What still works when the power goes out?

Your blackout plan

Your next steps

Based on the three areas you checked. This is a practical starting point, not a complete emergency assessment.

From one-time check to ready supplies

Sheltr keeps your blackout supplies in one place.

Track what you own, where it is, and how much your household needs. Keep a clear list of what to charge, test or restock.

Track these supplies in Sheltr For iPhone · Opens the App Store. These answers do not transfer automatically.

Example Sheltr inventory showing quantities you have, target quantities and low-stock categories. — Actual Sheltr supplies screen with example data
Not your calculator result

Useful details

Open only what you need.

Food and cooking without powerNo-cook ideas and apartment options

Use familiar shelf-stable food labeled ready to eat: cereal with shelf-stable milk, canned beans or fish, crackers, fruit and ready-to-eat meals. Include usual snacks and a manual opener when needed.

An installed gas cooktop may work only if the manual for the exact model allows outage use. Some controls and igniters still need electricity. Never use a portable propane, butane or camping stove indoors.

FoodSafety.gov: emergency food · GE: gas cooking during an outage · Whirlpool: model-dependent lockout.

Blackout safetyFood, fuel and medical needs

Use portable lights instead of candles. An unopened refrigerator keeps food cold for about 4 hours. Powered medical equipment, refrigerated medicines, and extreme heat or cold need a separate plan with the relevant provider.

Never use a portable fuel-burning camp stove, charcoal grill or fuel generator indoors or in an enclosed or partly enclosed space. An open window does not make it safe.

CDC power outage guidance · CDC carbon monoxide guidance.

Would a blackout affect your water?Use a reserve estimate only when it is relevant

A power outage does not automatically stop your water. If your home relies on an electric well or building pump, your supply is unreliable, or local authorities advise it, include an emergency reserve.

For , the CDC starting reserve is . That reserve covers drinking, food preparation and basic hygiene; allow more for special needs and pets.

CDC emergency water guidance.

What still works when the power goes out?

Start the blackout check

The room goes dark. What do you reach for?

Could you find it and switch it on in the dark?

If the phone reaches 1%, what lights the room?

The outage lasts into tomorrow. Your phone is at 20%. What happens next?

Could that setup charge this phone today?

Do you have enough food for 12 meal portions?

How much of that food could you actually serve without electricity?

Could you open and serve all of it without electricity?

Will the food stay safe — and will this cooktop work without electricity?

Your next steps

You said you already have

Sheltr keeps your blackout supplies in one place.

Useful details

Blackout reality check

Start the blackout check

The room goes dark. What do you reach for?

Could you find it and switch it on in the dark?

If the phone reaches 1%, what lights the room?

The outage lasts into tomorrow. Your phone is at 20%. What happens next?

Could that setup charge this phone today?

Do you have enough food for 12 meal portions?

How much of that food could you actually serve without electricity?

Could you open and serve all of it without electricity?

Will the food stay safe — and will this cooktop work without electricity?

Your next steps

You said you already have

Sheltr keeps your blackout supplies in one place.

Useful details