What to Do When the Power Grid Goes Down
- Isabella Boston
- Feb 24, 2025
- 7 min read
Updated: Jul 24
Do you know what to do when the power grid goes down? A Step-by-Step Guide
“‘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 detailed video 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.
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 every day 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 to have at least a 1 to 2 weeks’ 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 if 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.
Any water from a chlorinated municipal water supply does not need additional treatment for microorganisms when it is 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 for 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 fine cloth, filter paper, or some other type of filter. Allow it to settle and then carefully draw from the clear water on top. Always disinfect clear or filtered water before use.
2. Disinfect (boiling 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 if there are toxic contaminants present, they may 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).
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!)
Emergency Evacuation Kits!
Suppose you must evacuate your home. Plan to have enough emergency supplies for at least 72 hours per person. These items should include:
Clothing: short and long-sleeved shirts, pants, jackets, socks, etc.
Raincoat or poncho
Undergarments
Blankets
Cloth sheets
Plastic sheets
Personal supplies and medication
First aid kit and supplies: You can either purchase one or make your own.
Toiletries: Toilet paper, feminine hygiene products, brush, toothbrush, etc.
Cleaning supplies: hand sanitizer, soap, shampoo, dish soap, etc.
Medications: acetaminophen, ibuprofen, children’s medication, etc.
Prescription medications: pack at least three days’ worth, if not more!
Infant’s needs, if applicable: diapers, formula, etc.
Pet's needs, if applicable.
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.
Food that does not require cooking or refrigeration.
Three-day water supply, one gallon per person.
Trail mix and dried fruit
Granola and protein bars
Crackers and cereals
Peanut butter
Canned beans, soup, tuna, turkey, beef, etc. (Pop tops are more convenient.)
Canned juice
Dried meat, jerky
I suggest packing an emergency kit for each family member in a backpack and keeping them 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, even in the event you might not return home.
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.
