Power outage kit and checklist (US): what Ready.gov recommends

Updated on October 27, 2026How these pages are written (in French)

This page is for households in the United States. It summarizes the Ready.gov guidance on power outages and the Ready.gov basic supply list. Both are free at ready.gov/power-outages and ready.gov/kit.

According to Ready.gov, a power outage may:

• Disrupt communications, water and transportation.
• Close stores, gas stations, ATMs, banks and other services.
• Cause food spoilage and water contamination.
• Prevent the use of medical devices.

That list is why a power outage kit covers more than light: cash, water, food that needs no fridge, and a backup plan for anything medical.

Ready.gov starts with an inventory, not a shopping list. To prepare for a power outage, it suggests you:

1. List what relies on electricity: take an inventory of the items you need that run on power.
2. Plan backup power for those items: batteries and other alternative sources, such as a portable charger or a power bank.
3. Keep a flashlight for every household member.
4. Check your home phone: find out whether it will work in an outage, and how long its battery backup will last.
5. Store enough nonperishable food and water.

From the Ready.gov supply lists (basic kit and additional supplies), the items most useful in a power outage are:

• Water: one gallon per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation.
• Food: at least a several-day supply of non-perishable food, and a manual can opener.
• Radio: a battery-powered or hand crank radio, and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert.
• Light: a flashlight and extra batteries.
• Phone: a cell phone with chargers and a backup battery.
• First aid kit, plus prescription and non-prescription medications.
• Cash (ATMs and banks may be closed).
• Warmth: a sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person.

The full list, with sanitation, documents, infant and pet supplies, is in our basic emergency kit guide.

Ready.gov gives two hold times, both with the doors kept closed:

• Refrigerator: keeps food cold for about 4 hours.
• Full freezer: keeps its temperature for about 48 hours.

Ready.gov also advises using coolers with ice if necessary, and monitoring temperatures with a thermometer.

During the outage, Ready.gov says to throw out food if the temperature is 40°F or higher. When the power comes back, it says to throw away food that has been exposed to temperatures of 40°F or higher for two hours or more, or that has an unusual odor, color or texture. Its rule on returning: "When in doubt, throw it out!"

The Ready.gov generator safety rules:

• Outdoors only: "Generators and fuel should always be used outdoors and at least 20 feet away from windows, doors and attached garages."
• Carbon monoxide detectors: install working detectors on every level of your home.
• Keep it dry: protect the generator from rain or flooding. Touching a wet generator, or devices connected to it, can cause electrical shock.
• Use heavy-duty extension cords to connect the generator to appliances.
• Let it cool before refueling: fuel spilled on hot engine parts can ignite.
• Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.

The Ready.gov power outage page does not cover generator sizing or connecting a generator to your home's wiring, and this page does not either.

Ready.gov describes carbon monoxide as a colorless, odorless gas that can kill you, your family and your pets. Its power outage guidance gives these rules:

• Install carbon monoxide detectors with battery backup, in central locations on every level of your home.
• Run generators and fuel outdoors only, at least 20 feet from windows, doors and attached garages.
• Use camp stoves and charcoal grills outdoors only: Ready.gov says generators, camp stoves or charcoal grills should always be used outdoors and at least 20 feet away from windows.
• Never heat your home with a gas stove or oven. Ready.gov says it increases your risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, and also brings fire and burn risks and can damage the appliance.

If the heat or cold is extreme, Ready.gov advises going to a community location that has power, and checking with local officials about heating and cooling locations open near you.

Ready.gov asks you to talk to your medical provider, before an outage, about a plan for medical devices powered by electricity and for refrigerated medicines. It also suggests you:

• Find out how long each medication can be stored at higher temperatures.
• Get specific guidance for any medication that is critical for life.

After an outage: if the power was out for more than a day, Ready.gov says to discard any medication that should be refrigerated, unless the label says otherwise. Consult your doctor or pharmacist immediately for a new supply.

The Ready.gov power outage tips:

• Keep freezers and refrigerators closed.
• Use a generator only outdoors and away from windows.
• Do not use a gas stove or oven to heat your home.
• Disconnect appliances and electronics to avoid damage from electrical surges.
• Have a backup plan for refrigerating medicines or using power-dependent medical devices.
• Check with local officials about heating and cooling locations open near you.

• Ready.gov (FEMA), Power Outages: preparation, food storage, medical needs, carbon monoxide, generator safety, returning after an outage (last updated 06/04/2026, accessed 27 October 2026)
• Ready.gov (FEMA), Build a Kit: basic disaster supplies kit, additional supplies, maintaining your kit (last updated 07/01/2026, accessed 27 October 2026)
• Ready.gov, Family emergency communication planning document: when to call 911 (accessed 27 October 2026)

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