Power Outage Survival Kit: What You Need for a Blackout

May 12,2024

We talked to experts about how to build a blackout kit and what to fill it with, including water, an Anker PowerCore 26800 Portable Charger, a Kaito KA500 Voyager Emergency Radio, headlamp, radio, and more..
Before you start stocking your kit with supplies, Schaffer stresses that it is essential to keep your items in one, centralized location so you can find everything you need in the event of an emergency. It is also helpful as a way to prevent injury in the dark. This bin is weathertight to keep contents clean and dry. Plus, it is made of clear plastic, so you can easily see what’s inside. .
Charles likes this first aid kit from Thrive to treat minor injuries. However, he also recommends supplementing a standard first aid kit with your own medicine and personal products to suit your specific medical needs. On an additional health note, both Schaffer and Clendenin stressed that if you are a person who relies on assistance equipment that requires back-up power, you should make sure you are registered with your utility company so that local authorities are aware of your needs. .
Charles says a fire extinguisher “is a must-have, especially if you live in an apartment building that doesn’t have sprinklers.” .
A solar panel is useful to recharge cell phones, external battery packs, and lanterns. Goodwin says, “The Goal Zero Switch 10 is fantastic because it comes with a solar panel, a battery bank, and a flashlight all in one.” .
Both Goodwin and Frankel keep glow sticks in their kits, which are a fun and effective way to light up your home, especially for kids (and the young-at-heart). .
Coonradt and Hardy recommend this solar lighting system because it “is a great way to minimize the inconvenience” of a power outage “without spending a bunch of money on a generator.” This affordable system includes a six-watt solar panel, three individual string lights, and three overhead lights (all with individual switches), a motion sensor, two USB device charging ports, a digital display for feedback on power availability, and a built-in FM radio and speaker. Plus, the battery holds a 20-hour charge. .
Frankel likes this rechargeable lantern that also has a USB power hub. .
And if you’re looking for a lantern option that is fully solar-powered, Charles recommends this fully collapsible one. .
Schaffer advises keeping a safety whistle in your kit. .
This four-in-one emergency tool is critical to have on hand in the event you need to turn off your gas valves or water meters. It can also be used to pry open doors or cabinets. .
“We love this sleeping bag! It is big enough, with room left over, for me, my 3-year-old, and my 6-month-old, though I don’t think we could fit my husband in it, too. It is nice and warm, too, for the cold Colorado-mountain nights. My 3-year-old LOVES the pillows that come with it because they are the perfect size for her! She uses them even when we’re not camping! The sleeping bag packs up well and in a surprisingly small bag for a queen-size sleeping bag including two pillows. It also packs up very easy considering how large and tight it packs.” .
Schaffer says, “If you are a person who relies heavily on your phone for entertainment, make sure you have things on hand so you can entertain people (and especially kids) appropriately.” Goodwin keeps games and playing cards stocked in his kit for this express purpose.