Emergency Power Prep Checklist

Get a portable power station (1000Wh+ recommended)

Powers your fridge, lights, phones, and medical devices. See our picks →

Get a portable solar panel (100W+ recommended)

Recharges your power station during extended outages. See solar panels →

Fully charge your power station

Do this before the storm hits. Most stations charge in 1-2 hours from a wall outlet.

Charge all power banks and battery packs

Extra phone charges are critical. See power banks →

Test your power station with key devices

Plug in your fridge and run it for an hour to verify compatibility. Use the sizing calculator to check your needs.

Stock fresh batteries (AA, AAA, D, 9V)

For flashlights, radios, and smoke detectors.

Phones and tablets (fully charged)

Your primary communication and emergency info source.

LED flashlights and lanterns

USB-rechargeable ones work great with power stations.

NOAA weather radio (battery or hand-crank)

Essential for storm updates when cell towers go down.

Wi-Fi router and modem (know the wattage)

Most routers draw 10-20W. Staying online helps with communication and updates.

Medical devices (CPAP, nebulizer, etc.)

Critical — test these with your power station ahead of time and note the wattage.

Refrigerator/freezer plan

A full fridge stays cold ~4 hours without power. A 1000Wh+ station can run it 6-10 hours. Keep the door closed.

1 gallon of water per person per day (3-day minimum)

Both for drinking and basic hygiene.

Non-perishable food (3-day supply)

Canned goods, granola bars, dried fruit, peanut butter, crackers.

Manual can opener

Easy to forget but critical if you're relying on canned food.

Fill bathtub with water (for flushing)

If you rely on a well pump, you'll lose water pressure during an outage.

Ice — fill coolers and freeze water bottles

Frozen water bottles help keep food cold and become drinking water as they melt.

First aid kit (fully stocked)

Bandages, antiseptic, pain relievers, prescription medications.

Prescription medications (7-day supply)

Refill prescriptions before the storm. Include medications that need refrigeration.

Important documents in a waterproof bag

Insurance policies, IDs, medical records, birth certificates. Or store photos on your phone.

Cash (ATMs and card readers won't work)

Small bills. $200-$500 recommended.

Fill your vehicle's gas tank

Gas stations need electricity to pump. Fill up 2-3 days before the storm.

USB-powered fan (if summer/warm climate)

Low wattage, high comfort. A 10W USB fan runs 100+ hours on a 1000Wh station.

Books, games, or entertainment

Power outages can last days. Download movies/shows offline before the storm.

Pet food and supplies

3-day supply of food, water, and any medications for pets.

Baby supplies (if applicable)

Formula, diapers, wipes, and medications.