A simple hour by hour plan for a 3 day power outage: the first hour, the first night, day two and day three, with food, water, heat and safety steps.
- First hour: check if it is local, report it, grab light and water, and shut the fridge and freezer.
- Day one to two: eat perishables first, stay warm in one room and charge only what you need.
- Day three: check on neighbours, ration, and decide whether to move to a warming centre.
A 72 hour outage is the planning target the Government of Canada uses. This plan puts it in order, so you know what to do and when.
Hour 0 to 1
- Check whether neighbours also lost power, and your breaker panel.
- Report it to your utility. Find yours in the local guides.
- Grab flashlights, not candles, and a radio.
- Keep the fridge and freezer doors shut, and note the time.
- Unplug sensitive electronics and leave one light on.
Hours 1 to 4
An unopened fridge keeps food cold for about 4 hours. Plan meals now. Charge phones from a power bank, lower brightness and close apps. Fill clean containers with water if water could be affected. See how much water to store.
The first night
Choose one room, add layers and blankets, and close the door. Never use a barbecue, camp stove, generator or fuel heater indoors: carbon monoxide cannot be seen or smelled. See carbon monoxide safety.
Day one
Eat perishables first. A full freezer stays frozen for about 48 hours if the door stays closed, and a half full one about 24. See keep or toss. Check official updates at set times.
Day two
Switch to no cook food (list). Check on neighbours, especially older adults. In winter, protect pipes: guide.
Day three
Take stock of water, food, batteries and medication. If the home is getting dangerously cold or hot, go to a warming or cooling centre or a friend's place. If outages look longer, read a week long outage.
When power returns
Turn appliances on gradually, and throw out perishable food that sat above 4 C (40 F) for 2 hours or more. Restock your kit with the 72 hour checklist.
Backup power picks (Canada)
Size the unit to your own load first: see the sizing guide.
Quick comparison
| Brand | Best for |
|---|---|
| BBLUETTI | Large lineup, expandable home systems |
| JJackery | Wide range, compact to home backup sizes |
Power stations and solar generators with fast charging. Compare capacity and warranty.
Larger capacity power stations that can run a fridge, with expandable batteries.
- Broad capacity range
- Expandable home-backup options
- Compare battery chemistry and stated cycle life
Popular portable power stations and solar kits for short outages.
- Has a Canadian storeHas a US store
- Small, mid and large models
- Compare capacity, output and warranty on the maker page
Quick answers
How long should I prepare for?
The Government of Canada says a minimum of 72 hours.
How long does food last without power?
About 4 hours in an unopened fridge, 48 hours in a full freezer and 24 in a half full one.
When should I leave home?
If it becomes dangerously cold or hot, go to a warming or cooling centre or a friend's place.