Storm and power outage planner
One plan for your household: how much water and food to store, what battery or generator keeps your essentials on, and a printable kit checklist. Start from a hurricane, winter storm or evacuation preset and adjust.
- Water and kit list from Ready.gov and the Red Cross.
- Power from the same maths as our power station and generator sizers.
- Print it or copy a link to share with your household.
Questions people ask
How do I prepare for a hurricane at home?
Plan for two weeks at home (the Red Cross home supply): water at 1 gallon per person per day, doubled in heat, which is about 112 gallons for a family of four; non-perishable food; a battery or hand-crank radio; flashlights and batteries; and a way to keep a fridge, phones and a fan running. The planner builds all of it for your household.
How long should I prepare for a power outage?
Most outages are short, but storms can cut power for days. The Red Cross suggests a 2-week supply of water and food at home. For power, a battery covers an evening or a day of essentials; for several days or heavy loads, a generator is the realistic route.
What should be in a hurricane or storm checklist?
Water, non-perishable food, a manual can opener, a battery or hand-crank radio, flashlights, extra batteries, a first aid kit, phone chargers and a backup battery, wipes and garbage bags, a whistle, dust masks, plastic sheeting and duct tape, a wrench to turn off utilities, copies of important documents, some cash and local maps (Ready.gov).
How much water does a family of four need for a hurricane?
About 112 gallons for two weeks if you double the 1 gallon per person per day for heat.
What should I do before the power goes out?
Charge phones and power banks, fill the battery or fuel the generator, freeze water bottles to keep the fridge cold, and check your flashlight batteries.
How do I keep food cold in a power outage?
Keep the fridge and freezer doors shut: a full freezer holds its temperature longer than a half-full one; a power station can keep the fridge running.
Can I run a generator in the garage?
No: never run a generator indoors or in a garage, even with the door open. Keep it outside, away from windows, because of carbon monoxide.
Battery power station or generator for a storm?
Use the planner's power step: it runs the same maths as the power station and generator sizers. Up to a few days of essentials can fit a large battery; beyond about 4,200 Wh it recommends a generator instead, because that is cheaper for loads that size.