Preparing for a power outage

What matters most

• Flashlight Essential
  A flashlight for each part of the home you'd need to move around in the dark.
• Spare batteries
  The right sizes for your flashlight and radio.
• Charged power bank
  To keep a phone charged during a power outage.
• Battery or wind-up radio
  To hear updates if cell networks are down.
• Blankets or sleeping bags
  To keep everyone warm if the heating is off.
• Warm clothing
  Layers, hats and gloves that are easy to find.
• Manual can opener
  A can opener that doesn't need electricity.
• Some cash
  Card machines and cash points may not work in a power outage.
• Plan for medication that needs a fridge Essential
  Know how you'd keep it cool during a power outage.
• Backup plan for powered equipment Essential
  A backup power source or plan for equipment that needs electricity.

What official guidance in the US says

• A closed fridge keeps food cold for about four hours.¹
• A full freezer holds its temperature for about 48 hours.¹
• Unplug appliances and electronics to protect them from power surges.¹
• Have a backup plan for medicines that need refrigerating and for power-dependent medical devices.¹

Stay safe

Water and food for a few days

For two adults, SupKit's figures for 3 days are:

Long-life food that suits a power outage

Each of these keeps without a fridge and doesn't need the fridge once opened:

• Canned chili
• Canned soup
• Baked beans
• Microwave rice pouch
• Canned tuna
• Crackers
• Peanut butter
• Dried fruit and nuts
• Granola bars
• Canned fruit

Allergies, dietary needs and children

Plan around everyone at home: allergies, intolerances and diets come first, and familiar food matters most for children. Recipes vary between brands, so always read the label of the product you buy.

Typical allergens and diets are SupKit's guide to the main ingredient, not a product's label.

• US law names nine major food allergens: milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans and sesame (sesame added from 2023).²
• Labels must name each major allergen's source, either in brackets in the ingredient list or in a 'Contains' statement next to it.²
• 'May contain' warnings are voluntary in the US, so not every maker uses them and their absence is not a guarantee.³

Young children

• The CDC lists whole or chopped nuts and seeds, and spoonfuls of nut butter, as choking hazards for young children.⁴
• Do not give honey to children under 12 months; it can cause infant botulism.⁵
• Avoid salty foods such as canned foods and processed meats for young children.⁵