Power outages can strike without warning, leaving you in the dark and unprepared. Being ready is essential, whether due to severe weather, grid failures, or other unexpected events. Even a short outage can become a significant inconvenience without the right supplies. The key is having essential items to keep you safe, comfortable, and informed.
Here are 12 things you’ll regret not having during a power outage.
Portable Generator
A portable generator is one of the most critical items during a power outage, significantly if the outage is prolonged. It allows you to power essential household appliances, such as refrigerators, lights, and medical devices that some individuals rely on for their health.
Presently, only 6% of U.S. households own a backup generator. However, the market for these generators is predicted to grow by 7.43% annually from 2022 to 2032, reflecting a growing awareness of their importance in ensuring household resilience during power outages.
Water Storage
Access to clean drinking water is non-negotiable during any emergency, including a power outage. If the power outage affects water purification systems or you’re on a well that requires electricity to pump water, your water supply could be compromised.
An average person in the United States uses about 82 gallons of water at home each day. A water stock ensures that you and your family stay hydrated and maintain basic hygiene even if the power is out for several days.
Non-Perishable Food Items
Power outages can disrupt the food supply, especially if they last for an extended period. A stockpile of non-perishable food items ensures you and your family won’t go hungry. Canned goods, dried fruits, nuts, and other shelf-stable foods are excellent choices.
A survey found that 27% of American households were food insecure in 2021. Have a three-day supply of non-perishable food for each person in your household as part of your emergency preparedness plan. This ensures you have enough to eat until power is restored or help arrives.
First-Aid Kit
During a power outage, especially caused by a natural disaster, medical help may be delayed. Having a well-stocked first-aid kit can be a lifesaver in such situations. It allows you to treat minor injuries, manage pain, and address health emergencies until professional help arrives.
In emergencies where power outages limit access to immediate medical care, a first-aid kit can be essential in providing life-saving care. FEMA recommends that every household have a first-aid kit as part of their emergency preparedness plan.
Battery-Powered or Solar-Powered Radio
It is important to stay informed during a power outage especially for weather updates and emergency instructions. A battery-powered or solar-powered radio can keep you connected even when other communication channels are down.
FEMA strongly recommends that every household have a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, as it can be the only source of information in a power outage. Since 80% of power outages in the U.S. are weather-related, having a reliable source of information becomes essential.
LED Flashlights and Lanterns
Light is essential during a power outage for convenience and safety. LED flashlights and lanterns provide a reliable and efficient light source. LED lights are more energy efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs. They use up to 80% less energy, indicating that batteries won’t need to be replaced as frequently.
The global market for emergency lighting, including LED flashlights and lanterns, is expected to grow by $96.35 million at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 22.1% from 2023 to 2028.
Extra Batteries
Batteries are the lifeline for many critical devices during a power outage, including flashlights, radios, and medical equipment. Without batteries, these devices could become useless, leaving you in the dark, cut off from important information, or even putting lives at risk.
The global battery market size was valued at $125.35 billion in 2023, with a significant portion dedicated to consumer electronics. This highlights the widespread reliance on battery-powered devices and the importance of having extra batteries available during power outages.
Power Banks
Power banks are portable battery chargers that keep your essential electronics charged during a power outage. Communication and access to information are critical during emergencies, and with most people relying heavily on smartphones, keeping these devices powered is essential.
As of 2023, 92% of Americans own a smartphone, and for many, it’s the primary way to communicate and access information. During a power outage, a dead phone could cut you off from critical updates, emergency contacts, and even financial transactions.
Manual Can Opener
During a power outage, canned food becomes a critical resource due to its long shelf life and ease of preparation. However, most canned goods require a can opener to access, and if you rely on an electric can opener, you’ll be out of luck when the power goes out.
The global canned food market was valued at $96.52 billion in 2023, showing the widespread reliance on canned goods. A manual can opener is a simple, yet essential tool that ensures you can access your emergency food supply.
Gas Stove or Portable Camping Stove
When the power goes out, so does your electric stove, leaving you without a means to cook food or boil water. A gas or portable camping stove can be a lifesaver, allowing you to prepare hot meals, boil water for sanitation, or even heat your home in a pinch.
Gas and portable camping stoves are not dependent on the electrical grid, making them an excellent option for emergency preparedness. With natural gas being the second-largest energy source in the U.S., many households can continue cooking even during power outages.
Warm Clothing and Blankets
In colder climates, power outages often coincide with severe winter weather, leading to a loss of heating in homes. Without a backup heating source, it’s crucial to have warm clothing and blankets to prevent hypothermia and maintain comfort.
Layering clothes and using high-quality, insulated blankets can keep you warm even when the temperature drops indoors. The U.S. market for insulated blankets and cold-weather gear is growing by 3.2% annually, with an increased focus on emergency preparedness products.
Cash
In a digital age, many people rely heavily on electronic payment systems, but during a power outage, these systems, including ATMs, card readers, and online banking, might not be operational.
A lack of cash during power outages and emergencies can be a significant disadvantage. Cash on hand ensures you can still purchase essential supplies, such as food, water, and fuel, even when electronic payment methods are unavailable.