Free template · updated November 3, 2026

Power outage message template for Airbnb hosts

When the power goes out, guests want to know three things: whether it's just your place or the whole area, where the flashlights are and when it'll be back. Your message should answer all three as best you can.

Safety matters more than comfort here. Steer guests toward flashlights rather than candles, and make sure nobody uses a barbecue, camp stove or generator indoors, because those can cause carbon monoxide poisoning.

The template

Replace anything in [brackets] with your own details.

Short version

Hi [Guest first name],

I'm sorry about the power! [Outage status, e.g. It's a local outage, expected back by 8 p.m.]

Flashlights and spare batteries: [Location]
Please keep the fridge and freezer closed to keep food cold.
Please don't use candles, the barbecue or a camp stove inside.

I'll update you here as soon as I hear more.

[Host first name]

Detailed version

Hi [Guest first name],

Sorry about the power outage. Here's what I know and what to do.

What's happening: [Outage status, e.g. the whole street is out]. You can check updates at [Utility outage page link].

Staying safe and comfortable:

Flashlights and batteries are [Location]. Please use these instead of candles.
Keep the fridge and freezer closed; food stays cold for several hours that way.
Unplug [Devices, e.g. the TV and any laptops] so they're protected when the power comes back.
Never use the barbecue, a camp stove or a generator indoors or in the garage.
[Water note, e.g. the well pump needs power; bottled water is in the pantry]
[Warmth note, e.g. extra blankets are in the hall closet]

If it's still out by [Time], I'll call you to talk about options. If you ever feel unsafe, call [Local emergency number].

[Host first name]

Tips

Keep flashlights, spare batteries and a battery lantern where guests can find them in the dark.
Tell guests if water, heat or toilets depend on power, like a well or septic pump.
Bookmark your utility's outage map and share the link in your guide.
Skip candles in a rental; battery lights are much safer.
If you supply a generator, it must run outdoors, well away from windows and doors.

Put it on one guest page instead of a binder

Keegix turns your welcome book into one link and a QR sign by the door. Upload the binder you already have and AI drafts the page in about a minute, or paste this template in. Free forever for one property.

Upload my binder, free See a sample guest page

Questions

What should I tell guests during a power outage?

Tell them whether it's area-wide, where the flashlights are, to keep the fridge closed and when you expect power back. Update them as you learn more.

Should I refund guests for a power outage?

Utility outages are usually outside your control, but a long one can still spoil a stay. A partial refund or gesture through the platform is a kind choice when it affected them.

What should every rental have for power outages?

Flashlights, spare batteries, a battery lantern, a note on what needs power to work and battery-backed smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.

More free templates

All guest message templates · Every free template

Free to use

Copy it, change it, print it, use it with any platform. Sharing it with a host group, on a blog or in a forum? A link back to this page helps other hosts find the latest version:

https://keegix.com/guest-messages/power-outage/