Power Priority Planning for Emergencies

When backup power is limited, you cannot run everything you normally would. Smart prioritization ensures critical needs get power first while less essential devices wait. Planning your priorities before an emergency reduces stress and prevents wasted energy on non essentials.

Every household has different priorities based on medical needs, climate, work requirements, and personal circumstances. This guide helps you think through your specific situation and create a practical power priority list.

The goal is not to live in the dark. The goal is to make deliberate choices about power use so your backup resources last as long as possible while maintaining safety and basic comfort.

Priority Categories

Category 1: Life Safety (Must Power)

Medical equipment that people depend on for life: oxygen concentrators, CPAP/BiPAP machines, powered wheelchairs and lifts, insulin refrigeration, dialysis equipment. These have absolute priority. Plan backup power around these needs first.

Category 2: Essential Communication

Phones to receive emergency alerts and contact family. At minimum one charged phone per household. Internet/modem if needed for emergency information. Emergency radio (ideally battery or hand crank powered).

Category 3: Food Safety

Refrigerator and freezer to preserve food. A well insulated refrigerator keeps food safe about 4 hours unopened. Freezers maintain temperature 24 to 48 hours if full. Cycling power to these appliances extends backup runtime significantly.

Category 4: Climate Control

Heating or cooling needs depend on climate and season. In extreme heat or cold, climate control becomes a safety issue, potentially moving to Category 1. In mild conditions, it becomes a comfort issue with lower priority.

Category 5: Lighting

Basic lighting for safety and function. LED lights use minimal power. A few well placed lights are usually sufficient. Avoid lighting empty rooms.

Category 6: Convenience

Entertainment, charging multiple devices, running small appliances. These enhance comfort but are not essential. Power them only after higher priorities are met and capacity allows.

Creating Your Priority List

Step 1: Inventory Essential Devices

Walk through your home and list every device that needs electricity. Note which are essential for health, safety, and basic function. Note the wattage of each device (check labels or manuals).

Step 2: Identify Must Have Items

Which devices must run regardless of circumstances? Medical equipment is obvious. Consider unique household needs: fish tanks require pumps, home businesses may need specific equipment, infants require bottle warming or formula preparation.

Step 3: Calculate Power Requirements

Add up wattage for must have items running simultaneously. This is your minimum backup power requirement. Your generator or power station must handle at least this load.

Step 4: Tier Remaining Devices

Organize non essential devices into tiers based on importance to your household. Family A might prioritize the coffee maker; Family B might prioritize charging tablets for children. There is no universal right answer.

Power Saving Strategies

Cycling Appliances

You do not need to run refrigerators continuously. Running the refrigerator for 2 hours then off for 2 hours can maintain safe temperatures while halving power consumption. Monitor temperatures to find the right balance.

Consolidate Charging

Charge multiple devices during a single generator run period rather than starting the generator multiple times for individual devices. Group charging activities.

Use Battery Power for Low Draw Items

Phones, tablets, and LED lights draw very little power. Use battery banks and portable power stations for these items, reserving generator power for high draw appliances.

Manual Alternatives

Use manual can openers instead of electric. Use hand powered tools instead of power tools. Open curtains for daylight instead of turning on lights. Every watt saved extends your backup power.

Sample Priority Lists

Family with Medical Needs

1. CPAP machine (essential, overnight)
2. Phone charging (twice daily)
3. Refrigerator (cycle 2 hours on, 2 off)
4. Basic lighting (evening only)
5. Laptop for remote work (if required)

Family with Young Children

1. Refrigerator for formula/food
2. Phone charging for emergency communication
3. Bottle warmer or formula prep (as needed)
4. Night lights for safety
5. Tablet charging for entertainment

Single Person, Work From Home

1. Phone/communication
2. Laptop and modem for essential work
3. Refrigerator (cycled)
4. Basic lighting
5. Coffee maker (brief use)

Planning for Extended Outages

Short outages (hours to a day) allow running more devices. Extended outages (days to weeks) require stricter prioritization to conserve fuel or battery capacity.

Day 1: Normal Priority

Run priority items as planned. Uncertain duration means conserve somewhat but do not over restrict.

Days 2 to 3: Increased Conservation

If outage continues, tighten usage. Cut Category 6 items entirely. Reduce Category 5 to minimum. Extend refrigerator cycling intervals.

Day 4+: Maximum Conservation

Focus only on Categories 1 to 3. Consider consuming refrigerator contents and turning it off rather than continuing to power it. Minimize all discretionary use.

Quick Reference Checklist

• List all electrical devices in household
• Identify absolutely essential (life safety) items
• Note wattage of each priority device
• Calculate minimum power requirements
• Tier remaining devices by importance
• Plan cycling schedules for major appliances
• Identify manual alternatives to electric devices
• Write down your priority list before emergency
• Share the plan with all household members
• Review and update as needs change