15 Things You Should Have at the Ready in Case the Power Goes Out

When the power goes out, life comes to an abrupt halt. Whether it shuts off in the middle of the day while you’re trying to work, or eerily snuffs out in the evening during dinner or TV time, losing power changes everything in a second. To make dealing with a power outage both safe and manageable, it’s important to keep emergency supplies close at hand. Here’s a checklist of essential items like generators, flashlights, and solar-powered portable chargers that will help keep you safe, connected, and comfortable amid scarcity.

A power outage triggered by severe weather can be particularly scary. Not only do you have to contend with the elements, but you’re also cut off from TV, radio, and other information sources. That’s when you reach for this emergency weather alert radio that receives seven NOAA channels with flood, tornado, thunderstorm, and other warnings. It also has a 25-county memory system, 90-decibel siren, voice alert, and flashing LED warning system. Its three AA batteries will keep it running even after the power has gone out. Available on Amazon
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A portable inverter generator is an emergency essential for providing power in the event of an outage. This 2200-watt model by Honda is easy to transport (at just 54 pounds), and its quiet operation ensures household members and neighbors won’t be overwhelmed by noise. Available on Amazon
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Related: 10 Mistakes Not to Make with a Home Generator

Get guaranteed power for all of your devices with this battery backup and surge protector that kicks in when the power kicks out. Its seven outlets include five uninterruptible power supply outlets with surge protection and two surge-protection-only outlets. There’s also one USB charger port for cellphones and other portable electronics. Available on Amazon
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This small-but-mighty must-have can light your way during a power outage. Six minutes of cranking gives you one hour of light, but you can also put the flashlight out in the sun to recharge. Its built-in rechargeable battery stores energy for a long time, so it will be ready when you need it most. Available on Amazon
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Open canned, bottled, and jarred food during a power outage with this easy-to-use gadget. Its “lock-on” technology grips lids tightly, and the long handle provides extra leverage. Available on Amazon.

This “jumbo-tainer” rigid water container features an easy-to-carry shape that incorporates dual grip-through handles. Its large size ensures that you’ll always have a stash of fresh water on hand, and the tap-style spigot allows for quick pouring without fuss during outages. Available on Amazon
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With a range up to 37 miles, these walkie-talkies communicate across long distances and with 2,662 channel combinations. The built-in NOAA radio receiver and alert is indispensable in the event of weather or other emergencies. Available on Amazon
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When natural disaster strikes, injuries may not be far behind. That’s why a well-stocked, up-to-date first aid kit is an emergency essential when the power goes out. This kit comes with labeled, color-coded compartments filled with everything you need, including assorted bandages, swabs, and tweezers as well as a whistle, pliers, flashlight, and various survival items. Available on Amazon
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Related: 10 Essentials for Any Survival Kit

During a power outage, your cellphone is your lifeline. Keep it ready for action with a solar power bank portable phone charger. This one features a built-in rechargeable 25000mAh Li-polymer battery pack, is compatible with all smartphones, and can charge three devices simultaneously. Fully charged, it’s capable of charging an iPhone 12 Pro eight times, a Galaxy S9 eight times, and an iPad Pro 2020 three times. Available on Amazon
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This American Red Cross emergency light is safe to use in any weather condition and can even be used when it’s submerged in water. To ensure 72 hours of continuous light, just add water once per day. Available on Amazon
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Related: 10 Things You Should Never Do When the Power Goes Out

Powered by either gasoline or propane, this generator features a convenient electric start with a three-position ignition switch. It holds 0.6-quarts of oil and has a low oil shut-off sensor, and it runs quietly for either 7.5 hours (on a tank of gasoline) or 14.5 hours (on propane). Available on Amazon
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If you’re looking for maximum flexibility, this is the radio for you! It will keep you up to date with the latest NOAA weather alerts as well as your AM/FM stations, and its bright light will keep the dark at bay while its USB port keeps your phone charged. It offers four charging methods—solar, hand crank, micro USB, or three AAA batteries—and gives 10 hours of playtime on a full charge. Available on Amazon
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Enjoy worry-free basement protection during a power outage with these easy-to-install pre-plumbed sump pumps. This system offers digital connectivity for continuous monitoring, even when the power’s out. Available on Amazon
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Be prepared for the next outage with this four-pack of LED lanterns. Each one is powered by three AA batteries and equipped with 30 super-bright LEDs that cut through 360 degrees of darkness. A collapsible design allows for easy storage. Available on Amazon
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Related: The Best Camping Gear for Your Outdoor Adventures

For a compact-meets-mighty power station, look no further than this device. Thanks to its huge 1500Wh capacity, it can operate electric drills, hair dryers, blenders, and other devices with high power demands. It’s equipped with two standard AC outlets, one DC socket, and four USB ports. Available on Amazon
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