What to do when the power goes out: a practical preparedness checklist

A power outage can last long enough to affect lighting, refrigeration, communications, heating or cooling, and access to powered equipment. Knowing what to do when the power goes out helps you act calmly instead of searching for supplies in the dark. Use this guide for preparation and planning; during an actual outage, follow instructions from local authorities and utility providers.

Before an outage: build a simple household plan

Start with a written plan that everyone in the household can understand. Record important phone numbers, meeting places, medical or accessibility needs, and the location of basic supplies. Include children, older adults, visitors, and pets in the plan.

Choose a place for flashlights, spare batteries, chargers, blankets, a first-aid kit, and a manual can opener. Keep supplies where they can be reached without electricity. Test flashlights periodically, and replace damaged or leaking batteries according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

A power outage checklist can also include tasks in Survive Link. Local checklists, inventory notes, family plans, contacts, and downloaded field guides can remain available on the device. The app is a planning and information tool, not an emergency response provider, and its website cannot provide app features without a network connection.

Lighting, charging, and communication

Use flashlights or lanterns instead of candles when possible. If you use candles, keep them on a stable, nonflammable surface and never leave them unattended. Keep pathways clear so people do not trip while moving through a dark home.

Charge phones, power banks, and other essential devices before severe weather or planned maintenance. A solar charger may help over time, but it depends on suitable light, compatible cables, and enough stored energy. A hand crank radio can provide another way to listen for local information, but reception and battery-free operation vary by model.

An emergency radio should not replace official broadcasts or local instructions. Survive Link’s alert feed is supplemental, cached, and best-effort; refreshing live alerts requires connectivity. Do not assume that an alert in the app is current or complete.

Food, water, and temperature

Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as practical. Mark the time the outage begins, and use your own judgment about discarding food that may have become unsafe. Do not taste questionable food to decide whether it is safe. Follow applicable local food-safety guidance.

Store drinking water in clean, labeled containers and plan for household needs without assuming that an outage will end quickly. If water service, heating, or cooling may be affected, think ahead about safe alternatives. Never use a generator, grill, camp stove, or fuel-burning appliance indoors or in an attached garage because of dangerous fumes and fire risk.

Dress for the indoor temperature, check on people who may need extra assistance, and avoid opening doors repeatedly during extreme heat or cold. Contact local emergency services if someone faces an immediate danger.

Keep information available offline

Download regional map packs, save useful pins and routes, and keep a last-known location before connectivity is lost. Live place lookup requires connectivity. Routing works only when the needed routable road graph has been downloaded, and a saved route does not prove that roads are open, safe, or passable.

Downloaded knowledge packs and field guides can support local planning. Field AI starts with bundled knowledge and local plans, checklists, inventory, routes, and map pins. An optional on-device model may make answers more natural, while deterministic local answers remain available without that model. Verify changing information through official authorities when connectivity returns.

After power returns

Continue using caution until utilities and local authorities indicate that normal service is restored. Check for damaged wires, flooding, spoiled food, and unusual smells without touching hazards. Reset appliances carefully, and inspect equipment affected by water before using it.

Record what worked, replace consumed supplies, recharge devices, and update the household plan. A short review turns one outage into better preparation for the next one.

Important

This educational article is not a substitute for instructions from local authorities. In immediate danger, follow official directions and contact emergency services when available.

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