How To Build A Power Outage Kit
Today, I’d like to discuss how to build a power outage kit for you and your family if you lose power in your home. Some of you may be new, and some are so experienced you already have a power outage kit. I get it. But let’s teach those around us to be ready for whatever comes our way.
We sometimes have to hear this stuff repeatedly; one day, it makes us think about what we have this very minute. Or what we do not have, maybe it’s what we need to replenish our stash. Bushnell Lantern (a special friend gifted me one), and I used it daily while our house was built.
How To Build A Power Outage Kit
I can’t believe how many news reports I’ve listened to over the past few weeks regarding the challenges families face due to the increased number of storms affecting the country, particularly along the East Coast and southern states.
New Orleans has been devastated by storm-related emergencies. In case you missed it, here are the Basic Items To Gather For Any Emergency.
There hasn’t been one report I’ve listened to or read about that doesn’t mention that the affected area has seen countless thousands of homes lose power. The tricky thing about these reports is that the homes affected don’t have reliable information about the timing for their power to be restored.
I’ve been trying for years to help people of all ages, locations, financial means, and education be aware of and prepare for emergencies.
Based on the consistent experience of families losing power, whether from a hurricane, tornado, wildfire, earthquake, or other disasters, I felt it was critical to help my readers prepare for an impending power outage by teaching them how to build a power outage kit.
“Prepare Your Family For Survival” by Linda Loosli
What Should I Include in My Power Outage Kit?
Although emergencies and the related issues you deal with may differ based on what caused the power to be lost at your home and possibly the general area where you live, one key question to ask is whether you should stay in place or evacuate.
If the local disaster agencies deem it best to evacuate, that decision may be out of your control. My focus today is to help you be prepared if you are allowed to stay in your home.
I’ve listed below several items I feel are needed in your kit and consider them critical for proper preparation. The “kit” itself may end up relatively large, depending on the size of your family and the items you’ve decided to include.
Storage space could be an issue and part of your decision-making efforts. From your own experience, you may feel the need to add to or delete specific items, but I’d be surprised if you don’t recognize the value of every item.
Light Sources
it may just be me, but it sure seems like emergencies and the related loss of power happen at night more often than not. That means, unless you’ve got different sources to provide light, you’ll be at a real disadvantage if you don’t have flashlights and batteries in good working condition. I would highly recommend you check out flashlights that work on solar power.
You don’t have to check your batteries’ condition constantly; on most days, there is enough sunlight to keep them charged. I always have some on my windowsills to ensure the sun is doing its job.
Some people swear by candles. My concern with candles has always been fire safety. No matter how careful you are, particularly around children, they can tip over, get bumped, or forget when you go to bed, thus putting your family at risk for a house fire.
Lanterns can be a great light source if you’re trying to light up a larger area. Again, there could be a fire risk, so I suggest you look into some solar-powered lanterns. Yes, they cost more than flashlights but put out much more light. These are awesome: ENERGIZER Compact Rechargeable Emergency LED Flashlight.
Matches or Lighter
I’ll discuss options for cooking later, but if you decide on candles or a lantern, you’ll need some way to light them. Butane lighters will also come in handy if you need to light a fire outside your home to stay warm or cook some meals.
Household Tools
A small toolbox is always an essential addition to your preparedness stash. Be sure it includes everyday things like scissors, a pocketknife, pliers, Phillips, flat-headed screwdrivers, etc.
First Aid Kit
Heaven forbid you or a family member are injured during the emergency, but that is frequently part of the challenges to be faced and prepared for. It’s always good to have a first aid kit close by all the time, but during a power outage, it could prove critical as you try to make a safer environment for those you love.
Radio: a radio can be your friend as you try to stay informed during a power outage. Here is another item that may require batteries that work. I bought a crank radio that I can also use to get weather-related channels. I want to stay on top of what’s going on outside!
Coats, Blankets, and Towels
You could lose power during a heatwave, mainly if your local electrical utility uses rolling power outages to control the electrical power provided within its service areas.
The challenge is likely to be staying warm and possibly dry. Be sure to stock up on jackets or coats, extra blankets, and towels to keep you warm and dry off when you get wet.
Medications
It would be best if you included some doses of your daily medications. One challenge to remember is if the medication needs to be refrigerated. If so, you need a high-quality small cooler.
You’d also need some ice. Another solution would be a backup emergency battery system with solar power and a small fridge.
I don’t have a generator at my home, as I worry about having to store the fuel to run it. But I do have some backup battery systems that can power some of my kitchen appliances. I’ve also tested them to make sure they will run a CPAP unit since my son-in-law uses one every night.
Cooking Devices
whether you lose power or not during an emergency, you and your family still need to eat. Hopefully, you’ll have some food in storage that can be used, so your family doesn’t go hungry.
Hot food is always lovely, mainly if your home is cold. The old BBQ usually heats most foods, even though it isn’t designed to heat a pan. Hopefully, you will have a cast iron pan.
A few years ago, Mark and I decided to switch to a gas stove instead of the electric glass-top unit we had purchased as part of our house. It took some time to get a friend to help us run a gas line to the kitchen area, so we used a butane countertop cooking unit. Butane Stove
I was amazed at its efficiency, even though it was small. We used it for several months and found it a true lifesaver.
You all know that I have a SunOven and love it. Yes, you do need sunlight to make it work. But if you have a lengthy power outage, there should be some days when the SunOven works due to a sunny day. I’ve cooked bread, soup, casseroles, and more.
You can also try to cook outside over a fire. I wouldn’t suggest using your regular cookware for this approach since it isn’t designed for that. That’s another reason I buy and use cast-iron cookware and Dutch ovens. They are very versatile, and I use them all the time. 6-Quart Dutch Oven
Food and Water
Putting these items in a “kit” could be challenging just due to the capacity of your kit container. Just keep in mind that we all need food and to stay hydrated. As those who consider ourselves to be well prepared, we need enough food and water to be accessible to survive.
Some People May. Need Help
Someone in your household may need medical, mental, physical, or dietary help. Your kit should contain items that help to address their daily needs as best as possible.
Pets can be a unique challenge during emergencies, particularly in the dark. They can get scared just like your kids; they still need to eat and drink and may need a blanket or towel to stay warm and dry.
Are there any General Safety Guidelines I Should be Aware of?
I often refer to government sources to ensure I’ve covered the necessary bases when discussing emergencies. I’ve listed below several things FEMA tells us are important considerations during a power outage:
- Keep freezers and refrigerators closed.
- Only use generators outdoors and away from windows.
- Don’t use a gas stove to heat your home.
- Disconnect appliances and electronics to avoid damage from electrical surges.
- Use alternate plans for refrigerating medicines or power-dependent medical devices.
- If safe, go to an alternate location for heat or cooling.
- Be sure to check in on your neighbors.
- Take an inventory NOW of the items you need that rely on electricity.
- Sign up for local alerts and warning systems. Monitor weather reports.
- Install carbon monoxide detectors with battery backup.
- Determine if landlines and cell phones will continue to work without electricity.
- Use a thermometer in your refrigerator and freezer to check temperatures.
- Keep your gas tank full.
- Discard medications that need to be kept cool if they have been at room temperature for more than one day.
Additional Consideration for Your Children
I suggest you visit the American Red Cross website (www.redcross.org). This great organization steps in whenever there is an emergency or disaster.
They are concerned with the protection and safety of all family members and pay particular attention to how children are prepared to deal with an emergency.
They have an excellent tool you can use before or during an emergency to help educate your kids about what to expect in different situations and how best to react.
The tool is a brochure called “Prepare with Pedro: Disaster Preparedness Activity Book,” which you can download. It includes over 20 pages of illustrations, stories, and text that outline different types of emergencies, how to prepare for them, and how to best deal with them as individuals and families.
It walks the young people through a step-by-step process of recognizing what is happening, relying on what they’ve been taught, and following through to use the skills, tools, and know-how to help them be safe and survive. Check it out!
How To Build A Power Outage Kit
Final Word
I hope all my readers realize my goal is to help them be their best selves regarding preparation. Today’s post should help as they learn how to build a power outage kit. We all need reminders and checklists to be on top of our game.
Please take the time to prepare your “kit” starting today. I promise you you’ll be glad you did. Please let me know if I’ve forgotten items you think should have been included. May God Bless this world, Linda
My next generator will be a Champion duel fuel. Propane is way easier to store and deal with.
Hi Matt, I will check on that one, I like the idea of dual fuel. Propane is so much easier to store!!! Linda
Yes, dual fuel is the way to go! Not sure what brand ours is. We also have a gas powered one, too. We still need a building to put them in. I need a tote for our candles. Batteries and flash lights. Can’t be too organized.
Hi Deborah, that’s awesome! I’m with you, you can never be too organized. LOL! But I may be over the top! But that’s how I roll! Linda
We have a gas emergency generator for power outages. My husband is pretty handy, so he found a conversion kit that makes our particular make/model generator into a dual fuel generator. Between the stored gas & propane we are okay for at least a couple of weeks.
For longer term outages, he’s building a solar array that would at least keep the freezer & fridge working.
We also include solar chargers in our kit. These can charge our cell phones & tablets during an outage. During Hurricane Sally last year, this gave us the ability to text family, friends and neighbors to check on them or send requests for assistance with cleanup or hazards….like the tree that took out part of the neighbor’s fence & let her 6 horses into our yard.
Hi BDN, you are so lucky to have a husband who is pretty handy. I’m so glad you were able to text family, friends, and neighbors!! Wow, 6 horses that got out, people like me to hear this because we do not have large animals, it does make you think outside the box. I’m glad to hear the horses were not hurt from the tree falling. Comments remind us all about what can happen, thank you for sharing!! Linda
Linda,
Like Matt my next generator will be a dual fuel, though I’m looking for one a bit quieter than a Champion. I have one solar generator and am building another. I bought a pair of 325W solar panels and am mounting then on an angle iron cart with wheels. The will charge a pair of 100 amp hour AGM 12V batteries through a charge controller. I haven’t purchased the inverter yet but will do so soon. It will provide enough emergency power to run my CPAP, fridge and freezer, plus a lamp and a few other goodies.
I’m still saving up to convert our on grid whole home solar system to an on/off grid system with battery backup.
We probably have two dozen ways to produce light from candles to solar powered lanterns, but if you don’t have any of that stuff, but do have solar powered landscape or sidewalk lights, simply bring them inside at night. They may not be very bright but it beats total darkness.
Oh, I planted more Contender beans and Pak Choy this morning.
Hi Ray, you and Matt are so “handy” you know how to build and make stuff. I need to plant Pak Choy next year!! I said that last year!! LOL! You always inspire me! I’m ordering some Contender Bean seeds!! Linda
A few years ago, I purchased a couple of “electric” flashlights! I keep them plugged into my outlets & if the power goes out, the automatically turn on. The brand is Amertec. The have retractable prongs.
Every fall, when we turn back our clocks, I change batteries in my smoke & carbon monoxide detectors and pull out my winter tote! I go through my winter tote to make sure I’m prepped for winter power outages. I also add pcific foods to the bin that can easily be heated without water, make sure I have the necessary paper products and a supply of hand warmers (saw and bought a few on sale today). I also keep a couple of hot water bottles and a jug of tap water in the tote for help staying warm. This water,while drinkable, is not my drinking water. I store separate drinking water.
One other thing I do is fill a couple of 5 gallon containers with water for washing and flushing. If I know ther is a bad storm on the way, I’ll fill my bath tub as well.
Hi Leanne, I need to go add those “lights” to the post. I have some as well. It’s funny how you take for granted what we have ready to go. I love your idea of changing out the batteries in the smoke and carbon monoxide units. Our brain “turns” on when winter comes and we step up our game and go through our stuff again. We rotate and replenish, it’s a way of life for us. Thanks for the reminder on the yearly checkup on supplies for winter. Linda
The most reliable beans I’ve grown here in the desert are Provider, with Contender a close second. I don’t plant them in the same year because I don’t want them to cross. The Premium Shell Peas I planted 10 days ago are up and almost 2″ tall.
I plant Pak Choy or Bok Choy at one month intervals all year long, except during the high heat of mid-summer. I only plant a few seeds at a time as each plant is so productive more than a couple would produce more than I could use.. Oh, in addition to using them in stir-frys and salads I sprout the seeds and use them on sandwiches (and also salads).
Hi Ray, thank you, my friend, I will add those to my seeds list. You know I love it! Linda
Ray those Honda generators are usually pretty quiet and they sell kits to convert
https://www.hutchmountain.com/products/honda-eu2200i-propane-natural-gas-gasoline-tri-fuel-conversion-kit
I use the Dollar Tree solar lights all the time to mark the trail of porcelain happiness for the wife.
Just remember to get them before the snowstorm because ya can’t find them under it all
Matt, a great reminder on the Dollar tree solar lights! Linda
Thanks Matt. I’ve checked out the Honda gennies and the Yamaha tri-fuel too. Both are very quiet, but no regular generator will ever beat my Solar generator for quiet. The only reason I might get another after my current Honda 2000 bites the dust is to have one in case my solar batteries die. Though I can also charge a battery bank with my car–see the Cargenerator articles in Volumes 70 & 71 on the Free Prepper info page of my website. https://www.RaymondDeanWhite.com
We live in a neighborhood that doesn’t have streetlights (which since I like star gazing makes me glad) so Jane wanted solar sidewalk lights so she could see when she went out at night. She has terrible night vision and I have cat eyes–though at 71 they are weakening. Here in the desert we don’t have to worry about them getting buried under snow.
Hi Linda. I find your information so valuable and I thank you so much for sharing. . I would like to ask about battery back up systems. Would you please expand on that a little?
Thank you!
Linda
Hi Linda, thank you for your kind words. Are you talking about battery backup systems for solar panels? I do not have any home solar panels. Linda
I love my solar generators, which also help save me some money on electricity in the summertime. I too have a solar oven (though it’s not the All American brand, which I am saving for) which also helps save me money in the summertime as well plus it helps me keep my house cool. I only tend to purchase preps that I can use for non-emergency purposes as I personally find that it helps to justify the cost. Plus it’s fun coming up with other ways to use them that are considered everyday use or seasonal. I also have a 52 QT portable (mine is wheeled like a cooler) refrigerator/freezer that I’ve had since 2018 and still going strong. These can be powered by my solar generators as well!
A lot has happened since you published this. A 60 or 100 w foldable solar panel with eneloop rechargeable batteries and one of their usb/110 chargers will do the trick. I have AA and AAA batteries…along with converter sleeves for C and D. That way I don’t have to have so many types of batteries. I no longer have to purchase batteries. Eneloop batteries are superior.
In a long term grid down propane and gas will be tough to get. As you know we lived on propane/12v 6-9 months a year for 22 years.
I do not endorse whole house propane generators as it will be impossible to get that big tank filled. Dual purpose is the way to go – particularly for people, like you, who have medical issues that require power. There are small inverters that are reasonable. Remember you “loose” power in the conversion, but they are a blessing for small things. Plug into most anything 12v and you have 110.
Hi CAddison, great comment, my friend. I’m lucky my Goal Zero unit survived the move to our new house. It’s solar and I have solar panels. It will run even my Bosch mixer! My main concern is my oxygen concentrator and it should run it for a long time. My unit only needs 300 watts so I should be good. I agree on the whole house generators, first off I can’t afford to buy one but my concern is getting the fuel once the propane or gasoline is unable to get. I’m luck to live where we have sunshine to power my Goal Zero! I need to look at my rechargeable batteries from Goal Zero, I’m still unpacking boxes. I thought I decluttered, LOL! Life is good! Linda
I have a “Lights out” kit for each level of the house. My kits are in a small plastic tub with a handle on top. in each one, I have flashlights (battery, solar and ones that can be cranked), extra batteries, a solar powered hand held lantern, battery lanterns, and headlamps. My thoughts on the headlamps is that if you need to work on something to get the power back on, it’s easier than using a flashlight. Also I walk with a cane and cannot hold a lantern or flashlight to go up and down the steps. I made kits for each of my girls for Christmas. For my oldest daughter, I found an adorable owl lantern and headlamp set to include for my granddaughter. For my youngest daughter, I included enough flashlights and headlamps for her and both her roommates.
My youngest daughter has had to use her kits several times this summer due to storms and flooding in her part of the city.
Because the kits are stored in plastic tubs with a handle on top they are easy to grab and take camping. (I have a lights out kit in my camper with the pieces stored in different cabinets so they are easy to grab.)
I also have dual powered power banks that can be charged through USB or solar that can be used to recharge phones or tablets. I had to use mine a few times this summer when we were camping without electricity and I can charge my phone, my kindle and hubby’s phone before it is drained.
Hi Topaz, oh I LOVE LOVE LOVE your comment! You are so prepared and are such a wonderful example to us and to your family! Here’s a SHOUT OUT TO YOU! I love hearing for the “roommates”, they all need one, I’m thrilled to hear what you have done and continue to do. Love it! Linda
Power outages are so common where I live that you always keep a headlamp or flashlight beside the bed, especially in winter. Also good to keep one handy in the bathroom. Still working on getting a generator for the fridge and freezer but luckily most outages are less than a day. I have a very basic cooking setup for outages but want to set up something that will do for baking bread and canning outside in the summer as well. Possibly an old RV stove and oven in a covered shelter on the back porch. One failure came just as I was about to put my bread in the oven but luckily the wood stove was on so I could use the folding box oven but not really a practical solution for warmer weather. The box oven isn’t the best when used on a camp stove but will do in a pinch. I have a regular schedule to check and recharge various lights and power sources. Our power utility provides good information about outage locations and estimated restoration times if you have internet access. It’s almost always a tree down across wires somewhere.
Hi Alice, what a blessing that your power utility company lets you know about outage locations! I LOVE hearing how you put headlamps and flashlights everywhere, love this! I have baked bread in a Camp Chef oven/stove combo, a Sun Oven, and a Dutch oven outside. I’m in my new tiny home and we hope to get the fire pit set up but I can’t get near it because i”m on oxygen 24/7. But Mark could cook with a dutch oven outside. can use my Sun Oven as long as I have sunshine. I always say, at least where we live the time to use it is start it at 10:00 to 3:00 finished. I bet your neighborhood has a lot of chainsaws to cut up those down trees! Stay safe, my friend! Linda
We are blessed, because we have a natural gas generator. We prepare for possible power outages by running the dishwasher and doing the laundry. We have at least a dozen flashlights and another dozen glow sticks. I use large Yankee jar candles, but I don’t have kids or pets. Our home is not that old so there are no trees tall enough to come down on the house, and powerlines are underground. I try to play close attention to the weather.
Hi Chris, I wish we had a natural gas generator, our house cost double what we had expected, so that was eliminated. Flashlights and candles are great when you do not have little ones around. I love the smell of them when I go to my daughters, but I do not have any right now. But that could change when we get settled in. This unpacking is taking longer than expected. LOL! I do what you do, if I know a storm is coming I make sure the dishwasher is started and all laundry is done. I’m glad you don’t have trees that can fall and damage your house. We don’t either. Thank goodness. Stay safe, my sweet friend! Linda