Power outage guides
146 plain-language guides for Canada and the US. Pick a topic, or search. New here? Start with the 10 step plan.
Start hereHow to Prepare for a Power Outage: 10 Steps That MatterA plain, ordered plan for the first three days without power, based on government guidance.Read the guide →Most readWhat Size Power Station Do I Need? A 3-Step MethodWork out the watt-hours you need for your router, lights, phones and fridge, with a worked example.Read the guide →EssentialHow Much Water to Store for a Power Outage (and How to Make It Safe)A simple formula for emergency water, storage tips, and the safe ways to treat water you did not store.Read the guide →
Basics
15 guidesHow to Prepare for a Power Outage: 10 Steps That MatterA plain, ordered plan for the first three days without power, based on government guidance.›Pets in a Power Outage: Water, Food, Warmth and EvacuationHow to plan for dogs, cats and small animals in a power outage: how much water and food to store, keeping them warm or cool, medications, and evacuating with pets.›What to Do When the Power Goes Out: First Hour ChecklistThe power just went out. Here is a calm, step-by-step checklist for the first hour: what to check, what to unplug, and what to leave alone.›How Long Do Power Outages Last?Why outages last minutes in some cases and days in others, what causes them, why 72 hours is the planning standard, and how to check your utility.›How to Protect Appliances in a Power OutageUnplug sensitive electronics, use surge protectors, delay the fridge, and handle sump pumps and garage doors safely when the power goes out and returns.›Emergency Toilet and Sanitation Without WaterHow to handle toileting and hygiene when water is off: bucket toilet method, bags, handwashing, waste storage and local guidance.›What to Do When the Power Comes Back OnA safe checklist for when electricity returns: avoid surges, check food, reset appliances, deal with gas smells and reconnect slowly.›Should You Unplug Things During a Power Outage?What to unplug, what to leave alone and when to plug back in after a power outage, so you avoid surge damage and a sudden restart.›What to Do If Only Part of Your Home Loses PowerHalf the house is dark but the street has light. Check breakers, GFCI outlets and the main, and learn when to call the utility or an electrician.›Why Heat Waves and Storms Cause Power OutagesA plain-language look at why extreme heat, wind, ice and storms knock out power, and what it means for how you prepare at home.›Government of Canada Emergency Kit Checklist ExplainedA plain-language walkthrough of the Government of Canada emergency kit, with practical extras and notes for US readers following Ready.gov.›Running Watts vs Starting Watts: Surge Power ExplainedRunning watts versus starting watts explained simply, with examples for a fridge and a sump pump, so your backup power does not trip.›How to Calculate Watt Hours for Your AppliancesLearn how to calculate watt hours with a simple formula, a worked example, and tips on usable battery capacity and inverter losses.›Downed Power Lines: What to Do and How to Stay SafeIf you see a downed power line, stay far back, warn others and call your utility and emergency services. Here is what official guidance says.›Garage Door Power Outage: Manual Release StepsLearn how to use the emergency release to open an electric garage door in a power outage, how to relock it safely and what never to touch.›
Backup Power
33 guidesWhat Size Power Station Do I Need? A 3-Step MethodWork out the watt-hours you need for your router, lights, phones and fridge, with a worked example.›How Long Will a Power Station Run a Fridge? Worked ExamplesRuntime depends on your fridge's real energy use. Here is how to estimate it, with examples for common sizes.›Best Portable Power Stations for Home Backup in Canada: How to ChooseWhat to compare before buying a portable power station in Canada: capacity, output, battery type, cold weather, warranty and shipping.›Best Portable Power Station for Home Backup in the US: 120V, 240V and Transfer SwitchesHow US buyers can choose a power station for storm and winter outages: outputs, 240V needs, transfer switches and solar.›Solar Generator vs Gas Generator for Power Outages: Which Fits Your Home?A fair comparison of battery power stations and fuel generators: runtime, noise, fuel, safety, cost and who each suits.›Jackery vs EcoFlow vs BLUETTI: A Spec Worksheet to Compare ThemInstead of declaring a winner, a worksheet to compare Jackery, EcoFlow and BLUETTI on the specs that decide outages.›Can a Power Station Run a Sump Pump?Learn how to match a portable power station to a sump pump: starting watts, realistic runtime, float switch tips and a layered backup plan.›How to Charge a Power Station With Solar PanelsMatch panel watts to your power station's input limit and voltage window, estimate real charging times and set up solar safely in an outage.›How to Use a Portable Generator SafelySafe generator use in an outage: placement at least 6 m (20 ft) from the house, CO alarms, fuel storage, grounding, cords and refuelling rules.›Transfer Switch vs Extension Cords for GeneratorsCompare a generator transfer switch, interlock kit and extension cords, and why backfeeding is deadly for line workers. Hire a licensed electrician.›How Long Do Portable Power Stations Last?Battery chemistry (LFP vs NMC), cycle life ranges, shelf storage at partial charge and simple care habits that help a power station last for years.›Using a Portable Power Station in Cold WeatherLithium batteries struggle in the cold. Learn charging limits near freezing, capacity loss, where to keep your power station and how to store it.›What to Plug Into a Power Station FirstA priority list for outage power: communications, light, medical devices, the fridge and router, with typical watt ranges and what to avoid.›Whole-Home Battery vs Portable Power StationCompare whole-home batteries and portable power stations on cost scale, installation, capacity, portability, renters vs owners and outage length.›What Size Generator Do I Need for a Power Outage?Learn how to add up running and starting watts, size a generator for your essentials, and avoid buying too big or too small.›Using an Electric Vehicle or Hybrid as Backup PowerWhat vehicle-to-load means, how an EV or hybrid might power a few devices in an outage, and the safety rules, including garages.›Solar Panel Kits for Home Backup: What They Can DoPortable solar panels paired with a power station: what they can and cannot run in an outage, and how to size a setup at a high level.›Working From Home During a Power OutageKeep working when the power drops: phone tethering, power banks, UPS basics, offline files and a simple plan for telling your team.›How to Keep Phones and Devices Charged in an OutageMake your phone battery last through a blackout with power-saving settings, power banks, car charging and smart habits that help.›How Many Watts Does a Furnace Use? Sizing Backup PowerGas furnace blowers are modest but need a start surge. Learn the watts to plan for and how to size a power station or generator safely.›How Many Watts Does a Chest Freezer Use? Backup GuideLearn running vs start watts for a chest freezer, how cycling affects battery runtime, and how to keep food safe during an outage.›How Many Watts Do You Need to Run a House in an Outage?Essentials-only or whole house? Add up your loads, understand surge, and learn how 100A and 200A panels fit into backup power sizing.›How Long Will a Power Station Run a TV and WiFi Router?Watt-hour math for a TV, modem and router on a power station. Low loads add up, so learn how to estimate hours and save power.›Inverter Generator vs Conventional Generator ExplainedInverter generators are quieter and give cleaner power, while conventional ones suit heavy loads. Compare noise, fuel use and safety.›UPS vs Power Station for a Home Office SetupA UPS protects a desktop for minutes, while a power station runs a home office for hours. Learn which fits and how passthrough works.›Can a Power Station Run a Microwave, Kettle or Air Fryer?High-wattage cooking appliances are tough on batteries. Learn inverter limits, realistic runtimes and smarter ways to cook in an outage.›How Many Watts Does a Dehumidifier Use?Find out how many watts a dehumidifier uses, what its start-up surge means, and whether a power station should run it in a basement outage.›How Many Watts Does an Electric Water Heater Use?Electric tank water heaters draw thousands of watts, far beyond most batteries. See why, what your tank holds, and practical hot water options.›How Many Watts to Run a Heat Pump in an Outage?How many watts a heat pump needs, why start-up surge matters, how to size a generator, and the honest limits of portable power stations.›How Many Watts to Run a Window Air Conditioner?Window and central AC wattage, start-up surge, and realistic cooling options when a heat wave and a blackout hit at the same time.›How Many Watts Does a Home Office Use?Laptop, monitor, router and modem wattage, plus simple runtime math to keep your home office working through a power outage.›How Long Will a 300W Power Station Last in a Blackout?What a small 300 watt power station can and cannot run in a blackout: phones, lights, a CPAP, a router and a fridge for short stretches.›How to Charge a Power Station With a GeneratorHow to charge a power station with a gas generator safely: outdoor placement, carbon monoxide rules, fuel planning and a hybrid strategy.›
Water
11 guidesHow Much Water to Store for a Power Outage (and How to Make It Safe)A simple formula for emergency water, storage tips, and the safe ways to treat water you did not store.›Best Emergency Water Filters: Types, Ratings and LimitsGravity, pump, straw and under-sink filters compared by what they remove, how fast they work and what they cannot do.›Berkey vs LifeStraw vs Frizzlife: Three Different Kinds of Water FilterThese three brands solve different problems. Here is when a countertop gravity system, a personal filter or an under-sink system fits.›How to Purify Water in an EmergencyLearn the order of steps for making water safe when the taps fail: clearing, filtering, boiling and chemical treatment, and what each one removes.›How to Treat Water With Bleach or TabletsPlain-language steps for disinfecting clear water with unscented household bleach or purification tablets, and why you must confirm amounts officially.›Best Water Storage Containers: What to Look ForHow to choose food-grade water containers, pick sizes, stack them safely, clean them and store them away from heat and light.›How Long Does Stored Water Last?Understand shelf life for bottled and home-filled water, why dates and storage conditions matter, and a simple rotation schedule you can follow.›Well Pump and Well Water in a Power OutageWhy a well pump stops without power, how to store water ahead, what backup options exist and how to disinfect well water afterward.›55 Gallon Water Barrel Storage GuideHow to store emergency water in a 55 gallon barrel: food-grade rules, pumps, treatment, placement, weight and rotation for home use.›How to Wash Hands and Stay Clean Without Running WaterHandwashing with limited water, when to use sanitizer, how to do dishes and keep clean in an outage with official hygiene guidance.›How Long Can You Store 5 Gallon Water Jugs?How long can you store 5 gallon water jugs safely? Container types, where to keep them, when to rotate and when to treat stored water.›
Food
15 guidesBest Emergency Food Kits: What to Compare Before You BuyHow to compare 3-day to 30-day emergency food kits: calories, cooking needs, allergens, shelf life and price per serving.›How Long Does Freeze Dried Food Last? What the Numbers MeanFreeze dried shelf-life claims explained: how makers get to 20 to 25 years, what shortens it and how to store it.›Fridge and Freezer Food Safety in a Power Outage: Keep or Toss?How long food stays safe in a closed fridge and freezer, what to throw out, and how to make it last longer.›How to Cook Without Power Safely (and What to Eat Cold)Safe outdoor cooking options, no-cook meals and the carbon monoxide rules for stoves, grills and heaters.›What Emergency Food to Store FirstA layered 30-day pantry approach: what to buy first, how many calories to plan for, how to keep meals balanced and why comfort foods matter.›Best No-Cook Foods for a Power OutageA grouped list of ready-to-eat foods that need no stove or fridge, with notes on protein, calories, salt and what works for kids and pets.›How to Rotate an Emergency Food PantryKeep your emergency food fresh with first in, first out shelving, clear labels, a quarterly check and a simple use-and-replace habit.›Emergency Food and Supplies for Babies and ToddlersWhat to stock for babies and toddlers in an outage: formula, bottles, safe water, diapers and comfort items, with health advice left to your paediatrician.›How to Prepare Your Freezer for a Power OutageSimple steps to keep food frozen longer in a power outage: fill gaps, add ice blocks, group food, use a thermometer and keep the door closed.›Emergency Food Supply for a Family of 4How to plan an emergency food supply for a family of four: 3-day, 14-day and 30-day tiers, a sensible mix of foods and what to do about kids and fuel.›Emergency Food Supply: A 30-Day PlanBuild a 30-day emergency food supply in layers: shelf-stable staples, water needs, cooking fuel, storage tips and a simple rotation habit.›Gluten-Free and Allergy-Friendly Emergency FoodPlan gluten-free and allergy-friendly emergency food: label reading, cross-contact basics, pantry staples and kid-friendly options for outages.›Does Emergency Food Supply Expire? Dates ExplainedDoes an emergency food supply expire? Learn what best before and expiry dates mean, how long common foods last and how to rotate your pantry.›Halal Emergency Food Storage and Vegetarian OptionsStocking halal emergency food storage, kosher and vegetarian pantry staples: protein sources, label reading and certification tips for outage kits.›3 Day Emergency Meal Plan: No Cook MenuA 3 day emergency meal plan with a no-cook menu and a few one-pot options, plus tips on water, portions and what to buy ahead of a power outage.›
Heat and Light
11 guidesHow to Stay Warm Without Power (Safely)Heat one room, layer up, and avoid the carbon monoxide mistakes that hurt people every winter.›How to Keep a Furnace Running in a Power OutageA gas furnace needs electricity for its blower and controls. Learn safe ways to power it in an outage, including transfer switch and CO rules.›Carbon Monoxide Safety in a Power OutageKnow where carbon monoxide comes from during outages, the official symptoms, why battery-backup alarms matter and what to do if you suspect exposure.›Wood Stove and Fireplace Safety in a Power OutageSafe use of a wood stove or fireplace in an outage: chimney checks, carbon monoxide, ventilation, ash and why charcoal never goes indoors.›Keep Your Home Warm During a Power OutageHow to hold heat in your home when the furnace stops: insulate, close off rooms, cover windows, and never use ovens or grills for warmth.›Power Station for a Heated Blanket or Space Heater?Space heaters drain a battery in an hour or two, while electric blankets sip power. Learn the runtime logic and warmer, safer alternatives.›How to Make Coffee and Hot Drinks Without PowerSafe ways to make coffee, tea and hot drinks in a power outage: camp stove outdoors, French press, thermos and carbon monoxide rules.›How to Stay Cool Without AC in an OutageStay cool during a summer outage: simple cooling tricks, hydration, heat illness warning signs and when to head for a cooling centre.›How to Heat a Room Without Electricity, SafelyPick one small room, seal it, layer up and use only safe methods. A practical plan to heat a room without electricity and without carbon monoxide risk.›How to Keep Pipes From Freezing in a Power OutageProtect your plumbing when the heat goes out: faucet drips, open cabinets, insulation, when to drain the system and what to do if a pipe freezes.›Candle Safety in a Power Outage: Rules That Prevent FiresCandles cause house fires in outages. Learn safe holders, distances, rules for kids and pets, and better battery light options for the night.›
Medical
6 guidesCPAP and Medical Devices in a Power Outage: Plan With Your ClinicianHow to plan backup power for a CPAP or other powered medical device, what to ask your clinician and how to size a battery.›First Aid Kit Contents for a Power OutageWhat to put in a home first aid kit for outages: standard supplies, personal medications, special needs and why to check with a clinician.›How Long Will a Power Station Run a CPAP Machine?Work out CPAP runtime on a portable power station with simple watt-hour math, humidifier on or off, and a DC option for longer nights.›Keeping Insulin and Medications Cold in an OutageGeneral guidance on keeping insulin and refrigerated medicines cool during a power outage, with a reminder to follow the label and your pharmacist.›Power Outage Plan for Oxygen Concentrator UsersIf you rely on an oxygen concentrator, plan ahead with your provider, register with your utility, and know your backup options before power fails.›Emergency Food for Diabetics and Low Sugar DietsPlanning emergency food for diabetics: carb awareness, supplies, glucose testing gear and insulin storage. Always follow your care provider's advice.›
Scenarios
23 guidesHurricane and Tropical Storm Power Outage ChecklistWhat to do before, during and after a hurricane or tropical storm knocks out power for days: water, food, evacuation, flooding and generator safety.›Wildfire Season: Power Outages, Smoke and Evacuation PlanningHow to prepare for wildfire smoke, planned power shutoffs and evacuation: a go-bag list, clean air at home and what to do when the power goes out.›Heat Wave Power Outage Guide: Stay Cool When the AC FailsHow to stay safe when a heat wave and a power outage hit together: cooling a home, warning signs of heat illness, who is most at risk and what to avoid.›Ice Storm Power Outage GuideHow to prepare for and survive an ice storm outage: damage to lines and trees, long outages, travel, downed lines and warming centres.›Severe Thunderstorm and Tornado Outage GuideHow to shelter, receive alerts and stay safe during severe thunderstorms and tornadoes, and what to watch for after the storm passes.›Winter Car Emergency Kit for Canada and the US NorthWhat to carry in your car for winter in Canada and the northern US, and how to stay safe if you are stuck in snow, including exhaust pipe safety.›RV and Camper Power During a Power OutageHow to use an RV or camper as a backup shelter in an outage: shore power, batteries, propane, generators and carbon monoxide safety.›Power Outage Prep in Alberta: Cold, Wildfire and StormsHow Alberta households can prepare for outages from deep cold, blizzards, wildfire and summer storms, with the official alert and outage tools to use.›Power Outage Prep in Ontario: Ice, Storms and HeatGet ready for Ontario outages from ice storms, thunderstorms, tornadoes and heat, with Hydro One reporting steps and the alert tools to set up.›Power Outage Prep in Quebec: Ice Storms and Deep WinterQuebec outage prep built around ice storm history, electric heating and deep cold, with Hydro-Quebec status page tips and a warm-room plan.›Power Outage Prep in British Columbia: Wildfire and WindBritish Columbia outage prep for wildfire evacuations, coastal windstorms and heavy snow, with BC Hydro reporting and EmergencyInfoBC tools.›Power Outage Prep in Atlantic Canada: Storms and IcePrepare for outages from post-tropical storms, hurricanes, nor'easters and ice in Atlantic Canada, with Nova Scotia's official resources and tips.›Power Outage Prep in Texas: Grid Strain, Freezes and HeatTexas outage prep for grid strain, winter storms and extreme heat, with ERCOT and TDEM resources, conservation alerts and a cooling and warming plan.›Power Outage Prep in California: PSPS and Wildfire SeasonCalifornia outage prep for public safety power shutoffs, wildfire season and heat, covering alerts, medical needs, food safety and a go-bag plan.›Power Outage Prep in Florida: Hurricane Season GuideFlorida outage prep for hurricane season: know your zone, stock seven days of supplies, use Alert Florida, and run generators safely.›Winter Storm Outage Prep for the US Northeast and MidwestPrepare for outages from ice, heavy snow and blizzards in the US Northeast and Midwest: warm room plan, safe heat, car kit and official alerts.›Outage Prep on the Prairies: Saskatchewan and ManitobaPrepare for outages in Saskatchewan and Manitoba with blizzard and extreme cold plans, SaskAlert, SaskPower and Manitoba Hydro tools and a car kit.›Power Outage With a Baby or Newborn: Calm PlanKeeping a baby warm, fed and safe when the power is out: safe sleep, feeding, formula water, diapers and a simple prep list.›How to Prepare for a Week-Long Power OutageA day by day plan for getting through a week without power: water, food, warmth, sanitation, communication and when to leave.›Power Outage With an Aquarium or Fish TankHow to keep fish alive in a power outage: oxygen, battery air pumps, temperature, why not to feed, and what to do when power returns.›Wildfire Evacuation Go Bag: What to PackA practical wildfire evacuation go bag checklist: documents, medications, pets, respiratory protection and how evacuation alerts and orders work.›Power Outage at Night: What to Do Step by StepA power outage at night is disorienting. Learn how to find light, move safely, stay warm, handle kids and decide when to check on neighbours.›How to Entertain Kids During a Power OutageScreen-free games, flashlight activities and calming routines that keep children busy and relaxed during a power outage, without draining batteries.›
Alerts
5 guidesAlerts and Outage Reporting: How to Get Warned and Report a Power OutageSet up weather alerts, emergency alerts and utility outage notifications in Canada and the US, and know how to report a power outage.›Ham, GMRS and Two-Way Radios for Power OutagesA plain overview of ham radio, GMRS, FRS and CB radios for outages, what each does, and why licensing differs by country.›How to Tell If a Power Outage Is Just Your HomeIs it the whole area or just you? Quick checks with neighbours, your breaker panel and the utility outage map, and how to report it.›Grid Warnings and Blackout Risk: What the News SaysA plain-language roundup of this autumn's grid warnings and emergency orders, what they mean for your home, and three moves to finish this week.›Wildfire Evacuation Levels Explained: Canada and USWildfire evacuation levels explained for Canada and the US: alert, order, ready set go and level systems vary, so always check your local authority.›
Gear
7 guidesBest Emergency Radios: Crank, Solar and Weather Band ComparedWhat to look for in an emergency radio: weather alerts, power options, phone charging and durability.›Best Headlamps and Lanterns for Power Outages: What to Look ForLumens, runtime, batteries, red mode and water resistance explained, so you buy the right light for each room.›Choosing a Power Bank for a Power OutageWhat to look for in an outage power bank: watt-hours over mAh, USB-C PD, airline limits and how to work out how many phone charges you really get.›Emergency Lighting Options ComparedHeadlamps, lanterns, flashlights, candles and light sticks compared for safety, battery types and runtime planning during a power outage.›Camp Stove Safety for Cooking in a Power OutageA camp stove can cook meals and boil water when the power is out, but only outdoors. Learn carbon monoxide risks, fuel storage and safe use.›Go Bag vs 72-Hour Kit: What Is the Difference?A go bag is for leaving fast, a 72-hour kit is for lasting at home. Learn how they differ and when to evacuate or shelter in place.›How to Store a Power Station and Keep It ChargedHow to store a power station through winter: temperature guidance, top-up schedule, test runs, and keeping it ready for the next outage.›
Planning
20 guidesWinter Storm Prep Checklist for Canada: Home, Car and 72-Hour KitA Canadian winter storm checklist covering alerts, home, car and a 72-hour kit, so a storm or outage is an inconvenience, not an emergency.›A 90-Day Preparedness Plan: From 72 Hours to Three MonthsA phased, realistic plan that starts with 72 hours and builds toward 90 days, with the numbers for water, food and power.›How to Build a 72-Hour Kit for a FamilyBuild a practical 72-hour emergency kit for your family: what each person needs, how much to pack, where to store it and when to refresh it.›Power Outage Prep for Seniors and Older AdultsPractical power outage planning for older adults and caregivers: medications, devices, utility priority lists, check-ins, mobility and comfort.›Apartment and Condo Power Outage PrepPower outage tips for apartments and condos: elevators, stairs, balcony rules, tight storage, small power stations, water and building communication.›Family Emergency Communication PlanCreate a simple family communication plan: meeting places, out-of-area contact, texting tips, contact cards, kids, school plans and radio backup.›Emergency Cash and Important Documents ChecklistKeep small bills and protected copies of ID, insurance and medical papers so you can pay, prove who you are and recover after an outage.›Prepare for a Planned Outage or Rolling BlackoutsA planned outage gives you notice. Here is how to use the hours or days before rolling blackouts or maintenance work to get ready.›Prepare for Power Outages on a BudgetYou do not need to buy a lot to be ready. These cheap first steps cover water, light, food, warmth and communication for a short outage.›Power Outage Checklist for RentersRenting limits what you can install, but not what you can do. A practical outage checklist for tenants, covering landlord contact and basics.›Neighbour Check-Ins and Community Help in an OutageWho to check on during a blackout, how to help safely, where warming centres fit in, and how to build a simple street plan ahead of time.›How to Keep WiFi and Internet On in a Power OutageKeep your modem and router running on battery, use a phone hotspot as backup, and know why fibre and cable behave differently in an outage.›Does Home Insurance Cover Food Spoilage in an Outage?How to check whether your home insurance covers spoiled food after a power outage, what to document and what questions to ask your insurer.›Winter Storm Grocery List: What to Buy FirstA category-by-category winter storm grocery list: no-cook foods, drinks, baby and pet items, plus a few non-food extras to grab before the roads close.›How to Prepare for a Power Outage in WinterPrepare for a winter power outage: layers, heating one room safely, protecting pipes, the car, food and a 72-hour plan for cold weather.›Power Outage at Work or School: Build a PlanKnow what your employer, school and daycare will do in an outage, who picks up the kids, and how to keep working. Questions to ask before it happens.›Emergency Kit for College Dorm RoomsBuild a compact emergency kit for a college dorm: power bank, light, water, no-cook food, documents and a plan that works with roommates in a small space.›72 Hour Emergency Kit for Ontario HomesA 72 hour emergency kit for Ontario: what to pack for ice storms, summer heat, tornadoes and long outages, with metric and imperial amounts.›How to Run a Home Power Outage Drill in 30 MinutesRun a home power outage drill in 30 minutes: test lights and radio, practice roles, check your kit and fix gaps before a real blackout hits.›How to Prepare Your Vehicle for an EvacuationGet your vehicle ready for an evacuation: fuel, charge, emergency kit, documents, route planning and tips for wildfire, flood and storm warnings.›
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