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Power Outage Checklist

Keep lighting, communication, food safety, medical-device planning, and utility updates organized.

Outage Supplies

  • Place flashlights where people can find them.
  • Use battery lanterns or flashlights instead of candles where possible.
  • Charge phones and backup batteries.
  • Keep a battery-powered or hand-crank radio available.
  • Write down utility, medical, school, workplace, and emergency contacts.
  • Store shelf-stable food and water that do not require power to prepare.
  • Keep a manual can opener available.

Food, Water, and Medication

  • Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible.
  • Use appliance thermometers if available to help judge food safety.
  • Move perishables to a cooler with ice if the outage continues and it is safe to do so.
  • Plan for refrigerated medication questions with a pharmacist or clinician before an outage.
  • Keep backup power or relocation options for essential medical devices.
  • Know whether local water guidance changes during a long outage.

Home Safety

  • Use generators, grills, camp stoves, and charcoal only outdoors and away from windows.
  • Do not use a gas stove or oven to heat the home.
  • Unplug sensitive electronics if outages are flickering or surging.
  • Keep away from downed lines and assume they are energized.
  • Check on neighbors who may need help with heat, cooling, oxygen, elevators, or devices.

Reviewed 2026-06-28. This checklist is educational only. It does not guarantee coverage, safety, reimbursement, or recovery. Read your policy and contact your insurer, licensed professionals, local officials, or other qualified sources for guidance specific to your situation.

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