Hosting Through the Unexpected: How to Prepare Your Short-Term Rental for Power Outages and Other Disasters
If there’s one thing short-term rental (STR) hosts learn quickly, it’s that the unexpected always happens, and usually when a guest is occupying the property. From surprise snowstorms to region-wide power outages, being prepared can make the difference between a calm, five-star experience and a stressful scramble to save your fridge contents.
Even the most seasoned hosts can get caught off guard, but with a little foresight (and the right items stocked), your rental can handle almost anything nature or the grid throws at it.
Why Every Host Needs a Disaster Plan
When guests book your property, they’re trusting that you’ve thought of everything, including what to do when the lights go out. A well-prepared home shows professionalism and care, while helping guests feel safe and supported.
Having a clear, written plan in your digital and printed guidebook also reduces frantic calls and messages when an outage hits. Instead of panicking, guests can turn to your guide for immediate steps, emergency contacts, and reassurance that you’ve already thought ahead.
Real-Life Example: Power Outage Tested My STR Preparedness
In February 2025, we had a five-day power outage in the Pacific Northwest. Temperatures dropped, power lines froze, and grocery store shelves emptied. I learned a lot during that week, like how the water heater stays warm for a couple of days so I was still able to take a shower a couple of days into the outage, and how happy I was that we upgraded our old electric stove/oven to a gas range for heating meals.
Those small details turned what could have been a miserable experience into one of resilience. When guests feel cared for in tough situations, they often become your most loyal reviewers.
Step 1: Before the Lights Go Out. Preparation Checklist
If you suspect bad weather or outages might be coming (for example, a storm warning or high wind advisory), act quickly. Here’s what to do before the power goes out:
The Pre-Outage Checklist:
- Charge all essentials – Smart locks, tablets, emergency lights, and battery packs.
- Stock water and non-perishable food – Think bottled water, granola bars, canned soups, and coffee that doesn’t require a machine.
- Fill bathtubs or large containers – For flushing toilets or washing up if water pressure fails.
- Refill propane or fuel – For gas stoves, outdoor grills, or backup heaters.
- Check your pilot lights – Make sure gas appliances are functioning safely.
- Communicate with upcoming guests – Let them know you’re monitoring weather and have a plan in place.
- Test flashlights and lanterns – Replace weak batteries and store them in visible spots.
- Adjust your thermostat – If cold weather is coming, preheat slightly higher to hold warmth longer.
- Secure outdoor furniture and trash bins – Prevent damage or hazards from high winds.
- Print out your digital guidebook – Guests might lose Wi-Fi access and need a paper version.
Step 2: Once the Power Goes Out. Staying Safe and Comfortable
When the outage hits, communication and comfort become your top priorities. Guests want to know two things: what to do and how long it might last.
The Power-Out Checklist:
- Check your breakers – Rule out a local issue before assuming a widespread outage.
- Notify your guests right away – Send a message acknowledging the situation and letting them know you’re monitoring updates. I receive updates for my own property and Airbnbs, so I can then easily relay the message to guests.
- Turn off or unplug sensitive electronics – Prevent damage from surges when power returns.
- Preserve fridge and freezer coldness – Keep doors closed; a full freezer can maintain temperature for 48 hours.
- Use a gas stovetop or outdoor grill for heat and food – Remind guests never to use grills indoors.
- Use LED lanterns instead of candles – Safer and longer-lasting.
- Check on pilot lights – If a gas appliance goes out, relight it carefully following the manufacturer’s instructions (and include those in your guidebook, or require guests to have you or a handyman do it).
- Monitor interior temperature – Offer extra blankets and advise guests to gather in smaller spaces to retain warmth.
- Stay positive and communicative – Guests take cues from your tone. Calm reassurance goes a long way.
Smart Ways to Keep Food Cold (and Hot)
Even without power, you have options:
- Keep frozen water bottles or gel packs in the freezer to transfer to the fridge when power fails.
- Use a cooler and move perishables into it.
- Outdoor cold (in winter climates) can be a temporary solution; just protect food from wildlife.
- If you have a gas stovetop, use it for basic cooking or heating water for tea, coffee, or instant meals.
- Portable butane stoves (with proper ventilation) can also be a backup tool.
How to Include Disaster Info in Your Guidebook
Guests are far less anxious when they know exactly what to do. That’s why disaster preparedness deserves its own page in your guidebook – both printed and digital.
What to Include:
- A friendly intro explaining your area’s most likely power outage causes (storms, high winds, etc.)
- Step-by-step outage instructions (see lists above)
- Emergency contact numbers (utility company, local police/fire, non-emergency line)
- Location of flashlights, first aid kit, and fire extinguisher
- How to safely relight pilot lights (with appliance-specific guidance)
- Instructions for using backup heat or light sources
- Your personal contact number (and backup if you lose power too)
- Notes on how long the water heater stays warm
For more inspiration, check out Airbnb’s official house manual guide:
https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/249
Handling Guest Refunds During Power Outages
No host loves this part, but handling refunds fairly and promptly can protect your reputation, and often earns appreciation even from disappointed guests. One of the first things I want to find out from the guests after I have an estimate of the power outage length is if they want to stay, or find other accommodations.
In my experience of wide-spread power outages, guests tend to stay put rather than find other accommodations. It can be a daunting task to find a different immediately available STR that has power, plus then pack up and drive some number of miles out of the area. However, if your STR is in a more populated area than mine, know ahead of time if nearby hotels have generators, because the guests may be more comfortable there instead.
Here’s how to handle it:
- Check local and Airbnb policies first.
If the outage is widespread or caused by a natural disaster, Airbnb may classify it as a “Force Majeure” event, meaning guests can cancel without penalty. - Communicate clearly and early.
If you suspect long-term disruption, offer guests the option to rebook or refund before they request it. Let them know if hotels in the area have alternative power sources they could check availability with. - Offer partial refunds when appropriate.
For example, if guests stayed two out of three nights and lost one night to an outage, refund that one night, or provide a credit toward a future stay. - Always respond with empathy.
I personally ask myself, “If I were the guest, what resolution would feel fair?” This keeps your response genuine, not emotional.
Must-Have Items for Outage-Ready Rentals
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Here’s a checklist of things every host should have on-site or easily accessible. My number one favorite must-have for power outages is this solar charging LED light that also charges cell phones. I bought several last year and they are so handy.
My second favorite lighting option that I also bought for my own home are these Emergency Rechargeable Light Bulbs. They work as every day light bulbs, continuously charging, and then run on an internal battery for up to 48 hours during a power outage.
| Category | Items to Include |
|---|---|
| Lighting | Battery-powered lanterns, LED flashlights, headlamps, spare batteries |
| Power | Power banks, car charger adapters, small generator or solar charger |
| Comfort | Extra blankets, sleeping bags, hand warmers, thermal curtains |
| Cooking | Gas stovetop, butane camping stove, matches/lighter, manual can opener |
| Water & Food | Bottled water, dry snacks, shelf-stable milk, instant meals |
| Communication | Printed local emergency contacts, laminated outage instructions |
| Safety | Carbon monoxide detector, first aid kit, surge protectors, fire extinguisher |
| Extras | Board games, books, deck of cards; distractions make long outages easier! |
Creative Ways to Keep Guests Happy During Outages
Sometimes, the best way to “host” through a power outage is to make it memorable.
- Leave a few battery-powered string lights; they make things feel cozy rather than chaotic.
- Provide a prewritten note or message template saying:“Power outages sometimes happen here, but don’t worry, we’ve got everything you need to stay comfortable. Lanterns and extra blankets are in the hall closet!”
- Suggest nearby places still open (cafes, community centers) if Wi-Fi or heat is needed.
- Follow up with guests afterward to thank them for their patience; that simple gesture often leads to a 5-star review despite the inconvenience.
Beyond Power Outages: Broader Disaster Preparedness
While this article focuses on outages, your rental’s guidebook can also include quick references for:
- Earthquakes (especially on the West Coast)
- Hurricanes and flooding (for coastal properties)
- Wildfires (mountainous or rural areas)
- Tornadoes (Midwest and South)
- Winter weather or ice storms (Northern states and Canada)
Each scenario benefits from the same principle: be proactive, not reactive.
Final Thoughts: You Can’t Prevent Every Problem, But You Can Prepare for It
The best hosts aren’t the ones who never face issues. They’re the ones who handle them gracefully.
Power outages and disasters are part of hosting life, but your response can turn frustration into trust. Guests remember when a host goes above and beyond, especially when things go wrong.
Your investment in preparedness today not only protects your property but also cements your reputation as a reliable, thoughtful Superhost.
Download your copy of the Short-Term Rental Power Outage & Disaster Preparedness Checklist now!
