How to Monitor a Power Outage Remotely - Even Without WiFi

Power outages happen. Sometimes during a blizzard, sometimes in the middle of a sunny long weekend, and more often on the rural grid. If you’ve got a cabin or second home sitting empty, a sudden power failure can quietly knock out your furnace, kill your fridge, and leave you with a big mess (or burst pipes) before you even know something’s wrong.

So how do you actually know when the power goes out at your remote property? What works during an outage? And what’s the best kind of communication system when there's no WiFi to rely on?

Let’s break it down.

Can I Monitor a Power Outage Remotely?

Yes—you absolutely can. But only with the right kind of device.

Typical smart home monitoring sensors rely on your cabin’s WiFi to send alerts. But if the power’s out, so is the WiFi (unless you’ve set up backup batteries and routers). That’s why more and more Canadians are switching to cellular-based remote monitoring that doesn’t need your cabin’s internet at all.

Cellular monitors are easy to set up; they plug into an outlet and use LTE or 3G to quietly report back. If the power drops, the device detects it and sends you a text or email right away. These devices, such as CabinPulse, have backup batteries with excellent battery life to keep it reporting even through dayslong outages - and will send you an alert when the power is back.

Does Cellular Still Work During a Power Outage?

In most cases, yes—cellular networks stay up during power outages.

• Cell towers have backup generators or battery banks that keep them online.
• Unlike WiFi, you’re not relying on your home router or internet provider staying functional.
• Even in storms, cell networks are usually the last line standing.

That makes cellular-based devices one of the most reliable options for power-outage alerts.

Just make sure your device itself:

• Has good signal for your area.
• Is installed in a spot with decent reception (near a window or exterior wall helps).
• Can send alerts without depending on your cabin’s router - that means no WiFi!

CabinPulse devices, for example, run entirely over LTE/3G and can even track other conditions like temperature, humidity, and smoke alarm sounds. That means even if a power outage causes your furnace to shut down, you’ll know before temperatures drop far enough to freeze pipes.

What’s the Best Communication Device for a Power Outage?

The best device depends on your needs—but if your goal is to monitor an empty property remotely without relying on WiFi, look for these features:

Best-in-Class Features for Outage Monitoring:

• Cellular connectivity
• Instant alerts via SMS/email
• Built-in backup alert system (e.g., power loss detection)
• No reliance on local WiFi
• Simple setup—just plug and go

That’s where CabinPulse shines: it plugs into any standard outlet, uses cellular data to send alerts, and monitors more than just the power. Even if the power comes back before you arrive, you’ll have a record of the outage—and know whether it’s time to check on your furnace or food spoilage.

There are other options out there that specifically monitor for freezing temperatures and also alert when there's an outage.

Real-World Scenario

It’s February. You’re a cabin owner in the city, but your cottage up north is sitting empty. There’s a snowstorm, and the power flickers and fails.

Your CabinPulse works perfectly device detects the outage power. It instantly sends an alert over cellular that the power is out. Ten minutes later, your furnace stops running. The inside temp drops, and you get another notification. If it goes unnoticed, you could find frozen pipes that burst—causing thousands of dollars in damage.

But thanks to the alerts - which you can even configure to send to your neighbours too, someone is able to head over and reset the breaker or furnace—and avoid a disaster.

Why Temperature Monitoring Matters Too

A power outage in summer? Annoying. A power outage in winter? Dangerous.

The biggest risk from an unnoticed outage is often temperature-related damage:

• Burst pipes from freezing
• Furnace failure leading to mold
• Spoiled food if fridges/freezers lose power

That’s why pairing power monitoring with temperature alerts gives you the full picture. CabinPulse is a remote cabin monitor that sends both—so even if the power returns on its own, you can check whether temps dropped dangerously low during the gap.

In Brief

You don’t need to be in the dark when your cabin is. Monitoring a power outage remotely is simple with the right tool—and cellular monitors are your best bet. They're reliable, require no WiFi, and give you peace of mind no matter where you are.