How To Prepare For A Power Outage

If the electricity went out tonight and didn't return until tomorrow, what would you need to keep running?

Your phone might be your only way to contact family, your refrigerator would start warming up, and finding a flashlight wouldn't help much if its batteries were dead.

In October 2026, PG&E shut off electricity to more than 85,000 California customers during high winds and dry conditions that increased wildfire risks.

The same month, the U.S. Department of Energy issued an emergency order to reduce blackout risks across the Mid-Atlantic power grid.

So, here's how to prepare for a power outage without buying equipment you don't need or making your emergency plan unnecessarily complicated.

Check Power Outages Near You

Can't reach a family member or friend who lives in another state? Checking whether their area has a power outage is a useful first step. 

The USA TODAY Power Outage Tracker lets you check reported outages across the United States. You can use it to check your own area or look up the state where your loved ones live.

For more specific information, visit the local electricity provider's website. Utility updates may include affected neighborhoods, estimated restoration times, and safety notices.

An outage map cannot confirm whether someone is safe or whether their individual home has electricity.

If you have an immediate reason to worry about someone's safety, contact local emergency services rather than relying only on outage reports.

How to Charge Your Phone Without Backup Power

Your phone battery is running low, and you don't have a power bank? You may still have a way to charge it. A laptop, another phone, or even a compatible cordless-tool battery could help you get some extra power.

Your Power Outage Checklist

Start with supplies that will help your household manage at least three days without normal access to electricity or essential services.

You may already have most of them, but check their condition and keep them somewhere everyone can find them.

Essential	What to prepare
Drinking water	At least 1 gallon per person per day for 3 days
Food	3 days of nonperishable food and a manual can opener
Lighting	Flashlights, headlamps, and spare or rechargeable batteries
Communication	Charged phones, emergency contacts, and a battery-powered radio
Backup power	Charged power banks or a suitable portable power station
Medical supplies	Medications, first-aid supplies, and necessary medical backup arrangements
Other essentials	Pet supplies, baby supplies, hygiene products, and important documents

For a family of four, the three-day water recommendation means storing at least 12 gallons. Keep additional water if you have pets, live somewhere hot, or have medical needs that increase your household's requirements.

Five Things to Do Before an Outage

1. Charge your devices: Fully charge phones, laptops, power banks, rechargeable lights, and backup power equipment while electricity is available.
2. Check your supplies: Test flashlights, replace expired food, and keep emergency items within easy reach.
3. Prepare your refrigerator: Freeze ice packs or water in freezer-safe containers, leaving room for expansion, to help maintain cold temperatures during an outage.
4. Save important contacts: Keep utility numbers, emergency contacts, and medication information available without internet access.
5. Make a backup plan: Identify somewhere safe to go if your home loses heating, cooling, or water, and arrange suitable backup for medical equipment.

If your utility announces a planned shutoff, complete these steps before the electricity goes out. Otherwise, review your supplies periodically so you're not discovering dead batteries during an emergency.

How Will You Keep Your Phone Charged?

Your phone becomes especially valuable during a blackout. You may need it to check utility updates, contact family, access important information, or call for help.

Charge it fully when you receive an outage warning. Once the electricity goes out, switch on battery-saving mode, lower screen brightness, and avoid unnecessary apps.

A USB power bank gives you another way to charge compatible devices when wall outlets stop working.

At Mach1 Lithium, our 100W fast charging power bank offers several practical benefits:

• 20,000mAh battery capacity: Stores energy for additional device charging.
• Four USB ports: Includes two USB-A and two USB-C connections.
• Up to 100W charging output: Supports compatible USB-C laptops and other electronics within port limits.
• Compact design: Fits into a bag, drawer, or emergency kit.

If your main concern is keeping your phone available for calls and updates, a charged power bank may meet your needs without a larger power station.

What Will You Use for Lighting?

Using your phone as a flashlight works temporarily, but it drains the same battery you might need for communication.

Keep a dedicated light near your bed or in an accessible emergency kit. If you have a larger household, place lights in more than one location.

Two options serve different purposes:

• For general lighting: Our mini rechargeable flashlight offers a compact rechargeable light with a main beam and COB side light. You can use it to check rooms, find supplies, or move around the house.
• For hands-free tasks: Our rechargeable LED headlamp helps when you need both hands to carry supplies or inspect equipment. Its adjustable light and magnetic base provide additional positioning options.

Test and charge your lights regularly. Keep one where you can reach it without navigating a dark room.

Need to Power a Laptop or Small Electronics?

A USB power bank can handle compatible charging devices, but some electronics require a standard AC outlet.

You might need to run a laptop charger, small fan, or other low-power equipment while the electricity is unavailable.

A portable power station stores electricity in a rechargeable battery and supplies power through supported AC, USB, or DC connections.

For smaller electrical needs, our 300W portable power station offers:

• 300W rated output: Supports compatible electronics within its power limits.
• AC and USB connections: Provides options for charging and powering different devices.
• Pure sine wave output: Suits equipment whose manufacturers specify compatible AC power.
• Approximately 10-pound weight: Makes it easier to carry and store than larger backup stations.

Before connecting your equipment, check its wattage. For example, a laptop drawing 60W and an LED light using 10W would require approximately 70W together.

However, the station's 300W output rating doesn't tell you how long it can run those devices. You'll also need its battery capacity, measured in watt-hours (Wh), to estimate runtime.

What If You Need More Backup Power?

A power bank might handle your phone, but longer outages or several devices can demand more stored energy.

Before choosing a larger battery, check two specifications:

• Watts (W): The amount of power a station can supply at once.
• Watt-hours (Wh): The amount of energy its battery stores.

Our 1100W portable power station uses a 992Wh LiFePO4 battery and provides four AC outlets, two USB-A ports, and two USB-C ports.

That gives you more options for connecting compatible equipment, such as a laptop, LED lighting, and internet equipment, provided their combined power requirements stay within the station's limits.

How Long Can It Run Your Devices?

Suppose you connect equipment that draws a steady 100W. A 992Wh battery could theoretically supply that load for about 9.9 hours before accounting for energy losses.

With an illustrative 85% usable-energy assumption, the estimate drops to about 8.4 hours. Actual runtime will vary based on the connected devices, power conversion losses, and battery operating conditions.

Some appliances also need extra power when their motors start. Check those requirements before connecting refrigerators or other motor-driven equipment.

Our 1100W station also supports compatible solar charging, which may offer another way to recharge during an extended outage. However, available sunlight, panel specifications, and charging limits affect the result.

A portable power station can support selected devices, but it won't replace a whole-home backup system.

Already Have Cordless Tool Batteries?

If you own cordless power tools, you may already have rechargeable batteries that could help during a short power outage.

A compatible battery inverter converts energy from a tool battery into electricity for supported low-power electronics.

You can use the battery you already own instead of buying another large battery system for occasional charging.

Our DeWalt 20V battery power inverter offers:

• Up to 140W continuous output: Supports compatible low-wattage devices.
• 120V AC and USB connections: Provides different ways to connect supported electronics.
• Tool battery compatibility: Works with specified compatible DeWalt 20V MAX and 60V FlexVolt batteries.

The battery is sold separately, so this option makes the most sense if you already own a compatible one.

The inverter uses modified sine wave output, which doesn't suit every device. Check your equipment's power requirements before connecting it, especially when the manufacturer specifies pure sine wave power.

What to Do When the Power Goes Out

When your electricity stops unexpectedly, check for hazards before worrying about your devices. Stay away from fallen power lines, damaged electrical equipment, and standing water near electrical connections.

Once you're safe, follow these steps:

1. Check utility updates: Find out whether the outage affects your neighborhood and look for restoration information.
2. Switch to battery-powered lighting: Use flashlights or headlamps rather than candles.
3. Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed: An unopened refrigerator generally keeps food cold for about four hours. A full freezer can maintain safe temperatures for approximately 48 hours when kept closed.
4. Save backup power: Prioritize essential communication, lighting, and other important devices.
5. Protect sensitive electronics: Unplug vulnerable devices where appropriate to reduce damage from restoration surges.
6. Watch indoor temperatures: Find a safe place to stay if your home becomes dangerously hot or cold.

For longer outages, check food temperatures rather than relying on appearance or smell. Follow local water advisories and check on household members who may need extra assistance.

Power Outage Safety Mistakes to Avoid

Some emergency power mistakes can create more serious problems than the blackout itself.

• Never run fuel-powered generators indoors: Gasoline, propane, and other combustion generators produce carbon monoxide. Keep them outside and away from openings where exhaust could enter.
• Don't use a gas stove or oven for heating: These appliances create safety hazards when you use them to heat indoor spaces.
• Don't overload backup equipment: Check the station's rated output and your devices' power requirements.
• Don't improvise household wiring connections: Never connect a portable station to home wiring through an unsafe backfeed arrangement.

Keep rechargeable equipment dry and follow the manufacturer's operating instructions. For additional safety information, review FEMA's power outage recommendations.

What If the Outage Lasts Several Days?

A short blackout may interrupt your routine, but several days without electricity can create bigger problems involving water, food, medication, and indoor temperatures.

If the outage continues, focus on three priorities:

• Essential supplies: Check your drinking water, food, and medications. Follow local emergency announcements about available services.
• Safe living conditions: Look for shelters, cooling centers, warming centers, or another safe location if your home becomes unsafe.
• Recharging options: Find out whether your utility, community, or local authorities have announced public charging locations. Use compatible solar charging equipment if conditions allow.

If someone depends on electricity-powered medical equipment, follow their established backup plan and seek appropriate assistance before the backup supply runs low.

Prepare Before the Next Outage

You can't always predict when the electricity will go out, but you can prepare the supplies and equipment your household needs most.

Keep your emergency kit accessible, charge your batteries regularly, and check how much power your essential devices require.

If you need backup electricity beyond basic phone charging, compare our portable power stations to find an option that fits your needs.