Build a power outage kit
Tell us who lives with you and how long to plan for, and get Ready.gov's kit list with the outage extras: battery-backup carbon monoxide detectors, a cooler for the fridge food and backup power.
Read the guide: Power outage checklist: what to do before, during and after →
1. Your household
2. How long to plan for
3. What you face where you live
Water: 1 gallon per person per day (CDC). Food: FDA uses 2,000 calories a day as a general guide for adults. Pets need water too: ask your vet how much.
The basic kit
Ready.gov's basic supplies list.
- Water6 gallons for 2 people over 3 daysOur pick: WaterBrick 3.5-gal (2-pack) ↗Compare water storage containers →
- Non-perishable food3 days for 2 people (about 12,000 calories for the adults)Our pick: Emergency Essentials 1-Month Kit ↗Compare emergency food supply kits →
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alertOur pick: Midland WR400 ↗Compare weather radios →
- First aid kitOur pick: Swiss Safe 348 ↗Compare first aid kits →
- Extra batteriesOur pick: eneloop AA (8) ↗Compare rechargeable batteries →
- Whistle to signal for help
- Dust mask to help filter contaminated airOur pick: 3M Aura 9205+ ↗Compare n95 masks for smoke →
- Plastic sheeting, scissors and duct tape to shelter in place
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitationOur pick: Reliance Luggable Loo ↗Compare emergency toilets →
- Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
- Manual can opener for food
- Local maps
- Cell phone with chargers and a backup batteryOur pick: Anker 20,000mAh (built-in cable) ↗Compare power banks →
Additional supplies for your household
From Ready.gov's additional items, and its pages for pets and people with disabilities.
- Soap, hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes to disinfect surfaces
- Prescription medications
- Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids or laxatives
- Prescription eyeglasses and contact lens solution
- Cash or traveler's checks
- Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account recordsOur pick: SentrySafe file box ↗Compare fireproof document safes →
- Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person2 neededOur pick: SOL Emergency Bivvy ↗Compare emergency blankets and sleeping bags →
- Complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes2 needed
- Fire extinguisherOur pick: First Alert PRO5 ↗Compare fire extinguishers →
- Matches in a waterproof container
- Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
- Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils
- Paper and pencil
For power outages
From Ready.gov and CDC.
- Carbon monoxide detectors with battery backup in central locations on every level of your homeOur pick: Kidde 10-year digital CO alarm ↗Compare carbon monoxide alarms →
- A cooler and frozen gel packs, in case you have to move food out of the refrigeratorOur pick: Coleman 70 qt ↗Compare coolers for power outages →
Gear to consider for your hazards
Not part of the official lists: our comparisons, if you want them.
Get what's left
Tick off what you already have. Our Amazon picks for the 12 gear items still on your list can go into one Amazon cart, where you see the prices and can remove anything.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. It never changes which product we pick.
A reminder to check your kit
Seasonal checklists and a nudge to swap out stored water and expired food. No spam.
Common questions
How long will the food in my fridge and freezer last in a power outage?
CDC says food stays safe for up to 4 hours in a refrigerator, 48 hours in a full freezer and 24 hours in a half-full freezer, as long as you keep the doors closed.
Are candles safe to use when the power is out?
CDC recommends battery-powered flashlights and lanterns instead. If you do use candles, keep them away from anything that can catch fire and stay near them.
How much water does the kit builder plan for?
One gallon per person per day, the figure CDC and Ready.gov use, for drinking and sanitation. Children, nursing mothers and people who are sick may need more, and so may anyone in a hot climate. Pets need water too: ask your vet how much.
How many days should my kit cover?
The American Red Cross suggests a 3-day supply for evacuation and a 2-week supply for home. Ready.gov's list says several days. Pick 3 days for a go-bag and 2 weeks for supplies at home.
How much food is that?
Ready.gov asks for at least a several-day supply of non-perishable food. FDA uses 2,000 calories a day as a general guide, so the builder shows that total for the adults in your home. Children's needs vary with age.
Do I have to buy everything on the list?
No. Most homes already have much of it. Tick off what you have and the list shows only what is left. Our picks are there if you want a starting point, and every comparison page says who shouldn't buy.