Power outage preparation

{{whyLabel}}: Dehydration is the most immediate threat during a utility failure.

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• Calculate 4 liters (approx. 1 gallon) per person per day for drinking and basic hygiene.
• Use food-grade BPA-free containers or store-bought sealed jugs.
• Store in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and chemicals.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: [At least 56 liters per person are stored and dated]

{{whyLabel}}: If the outage lasts longer than your stored supply, you need a way to make tap or rain water safe.

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• Choose a gravity-fed system with 0.1-micron filtration (e.g., hollow fiber membrane).
• Ensure it filters bacteria, protozoa, and microplastics.
• Keep at least one set of replacement filters on hand.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: [Filter system is assembled and tested once]

{{whyLabel}}: Hands-free lighting is essential for safety, cooking, and repairs in the dark.

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• Select headlamps with at least 200 lumens and a 'red light' mode to preserve night vision.
• Opt for models that take standard AAA batteries or have USB-C recharging.
• Place them in a designated 'Blackout Box' or bedside drawers.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: [One functional headlamp per person is stored with batteries]

{{whyLabel}}: Minor injuries can become serious if professional medical help is delayed during widespread outages.

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• Include trauma supplies: tourniquet, pressure bandages, and antiseptic wipes.
• Add a 7-day supply of all critical prescription medications.
• Include over-the-counter essentials: Ibuprofen, Diphenhydramine, and Loperamide.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: [Kit is fully stocked and stored in an accessible location]

{{whyLabel}}: Grocery stores may close or experience supply chain disruptions during extended outages.

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• Focus on high-calorie, low-prep items: canned meats, beans, peanut butter, and dried fruit.
• Aim for 2,000 calories per adult per day.
• Don't forget comfort foods (chocolate, coffee) to maintain morale.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: [Pantry contains 28,000 calories per person in non-perishables]

{{whyLabel}}: Electric openers will not work, and many emergency food cans do not have pull-tabs.

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• Choose a heavy-duty, stainless steel model with an ergonomic grip.
• Avoid cheap plastic versions that can snap under pressure.
• Store it directly with your emergency food supply.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: [Manual opener is placed in the emergency food bin]

{{whyLabel}}: Hot food and boiled water are vital for hygiene and psychological well-being.

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• Select a butane or propane-powered single burner stove.
• Ensure it has an integrated ignition system for ease of use.
• WARNING: Only use these in well-ventilated areas or outdoors to prevent CO poisoning.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: [Stove is tested and stored with 4+ fuel canisters]

{{whyLabel}}: You need to know your power requirements to choose the right size battery or generator.

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• List 'must-run' items: Fridge (approx. 600W starting/150W running), Phone (10W), Router (20W).
• Sum the 'Running Watts' and identify the highest 'Starting Watts' (usually the fridge).
• Total = (Sum of Running Watts) + (Highest Starting Watts).

{{doneWhenLabel}}: [A written list of essential devices and total wattage is ready]

{{whyLabel}}: LiFePO4 batteries are safe for indoor use, silent, and last for 3,000+ charge cycles.

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• Aim for a capacity of at least 1000Wh to 2000Wh based on your wattage calculation.
• Ensure it has 'Pure Sine Wave' output to protect sensitive electronics like laptops.
• Look for models with fast AC charging (0-80% in under 2 hours).

{{doneWhenLabel}}: [Power station is unboxed, charged to 100%, and tested with a fridge]

{{whyLabel}}: If you use any fuel-burning stoves or generators, CO is a silent, odorless killer.

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• Place the detector in the room where you sleep.
• Ensure it has a digital display to show even low levels of CO.
• Test the alarm function immediately after installing batteries.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: [CO detector is mounted and functional]

{{whyLabel}}: Solar is the only way to recharge your power station if the grid is down for weeks.

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• Match the panel's voltage output to your power station's input requirements.
• Choose monocrystalline panels for higher efficiency in low-light conditions.
• Ensure they come with the correct adapter cables (usually MC4 or XT60).

{{doneWhenLabel}}: [Panels are tested outdoors and successfully charge the battery]

{{whyLabel}}: During a total blackout, radio is the most reliable source for official emergency updates.

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• Choose a model with multiple power options: Solar, Crank, AAA, and USB.
• Ensure it covers AM/FM and all 7 NOAA weather channels.
• Look for a 'Weather Alert' mode that automatically activates during emergencies.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: [Radio is tested and receives at least one local station clearly]

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

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• Include local police, fire, utility companies, and out-of-state family contacts.
• Write down your own home address and cross-streets (for reporting to dispatchers).
• Laminate the paper or put it in a waterproof plastic sleeve.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: [Physical list is taped inside the 'Blackout Box']

{{whyLabel}}: GPS and online maps will fail without cell service; you need to navigate to centers or family.

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• Open Google Maps, tap your profile, and select 'Offline Maps'.
• Select your entire city and surrounding 50-mile radius.
• Update these maps every 3 months to ensure road data is current.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: [Map data is stored locally on your primary smartphone]

{{whyLabel}}: A drill reveals gaps in your preparation that you won't notice until a real emergency.

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• Turn off the main breaker for 4 hours on a weekend.
• Use only your emergency lighting, stove, and stored water.
• Take notes on what was difficult or what supplies were missing.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: [Drill is completed and 'lessons learned' are added to the plan]

{{whyLabel}}: Batteries lose charge and food expires; regular checks ensure readiness.

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• Schedule a recurring calendar event every 3 months.
• Check: Battery levels (recharge to 80%), food expiration dates, and flashlight function.
• Rotate any water that has been stored for more than 6 months.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: [Recurring reminder is active in your digital calendar]