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What to have ready for an extended power outage — from four hours to two weeks.
| Item | Quantity | Priority | ☐ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flashlight + batteries | 1 per person | CRITICAL | ☐ |
| Headlamp | 1 per person | CRITICAL | ☐ |
| Battery-powered lantern | 1 | IMPORTANT | ☐ |
| Portable battery bank (20,000+ mAh) | 1 per household, fully charged | CRITICAL | ☐ |
| Car charger | 1 | IMPORTANT | ☐ |
| NOAA weather radio | 1 (battery or hand-crank) | CRITICAL | ☐ |
| Non-perishable food | 3-day supply per person | CRITICAL | ☐ |
| Manual can opener | 2 | CRITICAL | ☐ |
| Camp stove + fuel | 1 set (outdoor use only) | IMPORTANT | ☐ |
| Food thermometer | 1 | IMPORTANT | ☐ |
| Cooler + ice or ice packs | 1 large cooler | IMPORTANT | ☐ |
| Cooling towels | 1 per person | RECOMMENDED | ☐ |
| Medications (7-day supply) | Rotated monthly | CRITICAL | ☐ |
| Refrigerated medication + cooler plan | Ice packs + cooler | CRITICAL if applicable | ☐ |
| UPS or battery backup for medical equipment | Per equipment requirements | CRITICAL if applicable | ☐ |
| Cash in small bills | $100–200 | IMPORTANT | ☐ |
| Item | Quantity / Action | Priority | ☐ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refrigerated food | Use first (check temp with thermometer); discard above 40°F | CRITICAL | ☐ |
| Charged devices | Use power bank; recharge via car | CRITICAL | ☐ |
| NOAA radio | Monitor for restoration updates and safety guidance | CRITICAL | ☐ |
| Battery fans | Use in heat; know cooling center location | IMPORTANT | ☐ |
| Generator (if owned) | Run outside only, away from windows | IMPORTANT | ☐ |
| Water (maintained) | 1 gal/person/day | CRITICAL | ☐ |
| Item | Quantity / Action | Priority | ☐ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generator fuel | Maintain supply for essential equipment | IMPORTANT | ☐ |
| Food supply (pantry) | Rotate non-perishables | IMPORTANT | ☐ |
| Cooling center (find and use) | Locate via local emergency management | CRITICAL in heat | ☐ |
| Medical equipment contact | Check in with supplier and physician | CRITICAL if applicable | ☐ |
| Utility company contact | Verify you're on medical baseline list | RECOMMENDED | ☐ |
| Restock ice | For coolers and medication storage | IMPORTANT | ☐ |
Reviewed September 2, 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 September 2, 2026 · Hurricane Coast