72-Hour Power Outage Kit: A Calm Family Checklist

Short answer: Start with a 72-hour household kit aligned with Ready.gov's "several days" framing: about 1 gallon of water per person per day, nonperishable food, flashlights, batteries, phone charging, a radio, first aid, medications, sanitation supplies, and copies of key documents (Ready.gov Build A Kit—verified Nov 2, 2026). Treat 72 hours as the entry point, and a starting point toward two weeks of food and water, which the American Red Cross recommends for power outages (Red Cross Power Outage Safety—verified Nov 2, 2026).

This is practical outage readiness for renters, families, well-water homes, remote workers, and medical-device households—not doomsday prepping. No product prices and no affiliate links.

Why 72 hours is the entry point

Ready.gov asks households to be ready with food, water, and supplies for several days (Ready.gov/kit—verified Nov 2, 2026). Power outages can disrupt communications, water, and transportation, spoil food, and stop medical devices (Ready.gov Power Outages—verified Nov 2, 2026). A findable flashlight, drinkable water, and a closed-fridge habit already reduce stress.

Optional next steps after that base:

These horizons are planning options, not separate Blackout Ready products.

Water: do the math

Ready.gov: store at least one gallon per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation; children, nursing mothers, sick people, and hot climates may need more—and needs can double in very hot weather (Ready.gov Water—verified Nov 2, 2026).

Example: 4 people × 3 days × 1 gal = 12 gallons (toward two weeks: 4 × 14 = 56 gallons).

Well-water and high-rise note: Pumps that need electricity stop in an outage. Store water before you assume a generator or station will run a pump (Virginia Dept. of Health private wells guidance; CPUC PSPS FAQs on electric pumps—verified Nov 2, 2026).

Keep store-bought water sealed in a cool, dark place; replace water you bottled yourself about every six months (Ready.gov Water—verified Nov 2, 2026).

Food that needs no fridge—and fridge rules if the power fails

Stock nonperishable food you will eat, plus a manual can opener (Ready.gov Food; Ready.gov/kit—verified Nov 2, 2026). Without power: closed fridge ~4 hours; full freezer ~48 hours (half full ~24). Decide what to keep or discard using the temperature-based FoodSafety.gov charts—never taste-test (Ready.gov—verified Nov 2, 2026). Appliance thermometers show whether the fridge stayed at 40°F or below and the freezer at 0°F or below (FDA—verified Nov 2, 2026). Optional fridge battery sizing: What Size Power Station Runs a Fridge in an Outage?

Light and power

Have a flashlight per person, spare batteries, and a power bank; inventory what needs electricity (Ready.gov Power Outages—verified Nov 2, 2026). Prefer battery lights over candles (Red Cross—verified Nov 2, 2026). Remote workers: add modem/router and laptop. Unplug appliances before power returns to reduce surge damage (Ready.gov—verified Nov 2, 2026).

Medical needs

Plan with your clinician for powered devices and refrigerated medicines (Ready.gov Power Outages—verified Nov 2, 2026). Notify your utility and fire department about devices that need power, and ask the manufacturer about battery/generator options (FDA—verified Nov 2, 2026). Follow drug labels and your pharmacist after longer outages (CDC—verified Nov 2, 2026).

Communication and documents

Include a battery or hand-crank / NOAA radio, a paper contact list, local alert sign-ups, waterproof copies of ID/insurance/bank records, some small bills, and a household meeting place (Ready.gov/kit; Ready.gov Make a Plan; Ready.gov Financial Preparedness; Red Cross; DOE CESER—verified Nov 2, 2026).

Home safety: generators and carbon monoxide

If you cannot meet the 20-foot rule, use batteries instead—see Power Station vs. Generator: Which Fits Your Home? Stay clear of downed lines and call 911 (Red Cross—verified Nov 2, 2026).

Pets and kids

Pets: food, water, medicine, ID, leash, carrier (Ready.gov Pets—verified Nov 2, 2026).

Kids/infants: formula, bottles, diapers, wipes, and a simple reunification talk (Ready.gov/kit; Ready.gov Families—verified Nov 2, 2026).

Build it in tiers (criteria, not shopping prices)

• Basic: water math, flashlight per person, batteries, power bank, radio, first aid, sanitation, document pouch.
• Family: fridge/freezer thermometers, coolers, kid and pet add-ons, printed contacts.
• Medical-dependent: written device settings, clinician plan, utility notification, spare supplies as directed.

Compare current products at the retailer—no prices here. Future product links will be labeled (Affiliate Disclosure).

Keep it fresh

Maintain the kit: replace expired items, rethink needs yearly (Ready.gov/kit—verified Nov 2, 2026). Replace self-bottled water about every six months (Ready.gov Water—verified Nov 2, 2026).

Next step: personalize quantities

The free Blackout Ready calculator turns your household size and chosen number of days into supply quantities and a prioritized checklist.

Also: home, kits, all guides, fridge power station sizing, and power station vs. generator.

Sources (opened and checked Nov 2, 2026)

1. Ready.gov — Build A Kit
2. Ready.gov — Power Outages
3. Ready.gov — Water
4. Ready.gov — Food
5. Ready.gov — Make A Plan
6. Ready.gov — Pets
7. Ready.gov — Families
8. Ready.gov — Financial Preparedness
9. FoodSafety.gov — Food Safety During Power Outage
10. FDA — Food and Water Safety During Power Outages and Floods
11. FDA — Medical Devices and Natural Disasters
12. CDC — Protect Yourself During a Power Outage
13. CPSC — Generator/CO release (May 27, 2026)
14. American Red Cross — Power Outage Safety
15. DOE CESER — Staying Informed
16. CPUC — PSPS FAQs
17. Virginia Dept. of Health — Private wells / storms

General preparedness information only. Follow local officials and manufacturers. Call 911 in an emergency.