Choose your essentials
Write down the few devices that matter most: selected lights, communication equipment and refrigeration. Identify any needs that require professional or specialist advice rather than a general-purpose calculator.
Know your equipment
Keep the manufacturer’s instructions available offline. Check charge level, suitable storage conditions and the recharge options you can actually use.
Make a plan that is easy to follow
Label the appliances in your backup plan. Keep suitable cables accessible and check their ratings. For connections to a home’s electrical wiring, use a qualified electrician and approved equipment.
Walk through it before you need it
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to check your intended setup under normal conditions. Record what works and revise the plan when your equipment or household needs change.
Keep the plan portable
Use our planner to download or print your selected loads and assumptions. Store a copy where it is useful. A plan that you can find and understand is a plan you can use.
Sources & context
Ready.gov — preparing for power outages ↗Research checked October 22, 2026. Calculations and example loads are illustrative. Product-specific advice should be checked against the relevant manufacturer documentation.