12 Things You Should Always Have Ready During a Power Outage

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Power can go off without prior notice, catching us off guard literally and figuratively. A power outage is a reality many have experienced, whether it’s because of a storm, a grid failure, or something unexpected. The right things in your hand can make the difference between a minor inconvenience and a major headache.

If you’ve got your act together, things carry on as normal even when the lights are out — consider this list your survival kit for the modern world, minus the hiking boots and the sleeping bag, because the couch is your camp.

Flashlights and Lanterns

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The first thing you’ll need when the lights go out is a good source of light. A flashlight is a must, but get a couple battery or rechargeable lanterns, too. They cover larger areas and can light whole rooms, so they’re good for groups. Just remember to keep extra batteries on hand or carry solar or hand crank options if you want to be really prepared.

Batteries

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It’s also smart to stock up a few different sizes of batteries before you’ll need them. Batteries are your lifeline when the power goes out: they will power your flashlight, keep your radio running, and so on. You don’t want to be digging through the junk drawer for some mystery batteries, to then find out they’re all dead. Have a fresh supply in an easy to reach place.

Non-Perishable Food

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And because everything in the fridge is on borrowed time, you won’t want to be raiding it during a power outage. Non perishable foods such as canned good, granola bars or dried fruit can help you get through this. Don’t forget a manual can opener—your electric one won’t be much good if the power is out!

Battery-Powered Radio

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It’s tough to stay informed when the power goes out. The best friend you can have is a battery powered or hand crank radio. It’ll keep you in the know about weather conditions, emergency information, and yes, its a soothing background noise in a silent house.

First Aid Kit

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During a blackout, you never know what will happen and stumbling around in the dark could easily cause a minor injury. Make sure you have a stocked first aid kit and it is easy to find. Include basics: bandages, antiseptic wipes and some pain relievers. It’s one of those things you hope you don’t need, but if you do you’ll be grateful.

Blankets and Warm Clothing

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During colder times, keeping warm is a priority and in the case of an outage, the power goes out. Extra blankets, sweaters, and thermal clothing is a good to have around. In extreme cold, it’s easier to stay warm by layering up than it is to use precious power sources to generate heat.

Drinking Water

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If the outage affects your local water supply, you have to have access to clean drinking water. Bottled water, or large jugs of water should be kept handy. As a rule of thumb, California Water Service advises that you should have one gallon per person per day. If you’re going long term, invest in a water purification system or tablets as a backup.

Matches or Lighters

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Additionally, having matches or a lighter with you is always necessary, whether you’ve got candles to light or need to light a fire in the fireplace. Store them in a waterproof container, so they can still be used if conditions get damp. Candles are a nice mood setter, but don’t leave them unattended.

Cash

Emergency Cash
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In an electric world where everything else goes down, card readers go down too. It’s always nice to have cash on hand for the unforeseen freak or just for the essentials Extended outages may mean ATMs are down, so keeping small bills in a drawer can save you a lot of trouble.

Manual Tools

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Everything’s automatic now, but when the power goes out, it’s back to basics. If you can’t live without your morning brew, make sure you have manual tools, like a hand–cranked flashlight or a manual coffee grinder. If you end up needing to make, well, small repairs or adjustments in the house, a basic toolkit may come in handy as well.

Portable Phone Chargers

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We may have a bit of a phone addiction, but when the power goes out, they’re the only way to get information and stay connected, as this Electric Generators Direct article attests. Make sure you have a portable charger fully charged (or several). Solar powered chargers can be a game changer if the outage is going to be longer than expected. Knowing you won’t be left in the dark, digitally speaking is comforting.

Entertainment

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Last but not least, you’re going to need a way to pass the time. In a power outage, you can have a cozy, screen free family night with board games, books or puzzles. The power’s out, but that doesn’t mean you have to be bored. It’s also a great way to give everyone a morale boost if the outage goes on for a while.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

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