Free Outage Checklist
A no-drama list for a multi-day power outage. Print it before you need it.
1. Water
- Store at least 1 gallon per person per day for several days (Ready.gov recommends a minimum of 3 days).
- Include pets. Know how to shut off your main water valve.
2. Food
- Shelf-stable food that needs no cooking, plus a manual can opener.
- Keep fridge and freezer doors closed. Per USDA guidance, a closed refrigerator keeps food safe for about 4 hours; a full closed freezer about 48 hours (24 if half full). USDA FSIS
- When in doubt, throw it out. Use a thermometer: food above 40°F for 2+ hours should be discarded.
3. Light
- Flashlights or headlamps per person, spare batteries. Avoid candles where possible.
4. Radio & info
- Battery or hand-crank NOAA weather radio. Write down key phone numbers on paper.
5. Power
- Charged power bank(s) or a portable power station sized in watt-hours for what you actually need to run.
- Never run a generator indoors or in a garage (carbon monoxide). Install CO alarms.
Charge order when the grid drops
- Phones (communication first)
- Radio
- Fridge (in intervals, if your station can handle it)
- Comfort loads (fans, laptops, entertainment)
General preparedness information, not a guarantee of safety. Follow local emergency officials. See also Ready.gov: Power Outages.