Be Prepared if the Power Goes Out: Emergency Preparedness this summer

How to prepare your home and family for extended outages whether it is 3 hours or 3 days.

Arizona residents know the value of air conditioning in the summer heat. But what happens when the power goes out—not just for hours, but for days? Between wildfire risks, monsoon storms, and grid instability, long-term outages aren’t just possible—they’re a growing concern.

Whether you’re in the city or rural areas like Globe-Miami, being prepared for an extended blackout is critical. Here’s how you can plan ahead to keep your family safe, cool, and cared for during a power outage.

 Keep Cool Without A/C

Heat is the biggest threat in an Arizona power outage. Begin by identifying the coolest room in your home—ideally shaded and well-insulated. Equip it with:

• Battery-powered or solar fans

• Cooling towels, misting bottles, and spray fans

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• Reflective window coverings (blackout curtains or even aluminum foil)

Portable, solar-powered swamp coolers can help reduce the temperature by a few degrees—critical in triple-digit heat. Keep a supply of ice packs or frozen water bottles in your freezer; they’ll serve as makeshift coolers for your body or perishables.

Know your nearest cooling center and how to reach it even if cell service is down.

 Store Ample Water

The rule of thumb is 1 gallon per person per day, but in Arizona heat, 2 gallons is safer—especially if you’re active or without A/C. Include extra water for pets and cooking.

Keep water purification tablets or a gravity filter on hand. If you get a warning ahead of a storm, fill bathtubs and large containers with water for flushing toilets or washing.

 Build a No-Cook Food Kit

Stock up on a 7–10 day supply of shelf-stable, no-cook foods like:

• Canned beans, tuna, fruit

• Nut butters, jerky, granola

• Electrolyte drink powders

Don’t forget a manual can opener and disposable utensils. Consider freezing water jugs to help extend fridge and freezer life if the power fails unexpectedly.

 Power and Light Essentials

Flashlights (LED preferred), headlamps, and battery-powered lanterns are far safer than candles. Be sure to stock extra batteries of all necessary sizes.

Invest in solar chargers or high-capacity power banks to keep your phone and small electronics going. If you use a generator, ensure it’s used safely and outdoors only, and have enough fuel safely stored ahead of time.

 Stay Informed

A battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA weather radio is crucial for updates when cell towers are down. Keep a printed list of emergency contacts, including neighbors, local services, and family.

Sign up for emergency text alerts from your county or utility provider—and consider paper maps in case GPS services fail.

Medications, Hygiene & Special Needs

Have a first aid kit ready and stock a 7–10 day supply of prescription medications. If anyone in your household depends on medical devices requiring electricity, speak to your doctor or utility company about battery backups or priority restoration programs.

Other essentials:

• Moist towelettes, hand sanitizer

• Trash bags and toilet alternatives

• Baby supplies and pet food

Prepare Your Home

Before an outage, unplug sensitive electronics to prevent damage when power returns. Keep your fuel tanks full, as gas stations may not be operational. Secure outdoor items during storms and have a fire extinguisher readily available.

Don’t Go It Alone

In any emergency, community matters. Check in on elderly neighbors or those with special needs. Establish a family communication plan and choose a designated meet-up location.

Final Thought
Preparedness may not prevent the outage, but it can prevent a crisis.

In Arizona, where extreme heat poses a serious health risk, being ready for a prolonged blackout is a necessity, not a luxury.

Start small, build over time, and help others do the same. A well-prepared home could mean the difference between discomfort—and disaster.