A day by day plan for getting through a week without power: water, food, warmth, sanitation, communication and when to leave.
- Plan a week in layers: stabilize in days 1 and 2, build a routine in days 3 and 4, then reassess and decide.
- Water, warmth and sanitation matter more than gadgets.
- Decide in advance when you will leave, and where you would go.
Most outages are over in hours. But ice storms, hurricanes, wildfires and big wind events have left whole regions dark for a week or more. If your plan only covers one night, a long outage becomes a real problem fast.
A week is long enough that you need to think in systems: water, food, warmth, sanitation, communication and a decision about when to leave. This guide gives a simple day-by-day structure. Start with the basics in how to prepare for a power outage and build up from there.
Before it happens: the core stock
Official guidance in Canada and the US is to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours, and many agencies encourage more. For a week, add to that base kit.
- Water: A common guide is 4 litres (1 gallon) per person per day, which is 28 litres (7 gallons) per person for a week. Add pets. See how much water to store.
- Food: A week of shelf-stable food that needs little or no cooking. See what emergency food to store first.
- Fuel: Fuel for camp stoves outdoors, stored safely.
- Medication: A supply of prescriptions as far ahead as your provider and pharmacy allow.
- Power: A way to charge phones, and ideally a larger battery for essentials. See how to keep phones charged.
- Documents and cash: See emergency cash and important documents.
Days 1 and 2: stabilize
Use the first two days to settle in and avoid mistakes.
- Keep the fridge and freezer closed. Eat from the fridge first, then the freezer, then pantry food.
- Pick one room to live in, and make it warm or cool as needed. See keeping your home warm or the heat wave guide.
- Fill bathtubs and containers with water for flushing, if you have warning and your pipes are intact.
- Charge phones and check on neighbours, especially older adults. See neighbour check-ins.
- Check your utility's updates, and the ETA, if it exists.
Days 3 and 4: settle into a routine
By now the fridge is done, so it is time to cook what will spoil and move to shelf-stable food. A routine reduces stress for everyone.
- Set a daily schedule: meals, charging, a short outdoor walk, a check-in with neighbours.
- Conserve phone battery. Lower the screen brightness, turn on low power mode and send texts rather than calling. A battery radio gives news without draining the phone. See emergency radios.
- Manage sanitation. If water is off, use a bucket toilet with bags. See emergency toilet and sanitation.
- Wash hands often. Hand sanitizer and wipes help when water is limited.
- Watch for signs of fatigue, low mood or illness. Make sure everyone eats and drinks enough.
Days 5 to 7: stretch and decide
This is when supplies run down and morale drops. Take stock out loud.
- Count remaining water, food, fuel and batteries. Work out how many days they cover.
- Ration sensibly, but do not skip meals or water. Hunger and dehydration make people cold and confused.
- Look for other sources: warming centres, community kitchens, water distribution points, a friend with power.
- Call your local authorities, check official updates and decide whether to stay.
When to leave
Staying home is not always the right choice. Leave, or go somewhere warmer, cooler or better supplied if:
- The home cannot be kept at a safe temperature for children, older adults or anyone unwell.
- You run low on safe water, or a medical need cannot be met.
- Authorities tell you to evacuate, or conditions like smoke or flooding are getting worse. See wildfire smoke and evacuation.
- Anyone shows signs of cold or heat illness, or you feel unsafe for any reason.
Plan this ahead of time. Know which friend, relative or shelter you would go to, and keep a go-bag ready. See go-bag vs 72-hour kit. Make sure everyone knows the plan using a family communication plan.
What not to do
- Never run a generator, grill or camp stove indoors or in a garage. See carbon monoxide safety.
- Do not burn candles unattended.
- Do not eat food of doubtful safety to save it. See food safety.
Quick answers
How much water do I need for a week?
A common planning figure is 4 litres (1 gallon) per person per day, so about 28 litres (7 gallons) per person for a week, plus extra for pets and hygiene.
Do I need a generator for a week-long outage?
Not necessarily. Many households manage with a good stock of water, food, warm clothing and a way to charge phones. A generator or power station helps with a few key loads if used safely.