Power Outage Checklist: Prepare for 72 Hours Without Grid Power

Most outages last a few hours. The ones that matter last days, usually after a storm, when stores are closed, roads are blocked and everyone else is also looking for fuel. Planning for 72 hours covers the great majority of them. This checklist is written around a portable generator, but most of it applies whether or not you own one.

Before an outage

Generator readiness

• Start the generator every month or two and run it for 20 to 30 minutes under load.
• Check the oil, air filter and spark plug. Keep a spare plug, oil and a filter with the generator.
• Store 10 to 20 gallons of stabilized gasoline in approved containers, or several full propane cylinders. Check what your local fire code allows.
• Keep the generator cord (or outdoor extension cords), a funnel, a flashlight and the manual together.
• Know exactly where the generator will sit: outdoors, at least 20 feet from the house, exhaust pointing away.
• If you use a transfer switch or interlock, practice the switch-over once. See how to connect a generator to your house.

Household supplies for three days

• Drinking water: one gallon per person per day, plus extra for pets.
• Food that needs no cooking or refrigeration, and a manual can opener.
• Flashlights, headlamps and spare batteries. Avoid candles.
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio.
• Fully charged power banks for phones.
• Medications, and a plan for any device that needs power, such as a CPAP machine or oxygen concentrator.
• Carbon monoxide alarms with battery backup on every level, tested.
• A fire extinguisher, first-aid kit and warm bedding.
• Cash, because card readers and ATMs go down with the power.
• A full tank in the car, which doubles as a phone charger and a warm place to sit.

Around the house

• Learn how to open the garage door by hand with the emergency release.
• Know where the water shutoff is, in case pipes freeze.
• Keep a thermometer in the refrigerator and freezer.
• Write down the utility’s outage reporting number.

During an outage

Power

• Set up the generator outdoors, 20 feet from the house, on a dry level surface, with a canopy if it is raining.
• Start it, let it warm up, then add loads one at a time, largest motor first.
• Run only what you need. Refrigeration, heating controls, pumps, lights and phones come first.
• Run the generator in sessions rather than around the clock if fuel is limited. A closed refrigerator stays cold for about four hours and a full freezer for about 48 hours.
• Shut down and let the engine cool before every refuel, and check the oil at the same time.
• Unplug sensitive electronics before power is restored, and leave one lamp switched on so you know when the grid is back.

Food and water

• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed.
• Discard perishable food that has been above 40°F (4°C) for more than two hours.
• A freezer that is half full keeps food frozen for about 24 hours; a full one for about 48 hours.
• If water pressure drops or a boil-water notice is issued, use stored water.

Heat and cold

• Close off unused rooms and gather in one space.
• Dress in layers and use sleeping bags rather than relying on an unvented heater.
• Let taps drip and open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls if freezing is likely.
• In hot weather, stay on the lowest floor, keep blinds closed and drink plenty of water.

Communication

• Switch phones to low-power mode and limit video.
• Text rather than call; messages get through when networks are congested.
• Check on neighbors who are elderly or live alone.

After the outage

• Transfer the house back to utility power before shutting the generator down.
• Let the generator cool, then refuel it and top up the oil. If it ran for several days, change the oil and check the air filter.
• Restock fuel, batteries and food while it is easy.
• Check food temperatures and throw away anything in doubt.
• Note what ran out or did not work, and fix it before the next storm.

Frequently asked questions

Further reading: Ready.gov on power outages.