In one embodiment, a first device in a network detects a power restoration event subsequent to a power outage event. Power is restored to the first device during the power restoration event. The first device synchronizes a channel hopping schedule to the detected power restoration event. The first device communicates with a neighboring device of the first device using the channel hopping schedule synchronized to the detected power restoration event. The neighboring device uses a corresponding channel hopping schedule to communicate with the first device that is also synchronized to the power restoration event.