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Long-Term Grid-Down Checklist

GridReady Guide editorial team · Updated September 2026

Long-duration planning should connect household systems instead of becoming an endless shopping list.

Household systems

Water
Food and cooking
Temperature and shelter
Power and lighting
Communication and information
Sanitation and health needs

Review assumptions

Ask which supplies depend on replenishment, which systems have a single point of failure and which plans depend on services that may also be disrupted.

Keep reading: preparedness guide overview

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Updated: September 26, 2026

Grid-down checklist: organize preparations by human need—water, food, temperature, health, sanitation, information, light and energy—then add scenario-specific equipment only where it solves a defined problem.

Household continuity checklist

Area	Minimum question	Useful redundancy
Water	Do we have safe water for at least three days?	Stored water plus a plan for official treatment advisories
Food	Can we eat for several days without refrigeration?	No-cook foods, manual can opener, safe outdoor cooking option
Information	Can we receive instructions without home internet?	Phone alerts plus battery radio
Lighting	Can everyone move safely after dark?	LED lanterns plus individual flashlights
Power	Which loads are essential?	Power banks plus appropriately sized backup source
Health	What fails if power/services stop?	Medication and device-specific continuity plan

Review twice a year

Rotate food and water as appropriate, test lights and power banks, confirm contact details, inspect generator cords/fuel arrangements according to manufacturer guidance, and update the plan when household needs change.