Power Outage Checklist (24/48/72 Hours) + Printable List
ZacharyWilliam
Emergency Preparedness
A practical, time-based checklist you can actually follow—plus a printable page for your fridge.
24 hours: stabilize & protect food
48 hours: extend comfort & communications
72 hours: sustain routines & plan resupply
Printable checklist included
How to use this checklist
Think in “phases,” not panic. Your first job is to protect safety, food, and communication—then you optimize comfort. This guide is written in three time windows (24/48/72 hours) because the best move changes as the outage drags on.
Print the checklist and keep it where you’ll see it (fridge door, pantry, or a binder).
Do the 10-minute scan: safety hazards, who needs help, what’s working, what’s not.
Pick a “power priority tier” so you don’t waste battery on low-value loads.
Prevents surge damage when power returns. Use a surge protector where possible.
Cold food
Keep fridge/freezer doors closed; move high-risk items to the freezer early if there’s space.
Every door-open is “cold leaking.” Plan meals around what spoils first.
Water
Fill bathtub/buckets for non-drinking uses (toilet flush, cleaning) if safe to do so.
In many outages, water pressure can drop later.
Comms
Set phone to Low Power Mode, reduce screen brightness, switch to SMS when possible.
Cell networks can get congested; texting often works when calls don’t.
Power priority
Pick your “Tier 1” loads (medical, lights, Wi-Fi, phone charging).
Write this down so you don’t drain power on comfort loads too early.
48 hours: get sustainable
Day two is where people burn through supplies unintentionally. You’ll do better by setting a routine: “charge window,” “cooling window,” “meal window,” “check-in window.”
Priority
What to do
Notes / “why it matters”
Food plan
Cook what will spoil (or move it into a cooler with ice). Keep a simple “eat-first” list.
Less waste, less stress. If in doubt about safety, don’t gamble.
Comfort
Set one “comfort zone” room, close doors, manage insulation/venting based on weather.
Smaller area = easier to keep comfortable.
Power discipline
Schedule charging: run higher-draw items in short bursts, not continuously.
Battery lasts longer when you avoid unnecessary always-on loads.
Neighborhood check
Check on vulnerable neighbors/family, share info (not rumors).
Small help early prevents emergencies later.
72 hours: settle into a rhythm
If you’re three days in, your priorities shift again: preserve health, maintain sanitation, and plan resupply or relocation if restoration isn’t imminent.
Priority
What to do
Notes / “why it matters”
Water & sanitation
Track remaining drinkable water; set a daily allowance; keep hand hygiene consistent.
Dehydration and hygiene issues escalate fast during extended outages.
Info & weather
Use a battery/hand-crank radio if cell service is unreliable.
Accurate updates reduce unnecessary travel and risk.
Power strategy
Reassess Tier 1 loads daily. If you have solar, prioritize daylight recharging windows.
Consistency beats “random usage.”
Contingency
If restoration is delayed, consider staying with family/friends or a powered location.
Especially important for extreme heat/cold and medical needs.
Food & water rules that prevent problems
Food safety (simple rules)
Keep fridge/freezer doors closed as much as possible.
When the fridge has been without power for ~4 hours, perishable foods become risky unless kept cold.
A full freezer generally holds safe temps longer than a half-full freezer if unopened.
After that, move perishables to a cooler with ice, or discard if not kept cold.
Freezer (full)
Holds safe temps about 48 hours.
Keep closed; use ice/coolers only if you must access frequently.
Freezer (half-full)
Holds safe temps about 24 hours.
Pack items together and keep closed; consider moving the most valuable frozen foods into a cooler later.
Power plan: what to run (and what to skip)
People run out of backup power for one of two reasons: (1) they guess wrong on runtime, or (2) they power the wrong things first. Fix both by writing a Tier list.
Tier approach (works in real life)
Tier 1: medical devices, phone charging, basic lighting, Wi-Fi/router, small fan/heater (weather-dependent).
Tier 2: fridge bursts, laptop work blocks, cooking tools in short windows.
Tier 3: entertainment, high-watt comfort appliances, anything you “can live without.”
Charge in short sessions; keep phone in Low Power Mode.
Refrigerator
Varies widely; many fridges cycle (not constant draw).
Consider “burst powering” to keep temps stable instead of trying to run continuously.
CPAP
Varies a lot with humidifier/heated tube.
Runtime planning is easier when you know your settings. See: CPAP backup guide
Where UDPOWER fits (light guidance, not hard selling)
For many households, a portable power station is the “clean indoor” option for essentials and electronics—especially if you want quiet backup and no fuel handling.
Check items off on your phone—or print this section and keep it visible. Pro tip: write your “Tier 1 loads” at the top so you don’t debate it in the dark.
0–24 Hours
24–48 Hours
48–72 Hours
FAQ
How long will my fridge keep food safe without power?
As a rule of thumb, a closed refrigerator holds safe temps for about 4 hours. After that, use a cooler with ice or discard perishables.
How long will a full freezer last?
If unopened, a full freezer can hold safe temps about 48 hours (about 24 hours if half-full).
What should I power first if I have limited backup power?
Start with Tier 1: medical needs, phone charging, basic lighting, and communications (router/modem). Then add food preservation bursts (fridge) if you have enough capacity.
Is it safe to run a generator in a garage with the door open?
No. Generators should be used outdoors, away from doors/windows/vents to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
Should I open windows at night if it’s hot?
If outdoor air is cooler and safe, nighttime ventilation can help. During the day, block sun and reduce heat gain where possible.
Can a portable power station run a refrigerator?
Often yes, but it depends on the refrigerator’s running watts and startup surge. Use a watt meter if you can, and plan for cycling behavior.
How do I estimate runtime quickly?
Use the Runtime Calculator with your device wattage and station Wh capacity.
Can I charge a power station with solar during an outage?
Yes—if your panel voltage/current stays within the station’s solar input limits. Always check panel Voc vs the station’s max voltage.
What’s the biggest mistake people make in the first 24 hours?
Opening the fridge/freezer too often and draining phone/power banks on non-essentials.
Should I keep cash on hand?
It’s smart. Card systems can go down during widespread outages.
