Power outage checklist: what to do before, during and after

Before an outage

• Keep flashlights and spare batteries where everyone can find them
• Charge phones, power banks and your power station when a storm is forecast
• Store drinking water: about one gallon per person per day for several days
• Keep a few days of food that needs no cooking or refrigeration
• Know how to open your garage door by hand
• If anyone relies on a medical device, have a backup power plan and talk to your doctor or equipment supplier about it
• Keep some cash, since card machines and ATMs may not work

During an outage

• Keep fridge and freezer doors closed. An unopened fridge keeps food cold for about 4 hours. A full freezer holds its temperature for about 48 hours, a half full one for about 24
• Unplug sensitive electronics to protect them from a surge when power returns
• Use flashlights instead of candles to lower the fire risk
• Never run a gas generator, grill or camp stove indoors or in a garage
• Check on elderly neighbours and anyone who lives alone
• Report the outage to your utility, and treat any downed power line as live

Stretching your backup power

Run only what you need. A fridge does not have to be powered all the time: running it for an hour every few hours keeps food cold while using much less battery.

Charge phones and laptops from the power station's USB ports where you can. They waste less energy than the AC outlets.

After power returns

• Throw away refrigerated food that has been above 40 degrees Fahrenheit for more than 4 hours. When in doubt, throw it out
• Plug appliances back in one at a time
• Recharge your power station and power banks straight away
• Restock water, batteries and anything else you used