Power outages are the most common emergency most people will ever face. A 72-hour outage is uncomfortable. A two-week outage is dangerous. The same supplies and plans cover both — just scaled appropriately.
BEFORE: Essential Equipment
Light
- LED flashlight (one per person minimum)
- Headlamp — hands-free for cooking, first aid, reading
- Extra batteries (2–3 sets per device)
- Battery-powered lantern for ambient room lighting
- Candles + matches (backup; never leave unattended)
Power and Communication
- Power bank (20,000+ mAh) — keep fully charged at all times
- Car charger — your car can charge devices; run the engine outside only
- Battery or hand-crank radio — for emergency broadcasts without internet
- Solar charger — for extended outages with outdoor access
- Generator (optional) — must be used outside only; carbon monoxide kills
Food
- 72-hour supply of non-perishable food minimum
- Manual can opener — non-negotiable
- Camp stove + fuel for cooking if your stove is electric
- Paper plates — saves water
Water
- 3-day stored water supply (1 gallon / 4 liters per person per day)
- Water purification method as backup
Medical and Safety
- First aid kit
- 7–14 days of essential prescription medications
- Written medication list with dosages
- Carbon monoxide detector (battery-powered) if using any fuel-burning device indoors
BEFORE: Make a Plan
Answer these with your household before an outage:
- Where is everything? Everyone should find flashlights and water in the dark.
- What do we eat first? Perishables first, shelf-stable second.
- How do we heat or cool the space? Know safe options before you need them.
- Do we stay or evacuate? Set a clear threshold.
DURING: The First 6 Hours
- Report the outage to your utility provider
- Check the scope (just your home, or the whole neighborhood?)
- Unplug sensitive electronics — surges when power returns can damage appliances
- Set fridge and freezer to max cold; keep them closed
- A full fridge stays cold for 4 hours; a full freezer for 48 hours
- Charge devices immediately using your power bank
Food Safety Rule
The 40°F / 4°C rule: food is safe while refrigerator stays below that temperature.
Eat in this order:
- Perishables (fridge items) — first 4 hours
- Freezer contents — once fridge empties
- Shelf-stable food — ongoing
When in doubt, throw it out.
DURING: Extended Outage (72h to 2 Weeks)
Winter heat management
- Close off rooms; keep everyone in one heated space
- Hang blankets over windows to reduce drafts
- Safe alternatives: wood stove, fireplace, propane heater with proper ventilation
- Never burn charcoal or use gas grills indoors — CO is odorless and fatal
Summer cooling
- Move to the lowest floor (cooler)
- Stay aggressively hydrated
- Wet towels on neck and wrists
- Know local public cooling centers (libraries, malls, shelters)
Communication without internet
- Battery/crank radio for news and official alerts
- Text before calling — texts use less bandwidth
- Use a pre-agreed out-of-area contact as information relay
Generator safety
- Operate outdoors, minimum 20 feet from windows and doors
- Never in a garage even with the door open
- Use a CO detector inside
- Never backfeed into home wiring
AFTER: When Power Returns
- Reset clocks and appliance timers
- Inspect fridge and freezer — when in doubt, throw it out
- Recharge all power banks, radios, and flashlight batteries
- Restock immediately — replace batteries, water, and food used from your emergency supply
Learn from it
- What was most inconvenient?
- What was most dangerous?
- What did you wish you had?
72-Hour vs 2-Week Outage Comparison
| Factor | 72-Hour | 2-Week |
|---|---|---|
| Food | Perishables + some shelf-stable | Full shelf-stable reliance |
| Water | Stored supply sufficient | May need purification |
| Heat/cool | Extra layers or fans | Structured plan needed |
| Communication | Battery devices sufficient | Extended battery solutions |
| Medical | On-hand supply | May need to seek resupply |
The Bottom Line
A power outage is the most likely emergency you’ll face — and one of the most manageable with advance preparation. Flashlights, a power bank, three days of food and water, and a simple plan make all the difference.
Have your power outage protocol ready — even without internet. Download GetPrepKit →