Make an inventory by purpose
Separate communication, lighting, food and care needs. For each, write down the equipment, cable or battery and where it is kept. Check that your power bank actually charges your phone and that you can find the flashlight in the dark. An untested purchase is not a verified backup.
Separate two plans
A short outage and a prolonged interruption need different plans. Write what you can do in the first hours and what would change if your backup runs out. Include an out-of-area contact and an alternative place agreed in advance, without assuming transportation or space will be available.
Medical equipment: confirm backup needs
If someone depends on powered medical equipment, discuss backup power and relocation with their care provider and the manufacturer beforehand. Keep contacts, instructions and transportation needs on paper. A generic battery does not establish compatibility or runtime for a medical device.
Generators and carbon monoxide
The CDC says never to run a generator in a house, garage or basement, even with doors open. Keep it outdoors at least 20 feet from doors, windows and vents, and use a battery-powered or battery-backup carbon monoxide detector. Do not use wet equipment. Follow manufacturer instructions.
Confirm service status
A LUMA publication or a report for another region does not confirm service at your address. If CazaHuracanes shows pending information, visit the official source. We cannot promise a restoration time based on a map, missing reports or an automated explanation.
Keep one sheet ready
Write: equipment, available backup, its location, who checked it and an alternate contact. Add the date each backup was tested. This keeps information from depending on one person and makes unconfirmed needs visible.
Sources and choices
Educational information. Follow official warnings and instructions. Call 9-1-1 for an immediate emergency.