Power Outage Preparedness Checklist
A backup battery only helps if it is charged, reachable, and matched to the loads you care about. This checklist is for the day or two before a storm and the first hour after the lights go out.
Before the storm
- Fully charge the power station and any expansion batteries.
- Charge phones, tablets, laptops, radios, and power banks.
- Freeze water bottles to help stabilize freezer temperature.
- Test the router/modem setup on backup power.
- Put extension cords and charging cables in one visible place.
First hour after power loss
- Do not plug in everything at once.
- Start with communication: router, phone, and one light.
- Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed.
- Check battery draw on the display before adding loads.
What to buy before storm season
Minimum kit
Power station, phone cables, flashlight, radio, water, and a written load plan.
Better kit
Add solar panels, a UPS for internet, freezer thermometer, and spare charging cables.
One day before the storm
- Charge the power station, phones, laptops, tablets, radios, flashlights, and power banks.
- Put the power station, extension cords, USB-C cables, and wall chargers in one visible place.
- Test the modem/router setup so you know which plugs matter.
- Freeze water bottles and move them to empty freezer space.
- Lower refrigerator and freezer openings: decide what you need before opening the door.
During the outage
Use battery power deliberately. Keep internet and communication running first, then decide whether the refrigerator needs controlled runtime. Avoid heat loads unless you have a large system and a clear reason. Keep cords out of walkways and do not daisy-chain cheap power strips.
| Priority | Load | Why it comes first |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Phone and medical communication | Safety and emergency updates matter more than comfort. |
| 2 | Router and modem | Internet can support work, alerts, and Wi-Fi calling. |
| 3 | Lights and small fan | Low wattage, high comfort. |
| 4 | Refrigerator or freezer | Important, but should be managed instead of run casually. |
After power returns
Recharge the power station, note what worked, and write down any missing cables or adapters. A five-minute post-outage review is the easiest way to make the next outage less chaotic.