Power Outage Checklist: How to Prepare, Keep Food Safe and Power What Matters
Short answer: list everything in your home that needs electricity, decide which of those must keep running (fridge, phones, medical devices, lights), and plan a safe backup for each: batteries and power banks for small things, a portable power station or home backup battery for bigger loads indoors, and a fuel generator only outdoors, at least 20 feet from the house. Keep the fridge and freezer closed, and install battery-backed carbon monoxide alarms.
What a power outage can knock out
Ready.gov, the U.S. government’s emergency preparedness site, warns that an extended outage can disrupt communications, water and transportation; close stores, gas stations, ATMs and banks; spoil food and contaminate water; and prevent the use of medical devices. Planning ahead is mostly about the last three.
From Ready.gov, “Power Outages”, read October 26, 2026.
Step 1: make your power list
Ready.gov’s first step is to take an inventory of the items you need that rely on electricity, then plan batteries and other backup power for them. A simple way to sort it:
| Priority | Examples | Typical backup |
|---|---|---|
| Critical | Powered medical devices, refrigerated medicine | A plan agreed with your doctor, plus battery backup sized for it |
| Communication and light | Phones, a radio, flashlights, internet router | Power banks, flashlights for every household member, a small power station |
| Food | Refrigerator, freezer | Keep closed; coolers with ice; a power station or generator big enough for the fridge |
| Comfort | Fans, a space heater, a sump pump, a well pump | Larger home backup battery or a properly connected generator |
Priorities based on Ready.gov, “Power Outages”, read October 26, 2026. The examples column is ours.
To work out how big a battery you need for your list, our power station size guide has a calculator. For a whole-house plan, see what size generator you need.
Step 2: medical devices and medicine first
Ready.gov says to talk to your medical provider about a power outage plan for electrically powered medical devices and refrigerated medicines, and to find out how long each medicine can be stored at higher temperatures. After an outage that lasts more than a day, it says to throw away medicine that should be refrigerated unless the label says otherwise, and to get a new supply from your doctor or pharmacist right away.
From Ready.gov, “Power Outages”, read October 26, 2026.
Step 3: keep your food safe
Fridge and freezer: the numbers to remember
- About 4 hours: how long a closed refrigerator keeps food cold.
- About 48 hours: how long a full freezer holds its temperature.
- 40°F: throw out food that has been at 40°F or warmer for two hours or more, or that has an unusual odor, color or texture.
Keep the doors closed, use coolers with ice if needed, and check temperatures with a thermometer. When in doubt, throw it out.
From Ready.gov, “Power Outages”, read October 26, 2026.
If you want to keep the fridge running instead, check the power it draws (on its label or manual) against a power station’s continuous output and battery capacity, or plan a generator connected the safe way.
Step 4: carbon monoxide and generator safety
Ready.gov’s rules are blunt, because carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless and can kill people and pets:
- Run generators, camp stoves and charcoal grills only outdoors, at least 20 feet from windows, doors and attached garages.
- Install carbon monoxide alarms with battery backup in central locations on every level of the home.
- Never use a gas stove or oven to heat your home.
- Keep the generator dry, connect appliances with heavy-duty extension cords, and let it cool before refueling.
From Ready.gov, “Power Outages”, read October 26, 2026.
Battery power stations make no exhaust, which is why many people use one indoors for phones, lights, a router or a CPAP and keep a fuel generator for bigger loads outside. Our generator placement guide covers where to put one.
Step 5: when the power comes back
Power may return with momentary surges or spikes. Ready.gov advises turning off or disconnecting appliances, equipment and electronics during the outage so a surge can’t damage them, then checking your food and medicine before using them.
From Ready.gov, “Power Outages”, read October 26, 2026.
Power outage checklist
- List of everything that needs electricity, sorted by priority
- Medical device and medicine plan agreed with your doctor
- Flashlights for everyone, plus spare batteries
- Charged power banks for phones
- Battery-backed carbon monoxide alarm on every level
- Fridge thermometer and a cooler
- Backup power sized for your list (power station, home battery or generator)
- Generator spot outdoors, 20+ feet from doors and windows, and heavy-duty cords
- Nonperishable food and water
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Check each unit’s continuous output, battery capacity or fuel run time, outlets, and the safety instructions on the listing.
Keep reading
See all portable power stations, home backup batteries and generators, or read transfer switch vs interlock kit.
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