How to prepare for a power outage: blackout checklist

A checklist for a long power cut. A guide based on official advice. The same text is in the free SurvivalZone app and works without internet.

Before the lights go out

1. Torches or LED lamps and spare batteries in every room, instead of candles.
2. A battery or hand-crank radio to follow official announcements.
3. Charged power banks. When a warning is issued, fully charge your phone.
4. Cash in small and large notes, because cards and cash machines may not work.
5. Water: 2–3 litres per person per day (drinking plus cooking and washing), for at least 3 days.
6. Food you can eat cold, and a camping stove for use outdoors.
7. Warm blankets, sleeping bags and clothes.
8. A battery carbon monoxide alarm if you have a stove, fireplace or gas heating.
9. Agree a meeting point with your family and write important numbers on paper.

When the power is out

1. Check your fuse box and whether your neighbours have power.
2. Unplug electronics and leave one lamp switched on so you know when power returns.
3. Keep the fridge and freezer closed.
4. Gather everyone in one room, the warmest one, and keep the door shut.
5. Listen to the radio for announcements and save your phone battery.
6. Check on older and lonely neighbours.

Special needs

1. Does someone rely on powered medical equipment? Agree an emergency plan and backup power with their doctor or equipment supplier.
2. Have medicines that must stay cold, such as insulin? Ask a pharmacist how to store them without power.

Watch out

• Never use a grill, camping stove or generator inside your home or garage. It can cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Connect a generator only as its manual says, and never plug it directly into a wall socket.

See also

• Power cut: what to do now
• My 72-hour plan

Frequently asked questions

How do I prepare for a blackout?

Have torches and batteries, a battery radio, charged power banks, cash, water and food for at least 3 days, warm blankets and a meeting point agreed with your family.

How much water do I need for a blackout?

Official guides recommend 2–3 litres per person per day, for at least 3 days. In blocks of flats, water pumps may stop working without power.

Are candles a good idea during a power cut?

Torches and LED lamps are safer. Candles are a common cause of fires during outages.

Keep it on your phone

SurvivalZone is a free app for every emergency, with no account and no app store. It works without internet and shows the nearest shelters and help points, local radio, a 72-hour plan and a mountain trip planner.

Thank you for reading. If this could help someone, send it to the people you care about. Getting ready takes a moment, and in a crisis every minute counts.

Coming soon: the app’s permanent address will be survivalzone.app.

Other guides

• 💧 How to make water safe
• 🍲 Food without power
• ⛺ Shelter at home and outdoors
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Protecting your family and yourself
• 💊 Run out of medicine
• 🎒 Go bag checklist
• 🩹 Home first aid kit
• ✈️ Air travel: a safe trip
• 🏜️ Desert trip

All scenarios →

Sources

• Ready.gov: Power outages
• Polish government Safety Guide 2025 (PDF, Polish): go bag p. 27–28, first aid kit p. 22, power cut p. 34
• BBK (Germany): preparing for a power cut
• Government Centre for Security (Poland)

Official sources are checked automatically every day. Last check: 2026-10-22.

General guidance only; it does not replace the emergency services. If a life is in danger, call 112.