How to prepare for a power outage at home

Whether outages come from storms, grid repairs or scheduled cuts, the difference between a stressful evening and a manageable one is preparation. A little planning keeps you lit, connected, fed and safe, and it is far easier to do while the lights are still on.

A practical checklist, then power outage apps, with a section for outage apps rising by visits on the Censuus ranking. Never run generators or gas heaters indoors, and follow official guidance from local authorities.

Outage apps rising by visits and sponsorship on Censuus

A younger Android app from an independent developer:

Ranked by visit traffic and sponsorship on Censuus, not editorial opinion. The list changes as new apps appear and gain traffic.

Light and power first

Keep torches or head lamps where you can find them in the dark, with spare batteries. Charge power banks regularly and top up phones when you expect an outage. Battery lights are safer than candles.

Know when it will happen

Follow your grid operator’s schedules and alerts where they exist. A home power monitor or alert app tells you when power drops and comes back, even when you are out.

Protect food, water and devices

Keep the fridge and freezer closed during outages. Store drinking water and food that needs no cooking. Unplug sensitive electronics to protect them from surges when power returns.

Stay safe

Run generators only outdoors, away from windows. Never use gas cookers or heaters for heating indoors. Keep smoke and carbon monoxide alarms working. For a full kit, see how to put together a home first aid kit; compare apps in power outage apps.

Compared from each developer’s own store description.
Area	What to prepare	Why
Light	torches, head lamps, spare batteries	safer than candles
Power	charged power banks, a power station	phone and essentials on
Information	outage schedules and alerts	plan ahead
Food and water	stored water, food without cooking	meals without power
Safety	generators outside, smoke and CO alarms	no fire or fumes

Frequently asked questions

What should I have at home for a power outage?

Torches and batteries, charged power banks, stored water, food that needs no cooking, a first aid kit and working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.

How do I know when the power is back?

Follow your grid operator’s updates, or use a home power monitor or alert app that notifies you when electricity returns.

Is it safe to use a generator during an outage?

Only outdoors, away from windows and doors, because of carbon monoxide. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.