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The best power outage tools and supplies
I rounded up 37 items, including must-have essentials.
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Batteries and portable power banks are essential for keeping things like flashlights and mobile phones charged.
A good portable generator or power station can keep small and large appliances (including refrigerators) powered for hours. The generators below are a mix of gas and solar options, but keep in mind: never use a gasoline-powered portable generator indoors, as they can cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
A radio is a good way to get updates during a disaster, including any known safety risks, according to FEMA.
Your refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours, while a full freezer will keep its temperature for about 48 hours, according to Ready.gov. Ice or a portable power station can extend that time, but either way, you’ll want high-calorie, non-perishable food around your home just in case, things like dried fruits, nuts and canned foods.
FEMA recommends a three-day supply of nonperishable food and water in any disaster kit. Storing water and water filtration devices ahead of time can help, especially if you lose access to safe water during a power outage.
A first aid kit is good to have in any emergency scenario, including a blackout. It’s important to add things like medications and emergency contacts to yours, according to the American Red Cross.
Specialized tools and equipment can make it easier to shut off damaged household utilities (in case of downed wires, for example), open canned food and shelter in place.
You may lose access to digital maps and navigation during a blackout. That’s why Ready.gov recommends any disaster supply kit include maps of your area. You can buy paper maps or print out maps at home using tools like the U.S. Geological Survey national map viewer.
After you have all of your essentials prepped, consider having something to entertain yourself and/or your family, especially if you are waiting for the power to come back on for hours. Below are some of our favorite puzzle books, board games and other power-free ways to pass the time.
Ready.gov recommends storing your emergency kit items in airtight plastic bags, then putting them in something that’s easy to carry like a duffel bag or plastic bin.
It’s often cheaper to build your own emergency kit using a mix of new supplies and existing items you already have at home. Many of the recommended items above are things you may already have, think food, batteries, portable power banks, tools and first-aid supplies. Fill in the gaps depending on you and your household’s needs.
A refrigerator can keep food cold for about four hours, while a full freezer can keep its temperature for about 48 hours, according to Ready.gov.
I’m a reporter at NBC Select who covers technology and fitness, including stories on smartwatches, running shoes, wireless earbuds and more. I also cover home and health topics like air purifiers, blood pressure monitors and winter emergency car kits. For this piece, I researched power outage guidelines from reputable government and local agencies to put together a list of recommended items.
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