Home Power Down Outage Checklist
A power outage becomes dangerous fast if you are unprepared — especially during extreme heat, winter storms, or extended outages. Most people realize too late they are missing critical items.
Use this checklist before the next outage happens.
Immediate Actions When Power Goes Out
First 5 Minutes
- Check if outage affects:
- Just your home
- Neighborhood
- Entire area
- Check breakers and GFCI outlets
- Report outage to utility company
- Unplug sensitive electronics:
- TVs
- Computers
- Gaming systems
- Leave one light on so you know when power returns
- Keep refrigerator/freezer doors closed
Safety First
Carbon Monoxide Safety
NEVER use:
- Generators indoors
- Propane heaters indoors unless rated safe
- Charcoal grills indoors
- Gas ovens for heat
Have:
- Battery-powered CO detectors
- Extra batteries
Emergency Lighting
Best Options
- LED flashlights
- Rechargeable lanterns
- Headlamps
- Battery puck lights
Avoid:
- Candles when possible
- Open flames near children or pets
Recommended Placement
Keep lights:
- Bedrooms
- Kitchen
- Bathroom
- Basement
- Near breaker panel
Water & Food
Water Supply
Store:
- 1 gallon per person per day
- Minimum 3-day supply
- More if on well water
Remember:
If you have a well, you may lose:
- Running water
- Toilets
- Shower
- Hot water
Food
Keep:
- Non-perishable foods
- Manual can opener
- Protein bars
- Peanut butter
- Shelf-stable milk
- Canned meals
Refrigerator & Freezer Rules
Refrigerator
- Safe about 4 hours unopened
Freezer
- Full freezer: ~48 hours
- Half-full freezer: ~24 hours
Tip
Freeze water bottles ahead of time:
- Helps maintain temperature
- Provides drinking water later
Backup Power Equipment
Generator Checklist
If using a generator:
- Test monthly
- Store stabilized fuel
- Use heavy-duty extension cords
- Keep outside 20+ feet from house
- Protect from rain
Recommended:
- Inverter generator for electronics
Examples:
- Honda EU2200i
- Champion 2500-Watt Inverter Generator
- Westinghouse iGen2800
Battery Backup
Useful for:
- Phones
- Internet
- Medical devices
- Refrigerators (short-term)
Examples:
- EcoFlow Delta 2
- Jackery Explorer 1000
- Bluetti AC180
Medical Needs
Critical Items
Prepare for:
- CPAP machines
- Refrigerated medications
- Oxygen equipment
- Mobility devices
Keep:
- Backup batteries
- Power banks
- Emergency contacts
- Medication list
Winter Outage Prep
Prevent Frozen Pipes
- Open cabinet doors under sinks
- Let faucets drip slightly
- Close off unused rooms
- Insulate drafty windows
If heating fails:
- Wear layered clothing
- Use sleeping bags
- Stay in one room
Summer Outage Prep
Prevent Heat Emergencies
- Close blinds and curtains
- Stay hydrated
- Avoid opening refrigerator often
- Use battery fans
Watch for:
- Heat exhaustion
- Heat stroke
Especially for:
- Seniors
- Infants
- Pets
Communication Checklist
Keep:
- Battery radio
- Fully charged power banks
- Printed emergency contacts
- Car chargers
Text messages often work when calls fail.
Vehicle Readiness
Keep vehicles:
- At least half tank of fuel
- Phone chargers inside
- Emergency blankets
- Flashlight
- Jumper pack
Your vehicle may become:
- Charging station
- Heat source
- Cooling shelter
Important Documents
Store copies of:
- Insurance
- IDs
- Medical information
- Emergency contacts
Use:
- Waterproof container
- Cloud backup
Home Power Outage Kit
Basic Kit
- Flashlights
- Batteries
- Power banks
- First aid kit
- Bottled water
- Non-perishable food
- Manual can opener
- Blankets
- Battery radio
- Extension cords
- Generator supplies
- CO detector
Smart Upgrade Ideas
Useful additions:
- Whole-home surge protector
- Automatic transfer switch
- Solar charging setup
- Battery backup internet
- Smart emergency lighting
Examples:
- Tesla Powerwall
- Generac Guardian Series
Most Overlooked Problems During Outages
People forget:
- Garage doors may not open
- Sump pumps stop working
- Internet usually fails
- Gas stations may not pump fuel
- Cell towers can overload
- Electric stoves won’t work
- Security systems may fail
The Reality
Most outage problems are not caused by lack of equipment.
They are caused by:
- No plan
- No fuel
- Dead batteries
- Poor lighting
- Lack of testing
Prepared homes usually handle outages calmly. Unprepared homes panic within hours.