Winter storm power outage checklist: what to charge and what to keep on
Charge your phones, a power bank, flashlights and your power station before the storm. Then run only what matters: router, phones, lights and fridge. By our math a 2,000 watt-hour box runs all four for about 9 hours.
Before a winter storm, charge your phones, a power bank, flashlights and your power station. Then spend your power only on what matters: the Wi-Fi router, phones, lights and the fridge. By our math, a box that holds about 2,000 watt-hours (how much power a box holds) runs those four for about 9 hours.
How do I prepare for a winter storm power outage?
Start early. Charge what you need while the power is still on, and make a short list of what you will keep running.
The National Weather Service says a winter storm can bring loss of heat, power and phone service. It also says supplies can run short if a storm lasts more than a day. So charge things when the forecast first shows a storm, not when the lights go out.
- Phones and a power bank. Ready.gov says to plan for batteries and other power sources, such as a portable charger or power bank.
- Flashlights. Ready.gov says to have one for every person in the house. Keep spare batteries.
- A battery-powered radio. The NWS lists a battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio to receive emergency information.
- Your power station. Charge it to full while the power is still on.
What to keep on
A box holds a set number of watt-hours, and each device you plug in spends some. So write a short must-run list. You can build one in Find My Power. Ours has four things. Watts: how fast something uses power. Our tools count these watts: a Wi-Fi router 15, phones 20, lights 40 and a fridge 120. That adds up to 195 watts.
Take the box size in watt-hours. Keep 85% of it, because some power is lost inside the box. Then divide by 195.
2,042 Wh × 0.85 ÷ 195 W = about 8.9 hours
That is the Jackery Explorer 2000 v2, a box of about 2,000 watt-hours.
Estimates. Your devices may use more or less.
Hours by box size
The second column is only the router, phones and lights, which is 75 watts. The third adds the fridge, which makes 195 watts.
| Box we list | Router, phones, lights (about) | Plus the fridge (about) |
|---|---|---|
| EcoFlow DELTA 3, 1,024 Wh | 12 hours | 4.5 hours |
| Jackery Explorer 2000 v2, 2,042 Wh | 23 hours | 8.9 hours |
| BLUETTI Elite 300, 3,014 Wh | 34 hours | 13 hours |
| EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3, 4,096 Wh | 46 hours | 18 hours |
Estimates. Your devices may use more or less.
Save watt-hours in a short outage
Ready.gov says a closed fridge keeps food cold for about four hours, and a full freezer for about 48 hours. It says to keep both doors closed and to throw out food that has been at 40 degrees or higher for two hours or more. In a short outage, a shut fridge buys you time, so the router, phones and lights come first. For a longer one, see how long a box runs a fridge in our fridge guide.
What to leave off
Heat takes a lot of power. Our tools count 1,500 watts for a space heater, more than 12 times a fridge. By our math, a box of about 2,000 watt-hours runs one for about 1.2 hours. Our space heater guide has the hours for each box size.
The NWS says to close off rooms you do not need and stuff towels or rags in the cracks under doors. Those cost no watts. Ready.gov says never to use a gas stove or oven to heat your home, because of carbon monoxide.
Our tools do not have a number for a furnace fan. We're checking. Read the label on yours.
About the Jackery Explorer 2000 v2
Why this box? It holds 2,042 Wh and sends out 2,200 W, so it runs the whole 195-watt list for about 9 hours. Surge: a short burst some things need to start. Jackery lists a 4,400-watt surge. Our tools count 1,200 watts to start a fridge, so there is room to spare. Jackery lists the weight at 39.5 pounds, so plan to lift it with two hands. Jackery also says this box is not expandable.
If your list is only a router, phones and lights, a box of about 1,000 watt-hours covers it for about 12 hours. You can compare two boxes or see our picks.
Tips before the storm
- Write your must-run list and the watts for each. Find My Power adds it up for you.
- Charge the box, your phones and a power bank when the forecast first shows a storm.
- Keep the fridge and freezer doors closed. Put a thermometer inside.
- If someone uses a medical device that needs power, Ready.gov says to talk to your medical provider about a plan. Our CPAP guide shows the hours for a CPAP.
- Check that your carbon monoxide detectors have battery backup. Ready.gov says to have them, and the CDC says to put one near every sleeping area.
- Keep your Wi-Fi going with our Wi-Fi outage guide.
New to these words? Read what a watt-hour is and watts vs watt-hours. To plan a whole house, see our whole-home backup guide. See how we check each number.
Questions people ask
What should I charge before a winter storm?
Charge your phones, a power bank, and your power station. Keep flashlights with spare batteries and a battery-powered radio ready too. Do it when the forecast first shows a storm.
How long will a power station run my fridge in a storm?
By our math, a box of about 1,000 watt-hours runs a fridge for about 7.3 hours at 120 watts. Our fridge guide shows why a real fridge may use less.
Can a power station run a space heater in a storm?
Yes, if its output is at least the heater's watts, but only for a short time. A box of about 2,000 watt-hours runs a 1,500-watt heater for about 1.2 hours. Our space heater guide has the details.
Can I run a gas generator in my garage?
No. The CDC says never to use a generator inside your home or garage, even with doors and windows open. It says to run one outdoors, more than 20 feet from windows, doors and vents.
Estimates. Your devices may use more or less. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Made with AI tools for research and drafting. A second AI check compares the numbers with the sources linked on this page. Samuel Guerra reviews every guide before it goes live.
