APM Support (Score 1)

As you said you are using a notebook. If it has advanced power management (APM) support, and I am not sure of a notebook that doesn't, you could take advantage of it. When the power goes out then the battery will power it. It that last for a few hours and the battery dies the the apm support will suspend the computer with out any problems. I also belive you could initiate a shutdown. a man on "ampd" should help.