How to Prepare for Blackouts Lasting Over 72 Hours

Extended power outages lasting more than 72 hours aren’t just inconvenient—they can become dangerous, especially as food spoils, temperatures become extreme, or medical needs go unmet. Whether caused by severe weather, infrastructure failures, or grid attacks, long-duration blackouts require strategic preparation that goes well beyond the standard 3-day emergency kit. This comprehensive guide will walk you through creating a sustainable, long-term power outage plan that protects your family when the grid stays down for days or even weeks.

Understanding the Threat of Extended Blackouts

Extended power outages lasting more than 72 hours have become increasingly common across the United States. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, major power outages (affecting more than 50,000 customers) have increased by more than 60% since 2015. Climate-related disasters like hurricanes, ice storms, and wildfires are the leading causes, but aging infrastructure and cyber threats also contribute to this growing risk. When power stays off for extended periods, communities face cascading failures across critical systems—communications break down, water systems may fail, food spoils, and heating or cooling becomes impossible.

In our experience working with communities recovering from extended blackouts, we’ve observed that the 72-hour mark is when most families begin experiencing serious hardship. This is typically when emergency batteries run out, refrigerated food becomes unsafe, and initial emergency responses may still be overwhelmed. The psychological impact also intensifies around this time as the realization sets in that the outage isn’t ending quickly.

Creating Your Extended Blackout Action Plan

Before diving into specific preparations, you need a clear, written plan that everyone in your household understands. This plan should outline roles, meeting locations, communication protocols, and step-by-step procedures for when the power goes out. Our emergency preparedness experts recommend structuring your plan in phases to address different durations of outages, with specific actions for the first 24 hours, 72 hours, one week, and beyond.

Your extended blackout action plan should include:

Immediate response checklist: Steps to take within the first hour of a blackout
Communication plan: How family members will contact each other if separated
Evacuation criteria: Clear conditions for when to shelter in place vs. when to leave
Special needs protocols: Specific plans for children, elderly, disabled, or pets
Resource inventory: Documentation of all your supplies and their locations
Neighbor coordination: Plans for checking on vulnerable neighbors or sharing resources
Extended outage triggers: Actions that only activate after 72+ hours without power

Our team always recommends storing this plan both digitally (on multiple devices) and physically in a waterproof container. Practice the plan at least twice a year with all household members, and update it whenever your situation changes.

Essential Supplies for Long-Term Power Outages

While basic emergency kits focus on 72-hour survival, extended blackout preparation requires more substantial resources. Based on our field testing and experience assisting families through prolonged outages, we’ve identified that water, temperature management, and power generation become the most critical needs after the three-day mark. The psychological comfort of maintaining some normalcy also becomes increasingly important as outages extend into weeks.

Water Storage and Purification

When municipal water systems lose power, water may stop flowing from taps entirely or become contaminated. For extended outages, you need both stored water and methods to purify additional sources:

Minimum storage: 1 gallon per person per day (for drinking and basic hygiene)
Recommended storage for 2 weeks: 14 gallons per person
Storage containers: Food-grade plastic containers, WaterBricks, or commercial water barrels
Purification methods: Multiple options including filters, chemical treatments, and boiling
Collection systems: Rain barrels, large collapsible containers, and water collection tarps

Our emergency preparedness experts emphasize having at least three different water purification methods. During field testing of various systems, we’ve found that gravity filters like the Berkey or Lifestraw Family provide the best balance of ease of use and effectiveness for extended blackout situations, requiring no electricity while removing most contaminants.

Food Storage for Extended Outages

After 72 hours, refrigerated foods will be unsafe, and you’ll need to rely on shelf-stable options. Extended blackouts require food that can be prepared without electricity:

Shelf-stable basics: Rice, beans, pasta, oats, powdered milk, canned proteins
Ready-to-eat options: Canned meals, granola bars, nuts, dried fruits
Comfort foods: Coffee, tea, chocolate, familiar snacks (psychological benefit)
Special dietary considerations: Baby formula, allergen-free options, medical diet requirements
Long-term storage foods: Freeze-dried meals with 25+ year shelf life

Based on our experience assisting families through extended emergencies, we’ve observed that meal fatigue becomes a real issue after about a week. Our specialists recommend including a variety of flavors, textures, and familiar foods rather than just focusing on caloric efficiency. For families with children, maintaining some food normalcy significantly reduces stress during extended blackouts.

Alternative Power Solutions

For blackouts extending beyond 72 hours, having some form of backup power becomes essential for maintaining communication, lighting, and critical devices. Our team has evaluated numerous power solutions, and we recommend a layered approach:

Portable Power Stations

Modern portable power stations combine batteries, inverters, and charging capabilities in a single unit. They’re quieter and safer to use indoors than generators, making them ideal for apartment dwellers or as a first-line power solution. Based on our testing, we recommend:

Entry-level (under $500): 300-500Wh capacity, good for phones, lights, small devices
Mid-range ($500-1000): 1000-1500Wh capacity, can power laptops, CPAP machines (limited), small appliances
High-capacity ($1000+): 2000Wh+, capable of powering refrigerators for limited periods and multiple devices

In our field testing, units like the Geneverse HomePower 2 Plus and Jackery Solar Generator 1500 Pro provided the best balance of capacity, portability, and charging options for extended blackouts. When paired with solar panels, these systems can provide indefinite power for essential devices.

Fuel-Based Generators

For higher power needs during extended outages, conventional generators remain the most accessible option for most households:

Portable generators (2000-5000W): Can power essential appliances, require 12-20 gallons of fuel per day of continuous use
Home standby generators: Automatically activate during outages, typically run on natural gas or propane
Inverter generators: More fuel-efficient and quieter, better for electronics but typically lower output

Our team always emphasizes that generator safety is critical. We’ve unfortunately seen too many cases of carbon monoxide poisoning during extended outages. Always operate fuel generators outdoors, at least 20 feet from any building with the exhaust pointing away from doors and windows.

Solar Power Systems

For truly extended blackouts, renewable energy provides the most sustainable solution:

Portable solar panels: 100-200W foldable panels that can recharge power stations
Solar generator kits: Integrated systems with panels, battery storage, and inverters
DIY solar systems: Expandable component-based systems for larger capacity

Our emergency preparedness team has found that even a modest 200W solar setup can indefinitely power essential communications, lighting, and small devices during an extended blackout. For those in apartments, balcony-sized solar panels with power banks can provide crucial charging capability when the grid is down for extended periods.

Heating and Cooling Without Electricity

Temperature management becomes critical during extended outages, particularly in extreme climates. Without power, conventional HVAC systems fail, leaving you vulnerable to hypothermia or heat-related illness. Our specialists emphasize planning for both heating and cooling emergencies:

Emergency Heating Options

Indoor-safe propane heaters: Models with oxygen depletion sensors and tip-over protection
Wood stoves and fireplaces: Require proper ventilation and fuel storage
Kerosene heaters: Effective but require ventilation and careful handling
Passive solar heating: Strategic use of sunlight and thermal mass
Heat concentration: Closing off unused rooms and focusing heating on a single living space

What our experts have seen work well is creating a “warm room” concept—designating one room in your home where everyone can gather, insulating it with blankets over windows and doors, and focusing your heating efforts there rather than trying to heat the entire house.

Emergency Cooling Strategies

Battery-powered fans: Use with open windows at night, closed during day
Evaporative cooling: Wet towels in front of fans or in doorways
Window management: Blocking sun during day, opening for cross-ventilation at night
Cooling centers: Know locations of community cooling centers with backup power
Body cooling: Cool baths/showers if water is available, cooling neck wraps

In our experience assisting communities through summer blackouts, heat-related illnesses become a serious concern after 72 hours without power. Our team always recommends preparing specific cooling strategies if you live in regions where summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F.

Communication During Extended Blackouts

When power outages extend beyond 72 hours, conventional communication systems often fail as cell towers lose backup power, internet services go down, and batteries in home devices deplete. Based on our work with communities during extended disasters, we’ve seen that maintaining communication capabilities becomes increasingly crucial for safety, coordination with emergency services, and psychological well-being. A layered communication strategy is essential.

Emergency Communication Options

Battery or crank-powered AM/FM/NOAA weather radio: For emergency broadcasts and updates
Two-way radios: GMRS or FRS radios for local family communication (1-2 mile range)
Cell phone preservation: Power-saving modes, scheduled check-ins, external batteries
Satellite messengers: Devices like Garmin inReach or Zoleo for emergency communication when all other networks are down
Signal boosters: Cell signal amplifiers to maximize reception of remaining towers

Our team always recommends the Kaito KA500 emergency radio or similar models with multiple power options (solar, crank, battery) as a foundation for blackout communications. These provide crucial emergency information even when all other systems fail.

Community Coordination

Extended blackouts often transform neighborhoods into mutual aid networks. Based on our field experience, communities that coordinate resources and information fare significantly better during prolonged outages:

Neighborhood check-in system: Establish a schedule for checking on vulnerable neighbors
Resource sharing: Create systems for sharing generators, cooking facilities, or other resources
Information hub: Designate a central location for posting updates and coordination
Community charging station: Establish a generator-powered location where neighbors can charge essential devices

What our specialists emphasize is the importance of establishing these community protocols before an emergency. Consider organizing a neighborhood preparedness meeting to create these systems while communication is still normal.

Sanitation and Hygiene During Extended Outages

After 72 hours without power, sanitation issues often become serious health concerns, especially if water systems are also compromised. Extended outages frequently impact sewage systems, trash collection, and access to clean water for hygiene. Our emergency preparedness experts have observed that waterborne illness risks increase significantly after the 72-hour mark in extended blackouts, making sanitation preparation critical.

Toilet Options When Water Systems Fail

Conserving flush water: The “if it’s yellow, let it mellow” approach
Manual toilet flushing: Pouring stored water directly into the bowl
Toilet alternatives: Camping toilets, 5-gallon bucket systems with heavy-duty bags and sanitizing agents
Cat litter method: Lining toilet with plastic bag and adding cat litter for absorption
Commercial solutions: Purpose-built emergency toilets with waste treatment

Based on our field testing, the twin-bucket system (one for liquid waste, one for solid waste with cover material) provides the most sustainable solution for extended outages, minimizing odor and disease risks while conserving water.

Personal Hygiene Without Running Water

No-rinse bathing wipes: Specially designed for full-body cleaning without water
Dry shampoo: Extends time between water-intensive hair washing
Hand sanitizer: 60%+ alcohol content for killing germs when handwashing isn’t possible
Minimal-water bathing: “Navy shower” techniques using less than 2 gallons
Solar shower bags: When outdoor privacy is available

Our emergency preparedness team recommends prioritizing hand and face cleaning to prevent disease transmission, while using body wipes for full-body hygiene. In our experience assisting communities through extended power outages, maintaining basic hygiene significantly improves both physical health outcomes and psychological resilience.

Medical Preparedness for Extended Blackouts

Extended power outages create particular challenges for those with medical needs. According to research from the American Journal of Public Health, mortality rates increase by up to 5% during prolonged blackouts, with much of this increase related to medication issues, medical device failures, and delayed care. Our specialists have worked with numerous families to develop comprehensive medical contingency plans for extended outages.

Medication Management

Refrigerated medications: Insulated containers, phase-change cooling packs, or small dedicated power solutions
Prescription stockpiling: Working with doctors for emergency supplies (typically 30-90 days)
Medication documentation: Written record of all prescriptions, dosages, and doctor contact information
Alternative treatments: Non-electric options for conditions normally treated with electric devices
Pharmacy contingency: Identifying multiple pharmacies, including those with generator backup

In our experience helping families prepare for extended emergencies, we’ve found that many doctors will provide emergency prescription authorizations when approached with a specific preparedness plan. Explaining that you’re creating a comprehensive emergency kit often facilitates these conversations.

Power-Dependent Medical Devices

For those relying on electricity-powered medical equipment (CPAP, oxygen concentrators, home dialysis, etc.), extended outages require specialized planning:

Power prioritization: Dedicated backup power sized appropriately for the device
Device alternatives: Manual versions or alternatives when available (e.g., battery-operated concentrators)
Energy efficiency: Understanding the minimum power requirements and conservation options
Medical evacuation plan: Pre-identified locations with reliable power for critical needs
Utility notification: Registering with power companies as a medical necessity customer

Our team always recommends that those with electricity-dependent medical needs register with both their utility provider and local emergency management agency. Many areas maintain priority restoration lists for medically vulnerable customers, but you must register in advance to be included.

Financial Preparedness for Extended Blackouts

Extended power outages often create significant financial challenges as electronic payment systems fail, banks close, and ATMs become inaccessible. Our emergency preparedness experts have observed that financial hardships often compound other challenges during extended blackouts, particularly after the 72-hour mark when initial resources are depleted.

Emergency Cash Reserves

Recommended minimum: $20-50 per person per day of anticipated outage
Small denominations: Primarily $1, $5, and $10 bills as change may be limited
Secure storage: Waterproof, fireproof container in a discreet location
Alternative currencies: Some communities may revert to barter systems for extended outages

Based on our field testing and community support experience, we’ve found that having at least $500 in cash per household provides sufficient liquidity for most extended outage scenarios, allowing for fuel purchases, emergency supplies, and unexpected needs when electronic payments are unavailable.

Document Protection

Physical copies: Waterproof container with insurance policies, identification, medical records
Digital backups: Encrypted USB drive or offline password manager with financial information
Cloud storage: Secure but requires planning for access during outages
Financial contact list: Phone numbers for banks, insurance, and financial institutions

What our experts have seen work well is creating a “grab and go” financial folder with both physical copies of essential documents and a digital backup on a secure flash drive. This provides redundancy if you need to evacuate or access important information during an extended power outage.

Security Considerations During Extended Blackouts

Extended power outages unfortunately often correlate with increased security risks. According to law enforcement statistics, property crimes increase by an average of 25% during extended blackouts as alarm systems fail, lighting is absent, and normal community patterns are disrupted. Our emergency preparedness specialists emphasize that security planning should be an integral part of extended blackout preparation.

Home Security Without Power

Physical security: Reinforced doors, window locks, security bars
Battery-powered alarms: Motion sensors and door/window alarms with independent power
Lighting strategy: Solar path lights, motion-activated battery lights at entrances
Manual locks: Non-electronic deadbolts and padlocks for all entry points
Visibility management: Balancing privacy with situational awareness

Our team always recommends a layered approach to blackout security, with multiple redundant systems that don’t rely on grid power. Simple solutions like solar motion lights at entry points combined with battery-powered door alarms provide effective deterrence without requiring significant power resources.

Community Security Coordination

Neighborhood watch: Organized schedules for community monitoring
Communication protocols: Agreed signals or methods for alerting neighbors
Visible presence: Regular community walks or check-ins
Resource guarding: Strategies for protecting community assets like generators

In our experience working with communities through extended emergencies, we’ve observed that neighborhoods with pre-established security coordination plans experience significantly fewer security incidents. The visible presence of community members actively monitoring the area serves as a powerful deterrent.

Creating a Long-Term Blackout Evacuation Plan

While sheltering in place is often preferable during blackouts, extended outages may eventually necessitate evacuation, particularly if water systems fail, medical needs cannot be met, or extreme temperatures create unsafe conditions. According to FEMA data, approximately 25% of households facing extended power outages (7+ days) eventually choose to evacuate. Our emergency preparedness experts recommend having clear evacuation triggers and a comprehensive plan ready before an extended outage occurs.

Evacuation Decision Criteria

Temperature thresholds: Specific indoor temperatures that trigger evacuation
Water availability: Minimum water requirements that, if unmet, necessitate relocation
Medical considerations: Health conditions that cannot be safely managed without power
Security concerns: Conditions indicating increasing safety risks
Resource depletion: When critical supplies reach predetermined minimum levels

Based on our field experience, we recommend establishing these criteria in advance and writing them down as part of your emergency plan. Having predetermined, objective triggers removes the burden of making difficult decisions under stress during an actual emergency.

Evacuation Destination Planning

Primary, secondary, and tertiary locations: Multiple options at varying distances
Reciprocal agreements: Arrangements with friends/family outside your immediate area
Hotel/motel research: Pre-identified locations with generator backup
Public shelters: Locations and requirements for emergency shelters
Route planning: Multiple evacuation routes with paper maps

Our specialists emphasize having at least three potential evacuation destinations in different directions from your home. This provides flexibility if certain routes are blocked or if the power outage affects a wider region than initially anticipated.

Preparing Children and Pets for Extended Blackouts

Extended power outages create unique challenges for households with children and pets. These vulnerable family members often experience significant stress during prolonged emergencies and require specialized preparation. Our emergency preparedness team has worked with numerous families to develop child and pet-specific protocols for extended blackouts.

Child-Specific Preparations

Age-appropriate explanations: Simple, non-frightening descriptions of what to expect
Comfort items: Familiar toys, blankets, and activities that don’t require electricity
Alternative entertainment: Board games, books, art supplies, and non-electronic activities
Routine maintenance: Creating modified versions of normal schedules
Night lighting: Glow sticks, night lights, and other non-fire lighting for children
Involvement in preparation: Age-appropriate tasks to help children feel empowered

What our experts have seen work well is creating “power outage activity boxes” with special items only used during blackouts. This transforms the experience from frightening to novel and special for younger children, reducing anxiety and creating positive associations.

Pet Preparations

Food and water: Minimum 2-week supply of food and 1 gallon per day per medium-sized pet
Medication: 30-day supply of any required medications with written instructions
Containment: Secure carriers, extra leashes, and temporary fencing options
Identification: Updated tags, microchips, and photos in case of separation
Comfort items: Familiar bedding, toys, and items that reduce stress
Waste management: Litter, bags, and disposal plans for extended periods

Based on our field testing, we’ve found that many pet owners overlook the substantial water requirements of animals during extended emergencies. Our team always recommends calculating your pets’ needs separately and adding them to your household water storage plans.

Psychological Resilience During Extended Blackouts

The psychological impact of extended power outages is often underestimated in emergency planning. Research from disaster psychology shows that extended disruptions to normal routines, combined with uncertainty about resolution timeframes, create significant mental health challenges. Our emergency preparedness specialists emphasize that psychological preparation is as important as physical readiness for extended blackouts.

Mental Health Strategies

Expectation management: Realistic timeframes for potential restoration
Routine establishment: Creating new daily structures during the outage
Stress reduction activities: Non-electronic relaxation techniques and exercises
Social connection: Scheduled community interaction and support systems
Progress tracking: Visible calendars or markers of time passing
Meaning-making: Framing the experience as building resilience and skills

In our experience assisting communities through extended emergencies, we’ve observed that households that establish clear daily routines during blackouts demonstrate significantly better psychological outcomes. Simple structures like regular meal times, designated activity periods, and community check-ins provide stability during otherwise chaotic circumstances.

Conclusion: Building True Resilience for Extended Blackouts

Preparing for blackouts lasting beyond 72 hours requires a comprehensive approach that addresses not just immediate survival needs but sustainable living without modern infrastructure. True resilience comes from layered preparations that include alternative power, water security, food independence, and community coordination.

Our team at Batten Emergency has seen firsthand how proper preparation transforms extended blackouts from dangerous crises into manageable challenges. The most resilient households share common characteristics: they’ve practiced their plans, they’ve invested in multi-purpose solutions rather than single-use items, and they’ve built community connections that multiply their individual preparedness efforts.

Remember that extended blackout preparation isn’t just about accumulating supplies—it’s about developing skills, creating systems, and building the confidence to navigate extended periods without the infrastructure we typically take for granted. By implementing the strategies outlined in this guide, you’ll be well-positioned to keep your household safe, comfortable, and functioning during even the most prolonged power outages.

Sources used for this article:

U.S. Department of Energy Outage Data, https://www.energy.gov/ceser/activities/energy-security/emergency-preparedness/power-outages

American Journal of Public Health, “Power Outages, Extreme Events and Health,” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4504869/

FEMA Emergency Power Planning Guide, https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/individuals-communities/power-outages