HOUSEHOLD OUTAGE CONTACTS AND DECISION PLAN
Yenra | Updated September 7, 2026
Article: https://yenra.com/blackout-power-outage-safety/

Fill this in BEFORE an outage. Keep an accessible copy with emergency
supplies and share needed information with helpers. U.S. household scope.
For fire, medical emergency or suspected CO exposure: get to safety and
call 911. Follow local emergency instructions.

CONTACTS
Utility outage/hazard reporting and official map: ___________________
Local alerts source: _______________________________________________
Household helper and out-of-area contact: ___________________________
Pharmacist/clinician/device supplier: _______________________________
Accessible alternative location and transport: ______________________
Pets/caregivers/supplies needed there: ______________________________

PERSON-SPECIFIC PLAN
Critical device and prescribed settings: ____________________________
Approved backup source and verified runtime at those settings: _______
Recharge method/time: _______________________________________________
Clinician/supplier-approved relocation trigger: ______________________
Medicine name, exact labeled storage requirements: __________________
Pharmacist's plan for temperature excursion/replacement: _____________
Do not apply food limits to medicines or assume utility priority service.

OUTAGE RECORD
Start date/time: ________ Latest utility update and timestamp: _______
Observed hazards (report from safety): ______________________________
Refrigerator/freezer doors kept closed: _____________________________
Food moved to suitable cold source at: ______________________________
Temperature readings and times: ____________________________________

FOOD REFERENCE
Closed refrigerator: about 4 hours. Full freezer: about 48 hours;
half-full freezer: about 24 hours, with doors closed.
Discard refrigerated perishables after 4 hours without power. Consult
the food-specific chart for frozen/thawed items; ice crystals or a
temperature at/below 40 F (4 C) can support refreezing for many foods.
Never taste food to judge safety. A cold fridge after restoration does
not prove that food stayed safe throughout the outage.
https://www.foodsafety.gov/food-safety-charts/food-safety-during-power-outage

PREPARATION/RESPONSE
Lighting, radio, water, suitable food, phone power: ___________________
CO alarms with battery backup on every level/outside sleeping areas: _
Portable generator: outdoors at least 20 feet from homes/buildings,
exhaust away from openings; never inside a house, garage, shed or basement.
Never heat a home with a grill or gas oven. If CO alarm sounds or CO is
suspected, everyone gets to fresh air and calls 911.
Relocate before critical power, health or transport limits are reached.
https://www.ready.gov/power-outages
https://www.fda.gov/drugs/emergency-preparedness-drugs/safe-drug-use-after-natural-disaster

AFTER RESTORATION
Damaged/flooded equipment assessed by qualified personnel: ___________
Food/medicine decisions resolved: ______ Backup supplies recharged: ___
Plan improvements and next review date: _____________________________