Power Outage Readiness Checklist

Reviewed and updated: September 19, 2026. Use official local alerts during an emergency. This checklist does not replace clinician, utility, electrical, or public-health instructions.

Four-panel power-outage checklist graphic covering lighting and communications, food and medication plans, generator and carbon-monoxide safety, and recovery steps after power returns. — Use official local alerts during an event. This visual supports the checklist; it does not replace medical, electrical, or public-health directions.

Use this as a preparation list, then adapt it for household members, medical devices, pets, local hazards, and the likely duration of an outage.

Lighting, communications, and information

[ ] Flashlights, headlamps, battery lanterns, and batteries are in known locations.
[ ] Power banks and car chargers are charged; a battery or hand-crank weather radio is available.
[ ] Emergency contacts, utility information, and local shelter information are available without relying only on a phone.

Food, water, and medication

[ ] Refrigerator and freezer thermometers are available; doors stay closed during an outage.
[ ] You know the food-safety limits: about 4 hours for an unopened refrigerator, 48 hours for a full freezer, and 24 hours for a half-full freezer.
[ ] Safe water and shelf-stable food are available for the household’s needs.
[ ] A clinician, pharmacy, device supplier, or utility plan covers refrigerated medication and electricity-dependent medical equipment.

Generator and CO safety

[ ] If used, the generator will run outdoors more than 20 feet from windows, doors, and vents—not in a garage, carport, basement, or home.
[ ] Battery-powered or battery-backup CO alarms are working.
[ ] No grill, camp stove, charcoal device, or gas oven/range will be used indoors for heat or cooking.
[ ] No portable generator will be connected to home wiring without properly installed equipment from a qualified electrician.

Home and household safety

[ ] Smoke and CO alarms are tested according to their instructions.
[ ] Household members know the evacuation plan and where to meet outside.
[ ] Plans account for extreme heat/cold, mobility limitations, pets, and transportation.
[ ] Local alerts, utility guidance, and water advisories will control during the event.

After power returns

[ ] Check refrigerator/freezer temperatures and discard unsafe food; do not taste food to decide.
[ ] Check medical-device, alarm, and security-system status according to their instructions.
[ ] Recharge, refill, and record what was missing for the next event.

Sources and review notes

This page was reviewed against the primary public-safety sources below on September 19, 2026. They provide general safety guidance; the alarm label, local fire authority, building code, lease, and licensed professional remain controlling where they differ.