How to Prepare Your Household for a Power Outage
Preparing for a power outage comes down to six things: light, phone power, water, food you can eat cold, staying warm or cool, and a plan for medical equipment. Most households can cover a 72-hour outage with items they already own — the work is putting them somewhere you can reach in the dark and knowing they still work.
Before the power goes out
Light
One flashlight or headlamp per person, stored in a known place, plus spare batteries in the right sizes. Headlamps beat flashlights because they leave your hands free. Prefer battery lighting over candles.
Phone and radio power
A charged power bank per phone, cables that match, a car charger, and a battery or hand-crank radio for alerts once the network is congested or down.
Water
If your water is pumped or your building relies on electric pumps, taps may stop. Keep stored water on hand — see how much water your household needs. Fill containers and the bathtub ahead of a forecast storm.
Food you can eat cold
Keep a few days of food that needs no cooking or refrigeration, plus a manual can opener. Freeze water bottles now: they keep the freezer cold longer and become drinking water later.
Warmth and cooling
In winter: blankets, sleeping bags, warm layers, and one room you can close off and heat safely. In summer: shade, hydration, and a plan to relocate if indoor heat becomes unsafe for children, older adults or anyone with a health condition.
Medical needs
If anyone depends on powered equipment — oxygen concentrator, CPAP, refrigerated medication, a powered wheelchair — plan the backup in advance and register with your utility if it offers a priority list. Keep a written medication list with dosages.
Practical extras
- Cash in small bills — payment terminals and ATMs go down too
- A full tank of fuel before a forecast storm; gas pumps need power
- Knowing how to open an electric garage door manually
- Surge protection, and unplugging sensitive electronics during the outage
- A working carbon monoxide alarm
During the outage
- Confirm whether it is your home or the area, then report it to your utility.
- Keep the refrigerator and freezer closed — about four hours and 48 hours respectively.
- Use battery light, not candles.
- Run generators outdoors only, well away from windows, doors and vents.
- Reduce phone use; text rather than call.
- Check on household members and neighbours who may need help, especially in extreme temperatures.
- Turn off or unplug appliances that were on, to avoid a surge when power returns.
After power returns
Restock what you used the same week, discard questionable refrigerated food, recharge power banks, and note what was missing. The outage is the audit — write down what you wished you had while you still remember.
Keeping a power outage kit ready
PanPrep includes a dedicated Power Outage kit alongside Shelter-In-Place, Bug-Out Bag and Vehicle kits, each feeding your household readiness score. Batteries, water and food get expiry tracking so the kit is still good the next time the lights go out. See how PanPrep tracks household readiness, or start from the supply inventory guide.
Official guidance
Food-safety timings and carbon monoxide warnings above reflect published guidance from public health and emergency management authorities, including the Government of Canada, the Canadian Red Cross, Ready.gov and FEMA. Follow your utility and local officials during an actual outage.
Common Questions
What should my family prepare for a power outage?
Light that does not need the grid, a way to charge a phone, water and food you can use without cooking, warmth or cooling depending on the season, cash, and a plan for anyone who depends on powered medical equipment.
How long does food stay safe without power?
A closed refrigerator generally holds a safe temperature for about four hours, and a full freezer for roughly 48 hours (about 24 if half full). Keep the doors shut, and when in doubt about a food item, discard it.
Is it safe to use a generator or barbecue indoors?
No. Generators, barbecues, camp stoves and charcoal produce carbon monoxide and must never be run indoors, in a garage, or near windows and vents. Install a working carbon monoxide alarm.
What should I do in the first hour of an outage?
Check whether it is just your home or the whole street, report it to your utility, switch to flashlights rather than candles, keep fridge and freezer closed, reduce phone use to preserve battery, and check on anyone in the household with medical or mobility needs.