Power Outage Preparedness Checklist
Power outages are dangerous for people living alone. Check off these 18 items to ensure you are prepared before the lights go out.
Essential Supplies
Food & Water
Communication
Medical Needs
Home Safety
Recovery
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I prepare for?
At minimum, prepare for 3 days without power. If you live in an area prone to severe storms, consider preparing for up to 7 days.
What about medical equipment that needs electricity?
Contact your utility company to be placed on their medical priority list. Have a battery backup for critical equipment and know the location of the nearest emergency shelter with power.
How do I stay in contact during a long outage?
Keep a portable battery bank charged, use a car charger, and have emergency numbers written on paper. The ImAlive app uses minimal battery — a single daily check-in takes seconds.
Should I buy a generator for power outages?
A portable generator can be valuable if you experience frequent or extended outages, but safety is critical. Never run a generator indoors or in an attached garage due to carbon monoxide risk. Place it at least 20 feet from the house with the exhaust pointing away from windows and doors.
How do I know when to throw out food after a power outage?
The USDA recommends discarding refrigerated food that has been above 40 degrees Fahrenheit for more than 2 hours. Frozen food that has fully thawed should not be refrozen. When in doubt, throw it out. Use an appliance thermometer to check temperatures when power returns.
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