Hazard Checklist

Power Outage Checklist. Stay safe. Stay fed. Stay warm.

A step-by-step checklist for generator safety, food preservation, lighting, and medical device planning. Print it for your refrigerator or save it to your My Readiness dashboard.

4 hrs

fridge stays safe (door closed)

48 hrs

full freezer holds temperature

20 ft

minimum generator distance from home

7,400

candle fires per year (NFPA)

Phase 1

Before the lights go out. Get set up now.

Power outages come without warning. A few hours of preparation now can mean days of comfort later.

Lighting

  • Have at least one flashlight per person with fresh batteries
  • Keep a headlamp for hands-free tasks (cooking, repairs, reading)
  • Stock battery-powered LED lanterns for room lighting (safer than candles)
  • Store extra batteries in a cool, dry place, grouped by size

Power and Charging

  • Charge all phones, tablets, laptops, and power banks when a storm is forecast
  • Consider a portable power station for phones, CPAP, and small appliances
  • If you own a generator, test it quarterly and keep fuel fresh
  • Keep a car charger for phones — your vehicle is a backup power source

Food and Water

  • Stock at least 3 days of shelf-stable food that requires no cooking or refrigeration
  • Keep a manual can opener (do not rely on electric)
  • Store 1 gallon of drinking water per person per day for at least 3 days
  • Keep a cooler and know where to buy ice quickly

Medical and Safety

  • If anyone uses electric medical equipment (CPAP, oxygen, nebulizer), have a battery backup and know the run time
  • Register with your utility as a medical priority customer if applicable
  • Ensure you have a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector (not plug-in only)
  • Keep a 7-day supply of all medications in a known, accessible location

Phase 2

During the outage. Protect your food. Protect your air.

Most power outage injuries and deaths come from two sources: carbon monoxide poisoning from generators and house fires from candles. Both are preventable.

Food Safety

  • Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed — every opening shortens the safe window
  • A closed fridge keeps food safe for about 4 hours. A full freezer holds for about 48 hours (24 if half full)
  • Eat perishable foods first before opening canned and shelf-stable supplies
  • Use a food thermometer — discard anything above 40 degrees F for more than 2 hours

Generator and CO Safety

  • Never run a generator indoors, in a garage, or under a carport — not even with the door open
  • Place generators at least 20 feet from any window, door, or vent with exhaust pointed away
  • Never refuel a generator while it is running or hot — let it cool first
  • Never use a charcoal or gas grill, camp stove, or oven for heating — all produce CO

Fire and Heating Safety

  • Use battery-powered LED lights instead of candles — candles cause thousands of house fires each year
  • If you must use candles, never leave them unattended and keep them on non-flammable surfaces
  • Use only approved indoor-rated heaters with tip-over shut-off — keep 3 feet of clearance
  • In cold weather: close off unused rooms, hang blankets over doorways, dress in layers

Phase 3

After power returns. Check food. Restock. Reset.

Power is back, but your food may not be safe and your supplies need replenishing.

  • Check food temperatures — discard anything above 40 degrees F for more than 2 hours
  • When in doubt, throw it out — you cannot smell or taste most foodborne contamination
  • Recharge all power banks, batteries, and portable power stations
  • Refuel your generator and stabilize the fuel for storage
  • Replace any batteries used during the outage
  • Reset digital clocks, check surge protector status, and inspect appliances before use

Gear

The outage essentials. Start here.

A few well-chosen items cover most outage scenarios. These are the ones that earn their shelf space.

Browse all gear reviews →

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