Needs

Critical preparation for those with health conditions.

7-day supply of prescription medications(7-day supply)critical
Pharmacies may be closed. Ask your doctor for an emergency supply.
Ready.gov ↗
UPS battery backup for CPAP, oxygen concentrator, or nebulizercritical
Register with your utility as a medical dependent customer for priority restoration.
Keep refrigerated medications (insulin, etc.) coolcritical
Insulin stays stable at room temp for 28 days. Longer outages may require a cooler with ice.
CDC ↗

Warmth & Comfort

Staying warm when heating systems fail.

Warm blankets (one per person)(1+ per person)critical
Wool or synthetic fleece retain warmth even if damp. Keep extras in your kit.
Extra layers of clothing
Layer up rather than relying on space heaters. Fleece and wool are best.
Portable propane or kerosene heater (with carbon monoxide detector)optional
Use only in well-ventilated areas. Keep CO detector nearby. Never sleep with heater running.

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Detailed Guidance

Food Safety During a Power Outage

The #1 rule: when in doubt, throw it out. - A closed refrigerator keeps food safe for about 4 hours. - A full freezer stays safe for 48 hours (24 hours if half full). - A cooler with ice can extend fridge food safety by several days. - Do NOT rely on smell or appearance alone — dangerous bacteria don't always change food's smell, taste, or appearance. - Perishable food that has been above 40°F for more than 2 hours should be discarded. Source: USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service

Carbon Monoxide (CO) Safety — The #1 Outage Killer

Carbon monoxide poisoning kills more people during power outages than any other cause. It is invisible, odorless, and fast-acting. NEVER use these indoors or in an attached garage: - Gas generators - Camp stoves (propane, butane, white gas) - Charcoal or gas grills - Portable propane heaters without proper ventilation Carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms: Headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, confusion. If suspected, get outside immediately and call 911. Install a battery-backup CO detector on every floor of your home. Source: CDC, CPSC

If You Depend on Electrically Powered Medical Equipment

If anyone in your household uses a CPAP, oxygen concentrator, nebulizer, power wheelchair, stair lift, or other electric medical device: 1. Register with your electric utility as a "medical baseline" or "life support" customer — you may get priority restoration and advance warning of planned outages. 2. Contact your equipment manufacturer about battery backup options. 3. Contact your local emergency management office — some counties have programs for people with medical needs. 4. Know the locations of your nearest hospitals and dialysis centers. Source: Ready.gov (People with Disabilities and Special Needs)