How to Prepare for a Power Outage: 10 Things Everyone Should Have

“I love power outages” is something that no one has said, ever.

Although we tend to associate losing electricity with winter storms, the truth is they can disrupt our home life at any time of the year. And in the U.S., power outages have actually been on the rise over the past decade.

Having the lights go out may be an inconvenience, but you don’t have to be caught off-guard. Keep these ten essential power outage supplies on hand so you can get through a blackout any time of the year.

Alternative Methods of Lighting

It’s always a good idea to have battery-powered flashlights, lanterns, and headlamps in an easy-to-find spot in case the electricity goes out. Don’t forget to stock extra batteries for them as well.

Candles can also be used, but just be careful not to leave one unattended and to blow it out when you go to sleep or when the power returns. Unscented candles may be more pleasant to use for family members with fragrance sensitivities.

Bottled Water

It’s never a bad idea to keep bottled water stored for drinking, cooking, and cleaning up in case of a power outage.

Keep in mind that bottled water does absorb chemicals from the plastic after so much time so it’s best to drink it before the expiration date. If it has expired, you can still use it for washing.

Fill containers and your bathtub with water ahead of time if you anticipate inclement weather that may cause power outages. You can never have too much water in case of an emergency.

Non-Perishable Food Items

When an outage lingers, especially during the summer months, you may be forced to toss out food from your fridge as it goes bad.

Keeping your pantry stocked with non-perishable food items will ensure you and your family will stay nourished, especially if downed lines and trees are blocking your street and making it impossible to venture to the supermarket.

Anything canned including tuna, sardines, salmon, beans, vegetables, fruit, and soups provide protein, vitamins, and other nutrients. Unopened crackers, nuts, trail mix, and protein/breakfast bars are also good items to stock up on.

If you have a way of heating up water, dried and freeze-dried camping meals that can be made by just adding hot water may come in handy as well.

A Way of Heating Up Water and Food

Although you can survive on non-perishable food, you may miss having a hot cup of coffee or warm dinner during a power outage. Having some way of heating up food and water can certainly add some comfort when the lights go out.

If you don’t have access to a fireplace or wood-burning stove, a few cans of Sterno cooking fuel can save the day. You just need to use the product safely and place food or water to be heated in a fondue pot or similar pot that can sit above the Sterno and tolerate high heat.

Matches

It goes without saying that you’ll need to keep matches available for igniting a fireplace, Sterno, and candles. Choose long reach matches that can safely light candles inside long votives and the fireplace.

Body Wipes and Hand Sanitizer

Hopefully, you may have access to a shower at your office, gym, or a friend or family member’s home during a lengthy power outage. If not, you’ll be grateful you purchased body wipes ahead of time to maintain some level of cleanliness, especially if you lose power during the hot summer months.

Hand sanitizer can also eliminate germs when there’s no water available to wash your hands.

Battery Operated Radio

There’s a real possibility your mobile devices will run out of battery power (unless you can charge them in your car) or lose WiFi connectivity when the electricity goes down. A simple battery-operated radio can help you stay connected to the news and the latest updates, not to mention keep you entertained with music.

Sleeping Bags

No heat because of a power outage? No problem when you have sleeping bags.

You’ll appreciate their insulation and ability to keep you toasty on a cold night, or even to warm up in during the day. Keep them clean and store them in an area where they won’t develop a musty odor, as you won’t be able to run your washer and dryer during an outage (and you may not be able to get to a laundromat.)

Hand and feet warmers will help your tootsies and fingers stay comfortable when the temperature takes a dive during a power outage.

Books, Games, and Puzzles

If you find yourself with too much time on your hands during a blackout, reading a book or playing a board or card game can alleviate some of the boredom. Jigsaw and crossword puzzles can help you and family members whittle away the hours and even spend quality time together without distracting smartphones around.

A Generator

A generator is the next best thing to having electricity, and many models are designed to kick in as soon as a power outage is detected in your home. Generators provide peace-of-mind and will allow you to run lights, cook food, and heat or cool your home when electricity isn’t available.

If running a smelly gas-powered generator is a concern to you, a natural gas generator uses propane or methane to make less of an environmental impact.

Stay Safe With These Power Outage Supplies

A blackout can be unsettling, but by being prepared for one with these ten power outage supplies handy, you’ll never be afraid of the dark again.

For more tips on surviving home emergencies, be sure to read the latest content in our Houses section.