What to Do When the Power Grid Goes Down
- Isabella Boston
- Feb 24, 2025
- 8 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
Do you know what to do when the power grid goes down? A Step-by-Step Guide
This post was last updated on August 7, 2026.
“‘The sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.’" - Mark 13:24
Library: Printable PDFs & Resources
Red Cross Checklist: Emergency Kit Checklist.
US Army: 72-Hour Kit Supply List.
Food Storage: Preparing an Emergency Food Supply, Long Term Food Storage, by Judy Harrison, PhD.) And, please visit my video library at the end of this blog for additional tips and resources!
First Aid Kit: How to Make Your Own First Aid Kit.
FEMA Power Outage Checklist: Be Prepared for a Power Outage.
Red Cross Power Outage Checklist: Be Red Cross Ready - Power Outage Checklist.
Introduction
We are in the last days: war, sickness, famine, and chaos of every kind are all around us, just as the Holy Word of God has told us (Matthew 24:6-8). Brothers and sisters, things will get worse. Much worse. We need to be prepared. The power grid will go down. This is certain. God has revealed these things to me. Do you know what to do when that happens? Let's talk about it.
What to Do When the Power Grid Goes Down
The first thing you will want to do when the power grid goes down is to turn off any unnecessary appliances, collect your emergency kit, including flashlights, batteries, candles, non-perishable food, and water. You should have an emergency kit already packed and ready for such an event, if not please read below on how to make one; I also provided a printable PDFs above and a detailed videos at the end of this blog. You also want to keep your refrigerator and freezer closed to preserve food.
Beforehand, you should always make sure to keep your devices fully charged at all times so you can use them once the power goes out.
Preserve the power of your cell phone and other essential electronic devices by shutting them off when not in use. Try to stay informed about the situation using a battery-powered radio for updates.
I have written a full article on everything you need to do and how you can prepare for both short and long-term emergencies starting today. You can read my post HERE.
Key Steps to Take
Secure lighting: Grab flashlights and candles with extra batteries and matches. (Use candles as a last resort and please be careful when using them to avoid starting an unwanted fire.)
Check on vulnerable individuals: Make sure those with medical needs have access to backup power for essential equipment. Check on the elderly and make sure their needs are properly met.
Preserve food: Keep your refrigerator and freezer doors closed to maintain cold temperatures as long as possible. A good idea is to fill locking freezer bags with water and keep them in the freezer. This will not only provide you with extra drinking water if needed, but will also help to keep the freezer cold longer.
Stay informed: Listen to a battery-powered radio for updates on the outage situation.
Charge devices: Make it a habit to keep your essential electronic devices fully charged while you still have power.
Unplug electronics: To prevent damage from power surges if the electricity should return, unplug sensitive appliances like TVs and computers.
Conserve water: You will need to plan at least a 1- to 2-week supply of water, about 14 gallons per person.
Stay warm/cool: Dress in layers and use blankets and a sleeping bag to stay comfortable, depending on the weather.
Communicate with trusted neighbors: Check on your community and share information, as needed.
Cooking Preparations
If you have a gas range, you should still be able to use it during a blackout. Otherwise, you will need to heat your food another way:
Try to gather items that would be good as fuel for a fire if you need one. You can also use a grill or a camping stove to cook meals or to boil water for sterilization. (Please watch the video at the end of this blog on ways to heat food safely indoors during a blackout or power outage.)
A good alternative is the Kelly Kettle Base Camp. It uses natural fuel, such as twigs, trash, dry grass, and quickly boils 54 fl oz. of water (that's about nine 6-oz. mugs of water at a time). It works well in all weather conditions, even rainy and windy conditions.
Water Purification
Plan for water storage in the event of an emergency.
Water from a chlorinated municipal supply does not need additional treatment for microorganisms when stored in clean, food-grade containers. (If water has chemical toxins in it, then you will need to filter the water with a filtration system to remove them. Please see my "Video Reference" section at the end of this post to learn more.)
Non-chlorinated water needs to be treated with bleach:
Add 8 drops of liquid household chlorine bleach (5 to 6% sodium hypochlorite) for every 4 liters (one gallon) of water. Do not use bleach with thickeners, scents, or additives. (Please watch the video below to learn more.)
Water Storage
Store your water in a place where a potential leakage will not damage your home or apartment. You should protect stored water from any heat and light. Depending on the container, you may need to protect your stored water from freezing, as well.
To improve the taste of your stored water, pour it back and forth between two containers before use. You should empty and refill your containers regularly.
Water Disinfectant and Purification Methods from an Unknown Water Source
If you are in a situation where you do not know if your water supply is safe or whether it has been polluted, you should purify it before use by following this two-step process:
1. Clarify – If water is cloudy or dirty, it should be passed through a fine cloth, filter paper, or some other type of filter such as a coffee filter. Allow it to settle, then carefully draw from the clear water on top. Always disinfect clear or filtered water before use (step 2 below).
2. Disinfect (boiling method-safest method) – You should bring your water to a rolling boil for 3 to 5 minutes to kill most waterborne microorganisms. Do not overboil small quantities of water, because any toxic contaminants present might concentrate with prolonged boiling.
Bleach method – Add 8 drops of fresh liquid household chlorine bleach (5 to 6% sodium hypochlorite) to every 4 liters (one gallon) of water to kill most microorganisms. Do not use household bleach with thickeners, scents, or additives. This bleach method does not include or address toxic contamination of water (chemicals). For this, see below.
Commercial water filters - A commercial water filter can effectively purify and filter contaminated water with microorganisms, as well as water with toxic chemicals and heavy metals. The effectiveness will depend on the proper use, design, and condition of the water filter.
*Remember, disinfecting water removes harmful bacteria and microorganisms, but water purification removes harmful chemicals and toxins as well.
If you want to invest in a good water purification system, please consider the AquaBrick Portable Water Purification System. It will purify ANY source of non-salt water, making it safe and clean to drink. No power, batteries, or heat is needed. (I am not an affiliate marketer with this company, but I used to be!)
72-Hour Emergency Evacuation Kits!
Suppose you must evacuate your home with little to no notice? Plan to have enough emergency supplies for at least 72 hours per person. (You can purchase most of these things at your local dollar or community store.)
72-Hour Critical Emergency Supplies Checklist:
Clothes
Short and long-sleeved shirts, pants, warm jackets, socks, etc.
Raincoat or poncho
Undergarments
Blankets
Cloth sheets
Plastic sheets: Preferably 4 -6 mil thick. (Please see the section below.)
Towels & washcloths
Water & Hydration
Stored Water: 1 gallon per person per day (3-day minimum).
Water Filters: Portable water filter or gravity purifier system.
Chemical Treatment: Unscented household bleach with dropper or chlorine dioxide tablets.
Food & Nutrition
Non-Perishable Food: 3-day supply of canned meats, chili, soup/stews, beans (pop-tops are more convenient), trail mix, dried fruits, peanut butter, crackers, cereals, granola & protein bars.
Manual Can Opener: Essential for accessing canned food.
Camp Stove & Fuel: Pack a tiny backpacking stove to boil water and rehydrate meals.
Mess Kit: Durable plates, utensils, and a small camp stove with fuel. Please consider the Kelly Kettle Base Camp.
Infant’s needs, if applicable: baby formula, bottles, etc.
Pet's needs, food, meds, collapsible bowl, toys, etc., if applicable.
Medical & Hygiene
First Aid Kit: Bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauze, tweezers, and medical Tape.
Prescription Medications: Minimum 7-day supply of critical personal medications.
Basic Medications: Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, children’s medication, etc.
Hygiene Supplies: Moist towelettes, feminine hygiene products, toothbrush & toothpaste, garbage bags, toilet paper, etc.
Cleaning supplies: Hand sanitizer, soap, shampoo, dish soap, etc.
Infant’s needs, if applicable: diapers, baby wipes, rash ointments, etc.
Tools & Communication
LED Flashlight/ Headlamp: Headlamps keep your hands free during an evacuation.
Extra Matching Batteries: Store them outside the devices, so they do not leak or corrode.
Crank or Battery Radio: NOAA Weather Radio to receive emergency broadcasts.
Multi-Tool: Heavy-duty pocket knife with pliers and screwdrivers.
Whistle: High-decibel emergency whistle to signal for rescue.
Protection & Comfort
Emergency Blankets: Compact Mylar space blankets to retain body heat.
Tent
Sleeping Bags
Flares
Ax
Shovel
Scissors
Rope
Duct Tape: Versatile tool for quick repairs or sealing shelters.
Matches or Lighter: Stored inside a completely waterproof container.
Local Paper Maps: Reliable navigation if cell towers go down.
Books, Entertainment & Comfort: Holy Bible, family photos, at least 3 board games, coloring & reading books.
Phone & charger(s)
Pen & Paper
Personal documents and money (Keep these items in a waterproof container or pouch, especially during an evacuation!)
Legal documents: Birth and marriage certificates, wills, passports, contracts, etc.
Medical records
Insurance policies
Cash
Credit card/Checks
Prepaid phone card
I have all my important documents in order and stored in a safe and easily accessible place. All I have to do is grab them and throw them in my bag.
With everything going on right now, it is so important that if you are stopped and approached during an emergency, you can verify yourself without being detained.
Whether you are an American citizen or not. There will come a time when EVERYONE will be stopped and questioned!
And please keep in mind, you might never get to return to your home. So it is IMPERATIVE to have your important documents with you when you evacuate or relocate.
I suggest packing an emergency kit for each family member in a backpack (or a plastic easy-to-lift trunk) and keeping the backpacks in an area close to the door for easy access.
With a 72-hour supply kit, you can strategically rotate, replace, and use items as needed on the go, even if you are unable to return home. Think of it as the "bridge" to get you over to your next three-day supply or, in some cases, possibly a new location altogether.
Please watch the videos below for additional survival tips.
Stay safe, stay blessed, and keep with God in Christ Jesus!
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. - Isaiah 41:10
Video Library & Resources
Sources
Schauf, C. (2023, March 23). What to do if the power grid goes down. Uncharted Supply Company. https://unchartedsupplyco.com/blogs/the-four-pillars/what-to-do-if-the-power-grid-goes-down
12 tips to prepare for a power cut: National Grid Group. 12 tips to prepare for a power cut | National Grid Group. (n.d.). https://www.nationalgrid.com/power-cuts/tips-prepare-for-power-cut
Power Outage Preparedness Communications. (n.d.). https://www.prepareslo.org/en/resources/Communications.pdf
Author’s Bio
Saved by Grace, Isabella Boston is a devoted follower of Jesus Christ, deeply passionate about sharing God’s Holy Word and unpacking biblical truths for daily life.
From exploring prayer and deepening your relationship with God in Christ Jesus to navigating toxic relationships and intrusive thoughts, she writes to provide clear, biblical guidance.
Called to uphold the traditions of faith, Isabella also writes about the significance of the Christian Veil of God’s Holy Order and Chain of Command, and of living a set-apart life that honors God in all things.
Follow her blog for more scriptural insights and spiritual encouragement.
