Power Outage Survival Calculator
Prepare your household for any blackout scenario
Medical Disclaimer: This tool provides general preparedness guidance. Those with medical conditions requiring electricity should consult their healthcare provider about backup power solutions.
Did You Know? The average U.S. home experiences 8 hours of power outages annually, with some regions facing 100+ hours.
Special Considerations
Select all that apply to your household:
Current Preparedness
Your Power Outage Survival Plan
Essential Supplies Needed
Action Plan
Preparedness Gaps
Essential Power Outage Kit
Lighting & Power
- LED lanterns (2-3 per household)
- Headlamps (hands-free lighting)
- Quality flashlight + extra batteries
- Portable phone charger/power bank
Food & Water
- 1 gallon water per person/day
- 3-day non-perishable food supply
- Manual can opener
- Camping stove + fuel (outdoor use only)
"Households with emergency kits recover 50% faster from power outages and report 75% less stress during blackouts." - FEMA Preparedness Survey
Duration-Specific Strategies
Short Outages (24-48 hours)
Focus on food safety - keep fridge/freezer closed (food lasts 4 hours in fridge, 48 hours in freezer). Use battery-powered lights. Charge phones in car if needed. Have cash on hand (ATMs may not work).
Extended Outages (3-7 days)
Implement meal rotation (eat perishables first). Fill bathtub for flushing water. Monitor neighbors. Use coolers with ice for essential items. Consider temporary relocation if temperature extremes occur.
Long-Term Outages (1+ weeks)
Establish community support network. Ration supplies. Use alternative sanitation methods. Protect pipes from freezing. Have backup heating/cooling solutions. Know location of emergency shelters.
Critical Tip: Fill vehicle gas tanks at 50% capacity - gas stations require electricity to pump fuel. Keep $100-$300 in small bills - digital payments may be unavailable.
Power Outage FAQs
How can I safely power medical equipment during outages?
Options include: 1) Battery backups (ask your provider about compatible systems) 2) Portable generators (properly ventilated) 3) Know your nearest emergency facility with power. Always have a 72-hour backup plan and register with your utility company as medically vulnerable.
What's the best way to store water for emergencies?
Use food-grade containers (never milk jugs). Store 1 gallon per person/day (2 quarts for drinking, 2 for sanitation). Replace every 6 months. Add 16 drops bleach per gallon if not store-bought. Consider water purification tablets as backup.
How do I prevent food spoilage during long outages?
Keep fridge/freezer closed (add thermometers - discard if >40°F). Group items together to retain cold. Use coolers with ice for essentials. Know which foods are safe (hard cheeses, whole fruits) vs risky (meat, dairy). When in doubt, throw it out.
Are generators worth the investment?
For frequent/long outages: Yes. Portable models ($400-$1,500) power essentials. Whole-house systems ($3,000-$15,000) automate backup. Always operate outdoors (carbon monoxide risk). Calculate needs - fridge (600W), furnace (1,000W), medical equipment (varies).
How can I stay warm without power in winter?
Layer clothing, use sleeping bags, close off unused rooms. Hang blankets over windows. Gather in small interior room. Use chemical heat packs safely. Never use outdoor equipment (grills, generators) indoors. Know signs of hypothermia (confusion, drowsiness).