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What it is
Generator safety and selection, battery backup systems, food safety during outages, communication alternatives, and comprehensive guidance for managing extended power outages safely.
A skill is a written procedure a bot loads when a job calls for it. This one is a single file, SKILL.md, and the whole file is on this page.
Length 483 lines3,328 words, about 16 min read
Category Health and wellnesspreventive health
Level Intermediate Give your first job to Murage. Download the app, connect the AI you already pay for, and tell your Chief of Staff what needs doing. Plan on about ten minutes from install to a working team.
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Open source license
Skill Guard health-wellness budgeting checklist guide beginner-friendly testing automation safety Paste it into your agent's instructions (CLAUDE.md, AGENTS.md or a custom GPT), or add it to a bot in Murage.
When to Use User asks about power outage manager techniques or best practices
User needs guidance on power outage manager concepts
User wants to implement or improve their approach to power outage manager
The request falls outside the scope of power outage manager
User needs a different specialized skill for their specific situation
The topic requires professional consultation beyond general guidance
Questions to Ask First How often do you experience power outages and how long do they typically last?
Does anyone in your household depend on powered medical equipment?
What is your primary concern during outages (food preservation, heating/cooling, communication, medical)?
Do you currently own a generator or backup power system?
What is your budget for power outage preparedness?
What type of home do you have (house, apartment, condo)?
What climate do you live in (extreme heat, extreme cold, moderate)?
Do you have a home security system, sump pump, or well pump that needs power?
First 15 Minutes ☐ To do: Check if outage is just your home (check breaker panel) or area-wide (look outside)
☐ To do: Report the outage to your utility company (phone, app, or website)
☐ To do: Unplug or turn off sensitive electronics to prevent surge damage when power returns
☐ To do: Leave one light switched on so you know when power is restored
☐ To do: Check on elderly or medically vulnerable neighbors
☐ To do: Locate flashlights, batteries, and battery-powered radio
☐ To do: Check phone battery level and begin conservation if needed
☐ To do: Note the time the outage started (important for food safety)
If Outage Is Expected to Be Extended ☐ To do: Minimize refrigerator and freezer opening
☐ To do: Fill bathtub and containers with water (if you have a well pump)
☐ To do: Charge all devices while you still can (if you have warning)
☐ To do: Set up generator outdoors if you have one (see safety section)
☐ To do: Gather warm clothing and blankets if cold weather
☐ To do: Prepare for alternative cooking if needed
☐ To do: Activate your family communication plan
Generator Guide
Generator Types Type Power Output Runtime Cost Best For Portable (gas) 2,000-12,000W 8-12 hrs/tank $400-2,000 Periodic outages, key circuits Portable (dual fuel) 3,000-12,000W 8-12 hrs/tank $500-2,500 Flexibility, fuel options Inverter (portable) 1,000-7,000W 4-18 hrs $300-3,000 Sensitive electronics, quiet operation Standby (permanent) 7,000-50,000W Continuous (with fuel) $3,000-15,000+ Whole-house, automatic transfer Solar + battery Varies Varies $2,000-20,000+ Silent, no fuel, renewable
Sizing Your Generator Step 1: List what you need to power
Appliance Running Watts Starting Watts Refrigerator 150-400 400-1,200 Freezer 100-400 400-1,200 Sump pump (1/2 HP) 800-1,000 1,300-2,100 Well pump (1/2 HP) 700-1,000 1,400-2,100 Window AC (10,000 BTU) 1,200 1,800 Space heater (electric) 1,500 1,500 Furnace blower 300-800 600-1,600 Lights (LED) 10-25 each 10-25 Phone charger 10-25 10-25 TV 100-400 100-400 Microwave 600-1,200 600-1,200 Coffee maker 600-1,200 600-1,200 Medical equipment Check device Check device
Step 2: Calculate your total need
Add running watts of everything you want to run simultaneously
Add the highest starting wattage (largest motor) to the running total
This is your minimum generator size
Add 20% margin for safety
Refrigerator (200W running) + Freezer (150W) + Lights (100W) + Phone chargers (50W) + Furnace blower (500W) = 1,000W running
Furnace blower starting surge: +1,000W
Total needed: 2,000W + 20% = 2,400W minimum generator
CRITICAL: Generator Safety Carbon monoxide kills. These rules are not optional.
☐ To do: NEVER run a generator indoors - not in the house, garage, basement, shed, or any enclosed space
☐ To do: Place generator OUTSIDE, at least 20 feet from any door, window, or vent
☐ To do: Point exhaust away from the house and any openings
☐ To do: Install battery-operated CO detectors on every level of your home
☐ To do: NEVER refuel a running or hot generator (let it cool first)
☐ To do: Keep fuel stored safely away from the generator and living spaces
☐ To do: Use heavy-duty outdoor-rated extension cords (proper gauge for the load)
☐ To do: NEVER connect a generator directly to home wiring without a transfer switch
☐ To do: Keep generator dry (use a canopy, not an enclosure)
☐ To do: Turn off generator before sleeping if you cannot monitor CO levels
Transfer Switches Connecting a generator to your home's electrical panel without a transfer switch is illegal and dangerous
Backfeeding through the panel can electrocute utility workers repairing lines
A transfer switch safely isolates your home from the grid during generator use
Manual transfer switch : You switch circuits manually ($300-800 installed)
Automatic transfer switch : Detects outage and switches automatically ($500-2,000 installed)
Interlock kit : Less expensive alternative for manual switching ($100-300 + installation)
All transfer switches must be installed by a licensed electrician.
Fuel Management Fuel Type Storage Life Storage Tips Gasoline 3-6 months (with stabilizer) Approved containers, cool dry location, away from heat Propane Indefinite Proper tanks, outdoor storage, check connections Diesel 6-12 months (with treatment) Approved containers, cool location Natural gas Continuous supply Permanent connection for standby generators
Use only approved fuel containers
Store fuel away from living spaces and heat sources
Rotate fuel stock (use and replace)
Add fuel stabilizer for gasoline stored more than 30 days
Label containers with fuel type and date
Store in ventilated area away from the generator itself
Keep fire extinguisher near fuel storage area
Battery Backup Systems
Portable Power Stations Self-contained battery units with built-in inverter
Charge from wall outlet, car, or solar panels
Capacity measured in watt-hours (Wh)
Sizes range from 200Wh to 3,000Wh+
Silent operation, safe for indoor use
No emissions or combustion
Best for electronics, lights, CPAP, small appliances
200-500Wh: Phone charging, lights, small electronics (1-2 days)
500-1,000Wh: Above plus CPAP, laptop, small TV (1-2 days)
1,000-2,000Wh: Above plus mini fridge, fan (1-2 days)
2,000Wh+: More appliances or longer runtime
Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) Provides instant backup when power drops
Battery size provides minutes to hours of runtime
Essential for computers, networking equipment, medical devices
Protects against surges and brownouts
Allows safe shutdown of computers
Available in many sizes (350VA to 5000VA+)
Solar Charging Solar panels can recharge portable power stations and batteries
100-200W panels can fully charge a medium power station in 4-8 hours
Dependent on weather and sun exposure
Pairs well with battery storage for extended outages
No fuel cost or storage concerns
Can be set up on balcony, porch, or yard
Food Safety During Outages
Refrigerator and Freezer Management Refrigerator: Stays cold ~4 hours if door stays closed
Full freezer: Stays frozen ~48 hours
Half-full freezer: Stays frozen ~24 hours
Place a thermometer in both fridge and freezer
If available, use a wireless thermometer you can read without opening the door
Refrigerator should stay below 40F (4C)
Freezer should stay below 0F (-18C)
The "ice cube in a bag" trick:
Before a potential outage, freeze a cup of water
Place a coin on top of the ice
If you return and the coin has sunk, the freezer thawed and refroze (food may not be safe)
Food Safety Decision Guide KEEP - These foods are safe without refrigeration:
Unopened canned goods
Peanut butter
Bread, crackers, cereal
Fresh fruits and vegetables (uncut)
Hard cheeses (parmesan, cheddar)
Butter and margarine (short term)
Fresh herbs and spices
Condiments (ketchup, mustard, vinegar-based sauces)
Fruit juices (unopened)
Dried foods (jerky, dried fruit, nuts)
DISCARD - If above 40F for more than 2 hours:
Raw or cooked meat, poultry, fish
Soft cheeses, shredded cheese
Milk, cream, yogurt
Opened baby formula
Cut fruits and vegetables
Cooked pasta, rice, potatoes
Casseroles, soups, stews
Deli meats and hot dogs
Cream-based sauces and dressings
Cookie dough, pie crust with eggs
Custards and puddings
When in doubt, throw it out. Do not taste-test suspect food.
Cooking Without Power Method Indoor Safe? Notes Gas stove Yes (with ventilation) May need manual ignition if electronic ignition Camp stove NO - outdoor only CO and fire risk indoors Charcoal grill NO - outdoor only Extreme CO risk indoors Propane grill NO - outdoor only CO and fire risk Fireplace Yes (if functional) Can heat food in fireplace-safe cookware Solar oven Outdoor Requires direct sunlight Sterno/canned heat With ventilation Good for warming, limited cooking Car inverter N/A Can power small appliances from car battery
Heating and Cooling Without Power
Staying Warm (Cold Weather Outages) Passive heating strategies:
Close off unused rooms to concentrate heat
Hang blankets over windows for insulation
Use draft blockers under doors
Open curtains on sunny windows during the day, close at night
Gather everyone in one room to share body heat
Put on layers of clothing (wool and synthetics retain heat when damp)
Use sleeping bags rated for the temperatures you expect
Hot water bottles for personal warming
Fireplace or wood stove (if you have one, with proper ventilation)
Kerosene heater (only approved for indoor use, with ventilation)
Propane indoor-rated heater (only models specifically rated for indoor use, with ventilation)
Generator powering an electric heater (generator OUTSIDE)
NEVER use outdoor heating devices indoors (grills, camp stoves, outdoor propane)
NEVER run a generator in the garage "with the door open"
NEVER use the oven or gas stove to heat your home
CO is odorless and colorless - you cannot detect it without a detector
Install battery-operated CO detectors
If indoor temperature drops below 50F and you cannot heat safely
If anyone shows signs of hypothermia
If you cannot maintain safe conditions for children, elderly, or vulnerable people
Go to a warming center, shelter, or friend/family home with power
Staying Cool (Hot Weather Outages) Close curtains and blinds on sun-facing windows
Open windows on shaded sides for cross-ventilation (if safe)
Use battery-powered fans
Wet towels on skin or neck for evaporative cooling
Stay hydrated (increase water intake significantly in heat)
Avoid physical exertion during hottest hours
Spend time in lowest level of home (heat rises)
Go to a cooling center if indoor temperatures become dangerous
Heat exhaustion: Heavy sweating, weakness, cold/clammy skin, nausea
Heat stroke: Hot/dry skin, no sweating, confusion, high body temp - EMERGENCY
Communication During Outages
☐ To do: Battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA weather radio
☐ To do: Car radio (conserve vehicle fuel)
☐ To do: Charged cell phone (conserve battery - see battery conservation tips)
☐ To do: Portable power station for device charging
☐ To do: Two-way radios for family communication
☐ To do: Know your utility's outage reporting and status system
Phone Battery Conservation Switch to airplane mode when not actively using
Reduce screen brightness to minimum
Turn off Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and location services
Close all background apps
Use text instead of voice calls
Turn off the phone completely between check-ins if battery is very low
Charge from car (but do not idle in enclosed garage)
Use portable power bank
Solar charger for extended outages
Outage Preparedness Kit
Essential Supplies ☐ To do: Flashlights (LED, multiple, with extra batteries)
☐ To do: Headlamp (hands-free light)
☐ To do: Battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA radio
☐ To do: Extra batteries (all sizes you need)
☐ To do: Portable power bank (10,000+ mAh, keep charged)
☐ To do: ☐ To do: Battery-operated or wind-up clock
☐ To do: ☐ To do: ☐ To do: Candles in safe holders (use with extreme caution)
☐ To do: ☐ To do: ☐ To do: Battery-operated CO detectors (if using any combustion devices)
☐ To do: Cooler and ice packs for food if needed
☐ To do: Paper plates and disposable utensils
☐ To do: ☐ To do: Water (at least 1 gallon per person per day for 3 days)
☐ To do: Non-perishable food (3-day supply)
☐ To do: Cash (ATMs and card readers need power)
☐ To do: ☐ To do: Pet supplies if applicable
Extended Outage Additions ☐ To do: Generator or portable power station with fuel/charging supplies
☐ To do: Transfer switch (installed by electrician) for generator use
☐ To do: Extra fuel (safely stored)
☐ To do: ☐ To do: Warm sleeping bags or extra blankets
☐ To do: Camp stove with fuel (outdoor use only)
☐ To do: Larger water supply or purification method
☐ To do: Board games, books, activities (especially for children)
☐ To do: Backup medications (7+ day supply)
Power Restoration Safety
When Power Comes Back ☐ To do: Wait a few minutes before turning on major appliances (prevents surge)
☐ To do: Turn on appliances one at a time
☐ To do: Check food temperatures before assuming it is safe
☐ To do: Reset clocks, timers, and programmable thermostats
☐ To do: Check sump pump operation
☐ To do: Inspect outside for downed lines or damage you may not have seen in the dark
☐ To do: Restock and recharge all emergency supplies
☐ To do: Report any remaining outages to your utility
☐ To do: Run a post-outage review: What worked? What do you need next time?
Surge Protection Use surge protectors on sensitive electronics
Consider a whole-house surge protector (installed at the panel)
Unplug sensitive equipment during outages if possible
UPS units provide surge protection plus battery backup
Replace surge protectors after a known major surge event
Medical Equipment and Power Outages
Critical Medical Devices If anyone in your household uses powered medical equipment:
☐ To do: Maintain a list of all devices and their power requirements
☐ To do: Register with your utility company as a medical-priority customer
☐ To do: Have battery backup for essential devices (CPAP, oxygen concentrator, etc.)
☐ To do: Know how long backup batteries will last
☐ To do: Have a plan for where to go if you cannot power equipment at home
☐ To do: Contact your medical equipment provider about emergency plans
☐ To do: Keep portable versions of equipment if available
☐ To do: Know the location of the nearest hospital or medical facility with power
☐ To do: Have a written plan your household can follow if you are incapacitated
Device-Specific Backup Options Device Backup Options CPAP/BiPAP Battery pack, portable power station, car adapter Oxygen concentrator Backup O2 tanks, portable concentrator with battery Nebulizer Battery-operated model, portable power station Electric wheelchair Spare batteries, car charging adapter Home dialysis Notify treatment center, know backup facility Insulin pump Extra batteries, manual injection supplies Ventilator Battery backup, generator, notify utility and EMS
Seasonal Power Outage Checklist
Before Storm Season ☐ To do: Test generator and run it under load
☐ To do: Stock fresh fuel with stabilizer
☐ To do: Check all batteries and replace as needed
☐ To do: Charge all portable power banks
☐ To do: Verify CO detector batteries are fresh
☐ To do: Stock up on non-perishable food and water
☐ To do: Review family communication plan
☐ To do: Trim trees near power lines on your property
☐ To do: Know your utility's outage reporting number
☐ To do: Review insurance coverage for food loss and generator damage
Process Gather information. Ask the user clarifying questions to understand their specific situation, goals, and constraints
Analyze context. Review the information provided and identify key factors relevant to power outage manager
Develop recommendations. Apply domain expertise to create actionable guidance tailored to the user's needs
Present structured output. Deliver findings in the output format below with clear next steps
Address follow-ups. Answer additional questions and refine recommendations based on feedback
template ## Power Outage Manager Analysis
### Assessment
[Key findings and observations]
### Recommendations
1. [Primary recommendation]
2. [Secondary recommendation]
3. [Additional suggestions]
### Action Items
- [ ] [First action step]
- [ ] [Second action step]
- [ ] [Follow-up task]
Edge Cases Incomplete information: Ask clarifying questions before proceeding with recommendations
Conflicting requirements: Prioritize the most critical constraint and note trade-offs
Out of scope requests: Redirect to appropriate specialized skill or professional resource
Beginner vs advanced: Adjust depth and terminology based on user's experience level
Example Input: "Help me with power outage manager for my current situation"
Based on your situation, here is a structured approach to power outage manager:
Assessment: Evaluate your current state and identify key areas for improvement
Strategy: Develop a targeted plan based on best practices
Implementation: Execute the plan with specific, measurable steps
Review: Monitor progress and adjust as needed
SKILL.md
483 lines · 3,328 words
The text of SKILL.md is shown as it downloads, under the Apache-2.0 license, by Ferrox Labs. The license is the one in the file's own frontmatter.
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