Free printable checklists for the next outage.

Four two-page PDFs built on FEMA, USDA and CDC guidance. Print them, stick them on the fridge, and hand a copy to anyone who might be home alone when the lights go out.

Pick your checklist

Every PDF prints on standard letter paper, in color or black and white.

Page 1 of the emergency supply checklist

2-page checklist

Emergency supply checklist

For houses and apartments.

  • Every item on FEMA's basic kit list, grouped so it's easy to shop for
  • Apartment tips: elevators, water pressure, balconies, small spaces
  • A fill-in water calculator for your household
Page 1 of the keep food safe in an outage

2-page guide

Keep food safe in an outage

What to keep, what to toss.

  • The three numbers that matter: 4 hours, 48 hours and 40°F
  • How to make your fridge and freezer stay cold longer
  • A throw-out or keep chart for 20 common foods
Page 1 of the family communication plan

2-page fill-in form

Family communication plan

Who to call and where to meet.

  • Out-of-town contact and three meeting places
  • School, work, medical and utility numbers in one place
  • Cut-out wallet cards for kids and caregivers
Page 1 of the your 72-hour outage plan

2-page plan

Your 72-hour outage plan

From the forecast through day 3.

  • What to charge, freeze and fill before the storm
  • A step-by-step for the first hours, night 1 and days 2 to 3
  • Carbon monoxide rules everyone in the house should know

Four numbers worth memorizing

If you remember nothing else when the power goes out, remember these.

4 hrs

How long a closed refrigerator keeps food safe without power.

FoodSafety.gov

48 hrs

How long a full, closed freezer holds a safe temperature. Half full: about 24.

FoodSafety.gov

1 gal

Water per person, per day, for drinking and sanitation. Store several days' worth.

Ready.gov

20 ft

The minimum distance between a generator and any window, door or vent.

CDC

Your checklist says “portable power station.” Which one?

Tap the appliances you need and see the batteries that can actually run them.

Where this guidance comes from

Our checklists summarize official U.S. government guidance. For anything not covered, go to the source.