Power Outage Kit

What to have ready for an extended power outage — from four hours to two weeks.

Before Landfall

Item Quantity Priority
Flashlight + batteries1 per personCRITICAL
Headlamp1 per personCRITICAL
Battery-powered lantern1IMPORTANT
Portable battery bank (20,000+ mAh)1 per household, fully chargedCRITICAL
Car charger1IMPORTANT
NOAA weather radio1 (battery or hand-crank)CRITICAL
Non-perishable food3-day supply per personCRITICAL
Manual can opener2CRITICAL
Camp stove + fuel1 set (outdoor use only)IMPORTANT
Food thermometer1IMPORTANT
Cooler + ice or ice packs1 large coolerIMPORTANT
Cooling towels1 per personRECOMMENDED
Medications (7-day supply)Rotated monthlyCRITICAL
Refrigerated medication + cooler planIce packs + coolerCRITICAL if applicable
UPS or battery backup for medical equipmentPer equipment requirementsCRITICAL if applicable
Cash in small bills$100–200IMPORTANT

First 72 Hours

Item Quantity / Action Priority
Refrigerated foodUse first (check temp with thermometer); discard above 40°FCRITICAL
Charged devicesUse power bank; recharge via carCRITICAL
NOAA radioMonitor for restoration updates and safety guidanceCRITICAL
Battery fansUse in heat; know cooling center locationIMPORTANT
Generator (if owned)Run outside only, away from windowsIMPORTANT
Water (maintained)1 gal/person/dayCRITICAL

Extended Outage

Item Quantity / Action Priority
Generator fuelMaintain supply for essential equipmentIMPORTANT
Food supply (pantry)Rotate non-perishablesIMPORTANT
Cooling center (find and use)Locate via local emergency managementCRITICAL in heat
Medical equipment contactCheck in with supplier and physicianCRITICAL if applicable
Utility company contactVerify you're on medical baseline listRECOMMENDED
Restock iceFor coolers and medication storageIMPORTANT

Reviewed April 20, 2026 against Ready.gov, the National Hurricane Center, FEMA, and state or local emergency management guidance. Use this checklist as a supplemental starting point, not a substitute for local instructions or the full guide.

Reviewed April 20, 2026 · HurricaneSupplyList.com