Smart Ways to Prep Your Home for Power Outages
Whether it's a heatwave, storms, or an overworked grid, more and more people are facing summer power outages than ever before. The U.S. experienced about 60% more summer power outages from 2014 to 2023 than in 2000 to 2009. But, no need to lose your cool! Our power outage preparedness cheat sheet can help you blackout-proof your space and safeguard your home.
How to Prepare for a Power Outage
With sweltering temperatures and energy demands reaching their peak, summer outages can catch even the most prepared households off guard. But losing electricity in the hotter months can be more than inconvenient; it can be unsafe. To protect your home and keep your family calm, cool, and connected when the power goes out, we’ve created this ultimate summer emergency power checklist. Stay plugged in and learn how to prepare for a power outage with these easy power outage tips for homeowners.
1. Have the right medications on hand.
Some power outages come without warning, making it difficult to contact your doctor, access pharmacies, or use electronic medical equipment. That’s why it’s crucial to stay on top of your prescription refills and make arrangements for doctor-recommended devices in advance. Staying prepared ensures you won’t be caught without the treatments your health depends on when you need them most.
2. Secure your property to prevent disruptions.
Summer storms usually bring heavy winds and rain that can damage outdoor electrical equipment or cause power lines to sway or break, cutting off electricity to thousands of homes. Secure patio furniture and cover HVAC units and backup emergency generators to reduce the risk of flying debris or water damage that could interrupt your power supply. Sealing cracks around windows and doors also helps maintain indoor temperatures if the power does go out, so you stay comfortable.
3. Safeguard your systems.
When electricity is suddenly restored after an outage, it can cause power surges that may damage sensitive electronics. Unplug appliances that aren’t surge-protected to preserve them once power returns. This includes:
- TVs
- Computers
- Gaming consoles
- Speakers
- Electronic tablets
- Toaster
- Coffee maker
4. Prioritize your HVAC’s health.
Power outages can damage your HVAC if you’re unprepared. To avoid damage and practice proper power outage preparedness, turn off your heating and cooling system at the thermostat and the circuit breaker. And schedule a semi-annual checkup of your air conditioner and heat pump before summer’s in full swing.
Once service returns, it’s best to wait at least 30 minutes to turn your cooling system back on so you don’t overextend it. Pro tip: Check for tripped circuit breakers before touching your thermostat. Hint: A tripped breaker will be in the neutral (middle) position. If you have multiple tripped breakers, switch them off and wait half an hour before turning them back on.
5. Stock up on batteries and battery-powered necessities.
Batteries are your lifeline when the electricity is off. Without them, you lose access to light, cooling, and communication. Be sure you have plenty of extra batteries of various sizes, and keep battery-operated or rechargeable devices ready to go. Start with:
- Flashlights (one per person)
- Battery-powered fans
- USB-rechargeable cooling appliances
- Battery-operated radios
- Portable phone chargers
- Power banks
Check your supplies regularly and replace batteries as needed so you’re always outage-ready.
6. Keep paper copies of important documents.
Remember that you won’t be able to access digital files or cloud storage during a power outage. It’s smart to keep printed copies of vital documents in a waterproof, portable folder or container. Here are some key documents to include:
- Photo IDs
- Insurance cards
- Emergency contact numbers
- Medical information or listed prescriptions
- Local emergency service numbers
Store your folder somewhere obvious and easy to grab in case you need to leave quickly.
7. Plan for food storage.
A sudden blackout can swiftly turn your refrigerator into a liability, especially after a big grocery run. To avoid food spoilage, it’s a good idea to have these items on hand:
- Ice packs or frozen gel packs
- Insulated coolers
- Shelf-friendly, non-perishable foods
The only thing worse than watching your money go down the drain with your groceries is not being able to use the food you saved. Keep a manual can opener, clean drinking water, and a hot plate or portable stove ready so you can prepare meals without service.
8. Prep backup power.
When the grid goes down, staying charged and connected is a non-negotiable. Start with a reliable generator; portable, standby, and inverter models can support essential appliances like fridges, fans, and medical devices. Inverter generators offer fuel-efficient energy and are great for electronics. Place units outdoors at least 20 feet away from vents, doors, and windows. If you’re using a propane or gas-powered generator, always have a functional carbon monoxide detector nearby to defend against harmful fumes.
For small-scale needs, load up on fully-charged power banks and solar-powered chargers to keep phones and tablets going strong. Battery-powered or rechargeable lanterns and LED lights are safer than candles and provide hours of illumination. In search of a cleaner, quieter solution? Try out a solar generator or portable power station! They’re perfect for indoor use and can be recharged by a plentiful resource: the sun. A solid power plan now means plenty of comfort and convenience later.
Power Outage Preparedness: Summer Power Outages & Pets
Preparing your home for summer power outages is important. From sealing gaps and securing your property to prepping backup power sources like generators, solar chargers, and power banks, these power outage tips for homeowners will help you stay ahead of the heatwave, keep your home comfortable, and keep you and your family safe.
As an extended part of your crew, pets are just as vulnerable to the dangers of summer power outage season. Check out our article on How to Keep Your Pet Cool This Summer to help them get through the hotter months with ease.