72-hour power outage checklist

Water

Plan on one gallon per person per day.

• Store at least 1 gallon of water per person per day for 3 days.(CDC, Water Supply)
• Try to store a 2-week supply if you can.(CDC, Water Supply)
• Do not ration drinking water unless authorities tell you to.(Ready.gov, Water)
• If tap water is in doubt, use bottled, boiled or treated water.(CDC, Safe Water)
• To boil water, hold a rolling boil for 1 minute, then let it cool.(CDC, Safe Water)
• Never drink water from radiators or boilers in a home heating system.(CDC, Safe Water)

Food safety

The clock starts when the power goes out.

• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed.(CDC, Food Safety)
• A closed fridge keeps food safe about 4 hours.(CDC, Food Safety)
• A full freezer holds about 48 hours. A half-full one holds about 24.(CDC, Food Safety)
• At 4 hours, move perishable food to a cooler with ice or gel packs.(CDC, Food Safety)
• Eat fresh, perishable food first.(Red Cross, Power Outage)
• Never taste food to check it. When in doubt, throw it out.(CDC, Food Safety)
• Keep a manual can opener with your canned food.(Ready.gov, Build A Kit)

Light

• Have a flashlight for every household member.(Ready.gov, Power Outages)
• Keep extra batteries for flashlights and radios.(Ready.gov, Build A Kit)
• Use battery flashlights and lanterns, not candles.(CDC, Power Outage)
• If you must use a candle, keep it away from things that burn.(CDC, Power Outage)
• Stay near any lit candle.(CDC, Power Outage)

Heat and cooling

• Check with local officials for open heating and cooling locations.(Ready.gov, Power Outages)
• If heat or cold is extreme, go to a community location with power.(Ready.gov, Power Outages)
• Do not use a gas stove or oven to heat your home.(Ready.gov, Power Outages)
• Do not rely only on fans to keep cool.(CDC, Power Outage)
• Keep a sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person.(Ready.gov, Build A Kit)
• Leave if the home is too hot or cold, or if medical devices need power.(Red Cross, Power Outage)

Carbon monoxide and generators

Carbon monoxide has no color or smell.

• Run a generator outdoors only, at least 20 feet from windows, doors and vents.(CPSC)
• Point the exhaust away from the home.(CPSC)
• Never run a generator in a garage, even with the door open.(CDC)
• Never use a grill or camp stove inside a home, tent or camper.(CDC, Power Outage)
• Have battery-powered CO alarms on every level of the home.(CPSC)
• Never plug a generator into a wall outlet.(Red Cross)
• Keep the generator dry, and let it cool before you refuel.(Ready.gov, Power Outages)
• If you feel sick or dizzy, go outside to fresh air, then call 911.(CPSC)

Phones and power

• Charge phones and devices fully before severe weather.(Ready.gov, Get Tech Ready)
• Keep a portable charger or power bank charged.(Ready.gov, Power Outages)
• Use low power or airplane mode to save battery.(Ready.gov, Get Tech Ready)
• Dim the screen and close apps you do not need.(FEMA, Communication Plan)
• Try texting. Texts may go through when calls do not.(Ready.gov, Get Tech Ready)
• Keep a phone charger in your car.(Ready.gov, Get Tech Ready)
• If you charge in a car, use a ventilated area, not a closed garage.(FEMA, Communication Plan)
• Keep a non-cordless home phone if you can. Cordless ones need power.(Red Cross, Power Outage)

Information

• Keep a battery-powered or hand crank radio with NOAA Weather Radio.(Ready.gov, Build A Kit)
• Keep a paper copy of your contact list.(Red Cross, Power Outage)
• Write down numbers for utilities, doctors and emergency services.(FCC, Emergency Tips)
• Keep local maps with your supplies.(Ready.gov, Build A Kit)
• Keep emergency reference material, such as a first aid book.(Ready.gov)
• Keep cash.(Ready.gov, Build A Kit)
• Keep your car gas tank at least half full.(Red Cross, Power Outage)
• Call 911 only for emergencies.(FCC, Emergency Tips)

Medical needs

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist ahead of time. This list does not replace their advice.

• Ask your medical provider for an outage plan for powered devices and cold medicine.(Ready.gov, Power Outages)
• Tell your electric company and fire department about any powered medical device.(FDA, Medical Devices)
• Keep a cooler and ice or gel packs for medicine that needs to stay cold.(FDA, Medicine)
• After a day without power, discard refrigerated medicine unless the label says otherwise.(CDC, Power Outage)
• Keep a 7-day supply of medications and medical items.(Red Cross, Kit)
• Pack a first aid kit, and glasses or contact lens solution.(Ready.gov, Build A Kit)
• Do not plug in a device or cord that is wet.(FDA, Medical Devices)
• When power returns, check that device settings did not reset.(FDA, Medical Devices)