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.

0 of 18 items checked0%
CriticalImportantNice to Have

Essential Supplies

Flashlights with fresh batteries (at least 2)Critical
Battery-powered or hand-crank radioImportant
Extra batteries in various sizesImportant

Food & Water

Water stored: 1 gallon per person per day for 3 daysCritical
Non-perishable food for at least 3 daysCritical
Manual can openerImportant

Communication

Phone fully charged (and portable battery bank charged)Critical
Car charger for phoneImportant
Emergency contact list written on paper (not just in phone)Critical

Medical Needs

Prescription medications: at least 7-day supply on handCritical
First aid kit stocked and accessibleImportant
Medical equipment backup plan (CPAP, oxygen, etc.)Critical

Home Safety

Know how to manually open your garage doorImportant
Generator safety: never run indoors or in attached garageCritical
Unplug electronics to prevent surge damage when power returnsImportant
Know where your circuit breaker panel is locatedImportant

Recovery

Check on frozen and refrigerated food (discard if above 40F for 2+ hours)Important
Contact your daily check-in person once power is restoredCritical

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.

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