Practical preparedness. Calm, inclusive, evidence-led.Low-data versionUse offline
PREPARENOW
MenuClose

Essentials

Power cut and power outage preparation

A power plan should keep people informed and protect the devices that support life, access, temperature and communication. It should also prevent fire, carbon monoxide and unsafe electrical improvisation.

Start the checklistBrowse all guides
From AidWorkers Humanitarian experience applied at homeEvidence base 4 named sourcesReviewed 25 July 2026

Why this matters

List what truly needs electricity and how long it can safely be without it. Prioritise medical equipment, phones, radios, safe lighting and temperature needs before entertainment or convenience.

Use layered backups such as charged power banks, replaceable batteries and an approved larger backup where needed. Keep torches easy to find. Candles add fire risk and should not be the default light source.

Before disruption

Prepare now

  • Label essential devices with power requirements, charging cables and realistic backup times.
  • Charge and test power banks, torches, radios and spare batteries on a recurring schedule.
  • Ask equipment providers and health professionals for a written outage plan for medical devices.
  • Learn how to report an outage and where the electricity provider publishes restoration information.
  • Protect important electronics with suitable equipment and unplug them if local advice recommends it.

When it is happening

Protect the next decision

  1. Use battery lighting first and keep one light beside each person who may need to move.
  2. Conserve phone power by reducing screen brightness, closing unnecessary apps and using scheduled check-ins.
  3. Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed until safe food decisions can be made.
  4. Run generators only outdoors, well away from openings, exactly as instructed by the manufacturer and authorities.

Plan for real people

Access, care and inclusion

  • Plan for lifts, powered doors, stair-climbing equipment and building entry systems to fail.
  • Provide simple switches, tactile labels or individual lights for people with access needs.
  • Keep backup communication for people who use powered speech, hearing or vision technology.
  • Register for available priority or medical support services without assuming they guarantee continuous supply.

Mental readiness

Protect morale and clear thinking

  • Agree quiet hours and a charging rota before batteries become scarce.
  • Keep books, cards, crafts and familiar non-digital activities with the emergency supplies.
  • Use warm, steady battery light to support routine while leaving enough capacity for essential tasks.

Common mistakes

What to avoid

  • Using a generator, barbecue or vehicle engine in a home, garage or near windows and vents.
  • Overloading extension leads or connecting a generator to household wiring without approved installation.
  • Letting every device drain at once because charging priorities were never agreed.

Evidence and review

Sources behind this guide

Prepare Now uses authoritative government, humanitarian and public-health material as a starting point. Source advice can be specific to a country, hazard or date, so check the current version for your location.

Continue preparing

CommunicationReceive official warnings, reconnect with people and make decisions without spreading rumours.First aid & medicinePrepare skills, supplies, prescriptions, health information and backup plans for interrupted care.Safe cookingMatch meals and cooking methods to ventilation, fuel, fire safety and available clean water.

Editorial status: first staging edition. Safety-critical instructions will receive specialist and jurisdiction review before public launch.