When the power is out and the water stops

The first hours of an outage are about preserving options. Work in this order: information, safe water, light, food, medication, then comfort.

Start with the failure you can’t see

A blackout can interrupt pumps, treatment systems, payment networks, elevators, and mobile service. Check local alerts while your phone still has power, fill food-grade containers if officials say the water is safe, and write down a contact and meeting point.

Make one room the operating room

Put your light, phone charging, medication, first aid, radio, and a written list of contacts in one place. Open the refrigerator only when necessary. Never use a camp stove, grill, or generator indoors or in an attached garage.

Use a 72-hour check

Ask: can everyone drink, eat, take essential medication, receive a warning, and leave safely if the outage continues? The answer is a plan, not a shopping list.

Sources: Ready.gov household preparedness; FEMA household survey; local utility emergency guidance. Reviewed September 13, 2026.