Power Outage Preparedness Guide 2026

Power Grid Reality Check

The average American experiences 8+ hours of power outages annually—and that number is rising. Major events cause outages lasting 1-4 weeks. The 2021 Texas freeze left 4.5 million homes without power for days, with some areas dark for over two weeks. The 2024 derecho affected millions across the Midwest. Your home's electricity is not guaranteed.

Understanding Power Outages

Power outages range from momentary flickers to weeks-long catastrophes. Understanding the types helps you prepare appropriately:

Momentary (seconds to minutes): Usually self-correcting. A UPS protects electronics.
Temporary (minutes to hours): Local issues, quickly repaired. Food stays safe if refrigerator stays closed.
Sustained (hours to days): Larger outages from storms. Requires food safety planning and backup lighting.
Extended (days to weeks): Major disasters or grid failures. Requires backup power, alternative cooking, and comprehensive planning.

Common Causes

Severe weather: Hurricanes, ice storms, derechos, tornadoes
Grid overload: Extreme heat or cold driving peak demand
Equipment failure: Aging infrastructure, transformer failures
Wildfires: Preventive shutoffs (PSPS) and fire damage
Cyberattacks: Increasing threat to power infrastructure

Immediate Priorities When Power Goes Out

Person using flashlight during power outage

First 5 Minutes

Check if outage is local (your house) or widespread (neighborhood)
Unplug sensitive electronics to protect from surge when power returns
Leave one light on so you know when power returns
Check on neighbors, especially elderly or those with medical needs
Avoid opening refrigerator and freezer

First Hour

Report outage to utility company (or verify they're aware)
Check utility website/app for estimated restoration time
Locate flashlights, lanterns, and backup power
If extended outage expected, start generator (outdoors only)
Charge phones and essential devices while you still have battery backup power

4+ Hours

Food safety becomes critical—monitor refrigerator temperature
Move essential refrigerator items to cooler with ice
Conserve phone battery—reduce brightness, close apps, use airplane mode between check-ins
Implement heating or cooling strategies as needed
Prepare for potential overnight without power

Food Safety During Power Outages

Food spoilage is one of the most immediate concerns during outages. Follow these guidelines to prevent foodborne illness:

Temperature Timelines

Appliance	Safe Duration	Key Notes
Refrigerator	4 hours	If door stays closed
Freezer (full)	48 hours	Frozen food mass maintains temp
Freezer (half-full)	24 hours	Less thermal mass
Cooler with ice	Varies	Refill ice as needed

Food Safety Rules

When in doubt, throw it out: Food poisoning isn't worth the risk
Use a thermometer: Discard anything above 40°F for 2+ hours
Smell test is not reliable: Dangerous bacteria don't always smell
Frozen food with ice crystals: Still safe to refreeze
Fully thawed food: Cook immediately or discard

Foods That Last vs. Must Go

Safe without refrigeration: Peanut butter, jelly, mustard, ketchup, relish, butter (short-term), hard cheeses, fresh fruits and vegetables, bread

Discard if above 40°F for 2+ hours: Meat, poultry, fish, eggs, milk, soft cheeses, cooked foods, cut fruits, opened baby formula

Backup Power Options

Portable Generators (Gas/Dual-Fuel)

The most common backup power solution for extended outages. Runs essential circuits or appliances.

Pros: High power output, long runtime with fuel, relatively affordable
Cons: Requires fuel storage, noisy, carbon monoxide hazard, maintenance needed
Best for: Extended outages, high-power needs (refrigerator, sump pump, AC)

Sizing: 3,000-4,000W for basics; 5,000-7,500W with sump pump; 7,500-10,000W for AC

Calculate Generator Size →

Portable Power Stations (Battery)

Battery-powered units that can run electronics and small appliances. Safe for indoor use.

Pros: Silent, no fumes, indoor-safe, solar rechargeable, maintenance-free
Cons: Limited capacity, expensive per watt-hour, slow recharge
Best for: Short outages, apartments, phones, laptops, CPAP, lights, fans

Sizing: 300-500Wh for phones/lights; 1,000-2,000Wh for CPAP/laptop; 2,000Wh+ for mini-fridge

Calculate Runtime →

Standby Generators (Whole-House)

Permanently installed generators that start automatically when power fails.

Pros: Automatic operation, whole-house power, runs on natural gas or propane
Cons: High cost ($5,000-15,000+ installed), requires professional installation
Best for: Frequent outages, medical needs, home businesses, peace of mind

Solar + Battery Systems

Solar panels with battery storage for renewable backup power.

Pros: No fuel needed, quiet, environmentally friendly, can power during day indefinitely
Cons: High upfront cost, weather-dependent, limited storage capacity
Best for: Long-term investment, sunny climates, eco-conscious households

Generator Safety Warning

Carbon monoxide from generators kills hundreds of people annually—more than hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods combined. NEVER run a generator indoors, in a garage (even with door open), or near windows. Place at least 20 feet from the house. Install battery-powered CO detectors on every floor.

Staying Warm During Winter Outages

Person bundled up in blankets during cold

Winter power outages can be life-threatening. Hypothermia can set in when indoor temperatures drop below 50°F, especially for elderly and young children.

Immediate Strategies

Consolidate to one room: Close off unused rooms to retain heat
Seal drafts: Stuff towels under doors, close window curtains
Layer clothing: Multiple loose layers trap heat; include hat and socks
Use sleeping bags: Rated for camping temperatures, they're warmer than blankets
Share body heat: Gather family and pets in one space
Stay active: Light exercise generates body heat

Safe Heating Options

Kerosene heaters: Indoor-rated models only, with ventilation
Propane heaters: Indoor-safe models with oxygen depletion sensor
Wood stove/fireplace: If properly installed and maintained
Hot water bottles: Fill and place in bed or inside clothing

What NEVER to Use Indoors

Outdoor propane heaters or camp stoves
Charcoal or gas grills
Generators
Car running in garage (even with door open)
Gas oven or stovetop for heating

Staying Cool During Summer Outages

Heat emergencies kill more Americans than any other weather-related cause. Without AC, indoor temperatures can exceed outdoor temperatures, creating dangerous conditions.

Cooling Strategies

Stay on lowest floor: Heat rises; basements stay coolest
Battery-powered fans: Moving air increases evaporative cooling
Wet towels: Drape wet towels on neck, wrists, or hang for evaporative cooling
Cold water: Drink frequently before feeling thirsty
Limit activity: Avoid exertion during hottest hours
Cool baths: Lukewarm water (not cold—can cause shock)

Know When to Leave

If indoor temperatures become dangerous and you can't cool down:

Go to a cooling center (check local emergency management)
Visit air-conditioned public spaces (malls, libraries)
Stay with friends or family who have power
Check into a hotel if extended outage expected

Medical Considerations

If anyone in your household relies on powered medical equipment, power outages require extra planning:

Equipment Requiring Backup Power

CPAP and BiPAP machines
Oxygen concentrators
Ventilators
Powered wheelchairs and scooters
Infusion pumps
Medication refrigeration (insulin, etc.)

Preparation Steps

Register with utility: Medical baseline programs provide priority restoration and advance warning of planned outages
Get backup batteries: Many CPAP machines have battery packs available
Know alternatives: Identify facilities with backup power you can go to
Keep documentation: Letter from doctor explaining equipment needs helps at shelters
Have manual backups: Manual wheelchair, oxygen tanks, ice for insulin

Essential Power Outage Supplies

Lighting

LED flashlights (multiple, with extra batteries)
Headlamps (hands-free lighting)
Battery-powered lanterns
Glow sticks (safe for children)
Candles only as last resort (fire hazard)

Communication

Battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA radio
Phone chargers and power banks (20,000mAh+)
Car charger (your car is a mobile charging station)
Written list of emergency contacts

Food & Water

Cooler and ice packs
Manual can opener
Non-perishable food requiring no cooking
Paper plates and disposable utensils
Stored water (if pumps require power)

Financial

Cash in small bills (ATMs and card readers won't work)
Full tank of gas in vehicles (pumps need electricity)

Frequently Asked Questions

A closed refrigerator keeps food safe for about 4 hours. A full freezer maintains temperature for 48 hours (24 hours if half-full). Keep doors closed as much as possible. Use a food thermometer and discard anything that reaches above 40°F.

For basic essentials (refrigerator, lights, phone charging), a 3,000-4,000W generator works. Add a sump pump or freezer and you need 5,000-7,500W. For window AC or well pump, get 7,500-10,000W. Central AC requires 10,000W+ or a standby generator.

Never. Generators must run outdoors only, at least 20 feet from windows, doors, and vents. Carbon monoxide from generators kills hundreds of people annually. Even with the garage door open, CO can reach lethal levels within minutes. Always use outdoors.

Gather family in one room, close off unused rooms, and use extra blankets and sleeping bags. Layer clothing including hat and socks. Stuff towels under doors to block drafts. Never use outdoor heaters, grills, or ovens for heating—carbon monoxide kills.

CPAP machines, oxygen concentrators, ventilators, powered wheelchairs, insulin pumps, and medication refrigeration all need backup power. Register with your utility's medical baseline program, have backup batteries, and know locations of facilities with backup power.

Calculate Your Power Outage Preparedness

Generator Size Generator Runtime Power Station Fuel Storage Food Storage Water Storage