8 Things Everyone Should Prep Before the Power Goes Out

Power outages aren’t always dramatic storms and news coverage. Sometimes it’s just high winds, aging infrastructure, or an overloaded grid on a hot day. Either way, losing power throws your whole routine off if you’re not ready. And if you’ve got kids, animals, or food in the fridge, things get stressful fast.

These are the things you’ll wish you had on hand and set up before the lights go out.

Fill Up Water Jugs

If the power’s out long enough, your water supply could be affected too—especially if you’re on a well. Keep clean water stored in jugs or containers you don’t touch unless there’s an outage. You don’t want to be scrambling to fill the bathtub when the pressure’s already dropping.

One gallon per person per day is the rule of thumb, but more is better—especially if you’ve got pets, babies, or plan to use it for dishes and cleaning.

Charge Everything You Can

Your phone, power banks, flashlights, rechargeable lanterns—get them all topped off. If the outage is forecasted or you’re watching a storm roll in, plug everything in as early as possible. Once the power’s gone, you’re stuck with whatever battery life you’ve got.

Don’t forget external chargers. A couple fully charged battery banks can keep your phone running for days, and they’re worth every penny when the house is dark and quiet.

Fill the Freezer (Strategically)

A full freezer stays cold longer. If you’ve got space, fill containers with water and freeze them. They’ll act like ice blocks if the power goes out and can buy you time before things thaw.

Try to keep the freezer door shut during an outage. Every time you open it, you let out cold air. Knowing what’s inside ahead of time helps you avoid unnecessary peeking.

Prep Shelf-Stable Meals

When the fridge and stove don’t work, you’ll need something to eat that doesn’t take heat or electricity. Canned soup, granola bars, peanut butter, crackers—keep a stash that’s easy to eat and doesn’t require much cleanup.

Don’t forget a manual can opener. You’ll feel pretty dumb staring at your electric one when you’re hungry and the power’s down.

Set Up a Cooler Plan

If you know a storm’s coming, consider getting a bag of ice and setting up a cooler with the essentials—milk, baby food, anything you’d need quickly. This keeps the fridge closed longer and buys you time.

Some folks keep a small backup cooler ready all the time with reusable ice packs in the freezer. It’s not overkill if you’ve ever had to toss hundreds of dollars of spoiled food.

Gas Up Your Vehicles

Gas stations don’t work without power. And depending on the outage, they might be down for a while. Keep your vehicles at least half full at all times if you’re in an area prone to storms or rolling blackouts.

This isn’t just about driving. Some people rely on gas for generators or propane grills. Stocking up before a storm hits is a lot easier than trying to play catch-up afterward.

Know Where Your Light Sources Are

You don’t want to be digging through a junk drawer when the house is already dark. Flashlights, lanterns, and extra batteries should be easy to grab. Headlamps are underrated—they let you use both hands and are a lifesaver during extended outages.

Avoid candles unless you’re out of other options. They’re a fire risk, especially with kids or pets in the house. Stick with battery-powered light if you can.

Have a Plan for Staying Cool or Warm

Depending on the season, an outage can either make you sweat or freeze. In the summer, battery-powered fans, blackout curtains, and open windows at night can help a lot. In winter, extra blankets and layers make a big difference—especially if you’re on electric heat.

Don’t forget your pets. They can’t tell you when they’re too hot or cold, and they’re stuck in the same powerless house you are.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.