How to Prepare Your Home for a Power Outage
Sherri Howe January 15, 2026
Sherri Howe January 15, 2026
As we were reminded recently in San Francisco, it doesn’t take a big storm or other disaster to make a power outage. It can turn any ordinary day upside down – but a little preparation can go a long way toward keeping your household safe, calm, and comfortable when it happens.
Below are answers to the most common questions San Francisco homeowners and residents ask about preparing their homes for a power outage.
What is the very first thing I should do to prepare my home for a power outage?
One of the most important first steps is making sure you have light within easy reach. Keep a flashlight or lantern somewhere you can grab instantly, like a nightstand, kitchen drawer, or entryway. Even the best emergency kit won’t help much if you’re stuck wandering around in the dark trying to find it!
What should be included in a basic power outage emergency kit for my home?
A basic power outage kit doesn’t need to be complicated. Aim to have enough essentials to last about three days, including:
A helpful bonus tip is to store everything in a cooler. That way, if the outage lasts longer than expected, you can repurpose it to help keep food cold.
How can I keep food safe and cold during a power outage?
A full freezer stays cold much longer than a half-empty one. To prepare, fill unused freezer space with water bottles or ice packs. When the power goes out, food in a full freezer can stay cold for up to 48 hours. As an added benefit, a full freezer actually runs more efficiently than an empty one, even when the power is on.
How many power banks should I have available for a power outage?
As many as you possibly can – they’re worth their weight in gold! But seriously, you’ll want to be able to access updates or contact others. If you use power banks regularly, remember to recharge them often rather than waiting until an outage happens.
Should I unplug electronics when the power goes out?
Yes. When a power outage occurs, it’s a good idea to unplug major electronics to protect them from power surges when electricity is restored. Leave one light switched on in a conspicuous location, so you’ll know immediately when the power is back on.
Should I wait to learn how to manually open my garage door until a power outage comes?
OK, this one’s not serious. No question, you don’t want to wait until you’re stressed, late, and trying to get out in a hurry. Take a few minutes now to locate it and practice using it. Thank us later!
How can I help children feel calm and safe during a power outage?
Practicing a simple “lights-out drill” can help kids know what to expect and how to stay calm during a real outage. Keep books, board games, or other non-electronic activities nearby. When adults stay calm and prepared, kids usually follow. Outages can even feel like a fun adventure to them if they’re prepared!
Should I check on my neighbors during a power outage?
Yes, especially if you have neighbors who are elderly or otherwise vulnerable. A quick knock on the door, phone call, or text can go a long way. People in strong communities look out for one another!
What if I want to be more prepared for future power outages?
If frequent outages have you thinking about a generator, a backup power system, or how specific appliances behave when the power is off, it’s worth getting answers ahead of time. No one loves sniffing them out for you like Sherri Howe, your advocate in San Francisco real estate! Reach out at 415.640.4664 or [email protected] and let Sherri put her experience and resources to work for you.
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