Power outage preparation

{{whyLabel}}: Carbon monoxide (CO) is a silent killer, especially if neighbors use generators or if you use alternative heating incorrectly.

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• Place one detector on every level of your home.
• Ensure they are 'interconnected' so one alarm triggers all.
• Choose models with a 10-year sealed lithium battery or replace standard 9V batteries immediately.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Detectors are mounted and test-beeped successfully.

{{whyLabel}}: Hands-free lighting is essential for performing repairs, cooking, or navigating safely in the dark.

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• Select lamps with at least 200 lumens.
• Look for 'red light' mode to preserve night vision.
• Store them in a dedicated 'blackout box' near the home entrance.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Every resident has a tested headlamp with fresh batteries.

{{whyLabel}}: During a total grid failure, cell towers often go down; a radio is your only link to official emergency broadcasts.

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• Ensure it supports AM/FM and NOAA Weather Alerts.
• Choose a model with four power sources: Hand-crank, Solar, USB-C, and replaceable batteries.
• Test the reception in your basement or 'safe room' to identify dead zones.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Radio is fully charged and tuned to a local emergency station.

{{whyLabel}}: Keeping phones alive for the first 48 hours is critical for initial coordination and emergency calls.

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• Use power banks with at least 20,000 mAh capacity.
• Keep them at 80-100% charge at all times.
• Store them in a temperature-controlled environment to prevent battery degradation.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Two or more power banks are fully charged and labeled.

{{whyLabel}}: Water is the most critical resource; you need 3.8 liters (1 gallon) per day for drinking and basic hygiene.

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• Aim for a 14-day supply (approx. 53 liters per person).
• Use BPA-free, food-grade containers or commercially sealed bottles.
• Store in a cool, dark place away from gasoline or pesticides.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Total required volume is physically present in storage.

{{whyLabel}}: Bacteria can grow in stored water if the container isn't sterile, leading to illness.

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• Mix 1 teaspoon of unscented liquid bleach into 1 quart of water.
• Swish the solution in the container, ensuring it touches all surfaces.
• Let it sit for 30 seconds, pour out, and air dry.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: All non-commercial containers are sanitized and filled.

{{whyLabel}}: You need high-calorie, low-prep food to maintain energy and morale without a working kitchen.

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• Focus on canned proteins (tuna, beans), nut butters, and dried fruits.
• Include 'comfort foods' like chocolate or hard candy to reduce stress.
• Avoid salty foods that increase thirst if water is limited.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Pantry contains 2,000+ calories per person per day for 14 days.

{{whyLabel}}: Electric openers will not work, and high-quality canned food is useless if you cannot open it safely.

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• Choose a heavy-duty stainless steel model.
• Avoid 'safety' openers that leave dull edges if they are prone to jamming.
• Store it directly with your emergency food supply.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: A manual opener is placed inside the food storage bin.

{{whyLabel}}: Hot meals improve morale and allow you to boil water for safety if needed.

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• Get a single-burner butane or propane stove.
• Store at least 4-6 fuel canisters (approx. 1 canister per 2 days of light cooking).
• NEVER use this indoors; only use it in well-ventilated outdoor areas.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Stove and fuel are stored together in a dry area.

{{whyLabel}}: If pumps fail, toilets won't flush. Improper waste management leads to rapid disease spread.

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• Use a 5-gallon (19L) bucket with a snap-on toilet seat.
• Line with heavy-duty 13-gallon trash bags.
• Use kitty litter, sawdust, or peat moss to cover waste and neutralize odor after every use.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Bucket, bags, and absorbent material are boxed together.

{{whyLabel}}: Conserving stored water for drinking is a priority; 'dry' hygiene methods keep you clean without using a drop.

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• Buy 'no-rinse' body wipes (large size).
• Ensure hand sanitizer has at least 60% alcohol content.
• Include a supply of disposable gloves for handling waste.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: A 2-week supply of hygiene disposables is in the kit.

{{whyLabel}}: In winter, home temperatures drop fast. Staying warm prevents hypothermia and stress.

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• Use wool blankets or sleeping bags rated for sub-zero temperatures.
• Include Mylar 'emergency blankets' as a backup layer to reflect body heat.
• Plan to 'tent' a small room (like a bedroom) to create a micro-climate.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Warm bedding for all members is easily accessible.

{{whyLabel}}: You cannot rely on your phone's contact list if the battery dies or the device is damaged.

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• Include family, neighbors, local utility companies, and out-of-state contacts.
• Laminate the paper or put it in a waterproof plastic sleeve.
• Keep one copy in the home kit and one in your wallet.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Physical list is printed and stored in the emergency kit.

{{whyLabel}}: ATMs and credit card machines require power and internet; cash is the only way to buy supplies during an outage.

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• Keep $100–$300 in small bills ($1, $5, $10).
• Store it in a waterproof, hidden container within your emergency kit.
• Do not tell others about the exact location of the cash.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Cash is secured in the emergency box.

{{whyLabel}}: Power outages often accompany other disasters (storms/earthquakes) where you may need to cut gas or water to prevent leaks.

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• Locate the main water valve, gas meter, and electrical breaker panel.
• Label them clearly with permanent marker or tags.
• Keep a wrench near the gas shut-off if it requires a tool.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: All valves are identified, labeled, and accessible.

{{whyLabel}}: Food expires and batteries leak; a plan is only good if the components are still functional.

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• Set a recurring calendar alert for 'Daylight Savings' (March and November).
• Check expiration dates on food and rotate into daily use if near expiry.
• Test all flashlights and the emergency radio.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Recurring alerts are set on your primary digital calendar.