Power Outage Kit: What to Keep Ready Before the Lights Go Out

The lights go out, your phone is at 18%, and the flashlight is somewhere in the junk drawer. A little organizing now can make that moment much easier.

We recommend starting with one easy-to-find power-outage kit: a small bin for light, charging cables, basic supplies and a written plan. Keep drinking water and food nearby. Use what you already own, then fill the gaps.

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1. Put a working light where you can find it

Your phone can help you reach a flashlight, but you may want its battery for messages and updates. Give a dedicated light a permanent spot near your bed or your main living area, and tell everyone in the household where it belongs.

The U.S. Fire Administration recommends flashlights instead of candles during an outage. Keep a second light available so two people do not have to share one.

Two SPS options for different jobs

• For close-up tasks: Our Tactical 110-Lumen Rechargeable Flashlight with COB Light combines a 70-lumen flashlight with a 110-lumen wide-angle work light. It includes a mini-USB charging cable. The listed runtime is up to two hours per charge, so plan additional lighting for a longer outage.
• For a brighter handheld option: Our Tactical 1,500-Lumen Rechargeable Flashlight has high, medium and low settings, USB-C charging, a magnetic base and a clip that can attach to a cap brim. Use a steady setting for ordinary tasks and keep the beam out of people's eyes.

Check the controls and charging cable before storing either light. If your backup light uses replaceable batteries, keep the correct spares with it according to its instructions. Buying a new flashlight is optional if the one you own works well.

2. Make phone charging a complete setup

A charged power bank is only useful if it connects to your phone. Store it with a compatible cable, then test the combination before you need it. Keep important phone numbers on paper, too.

The Anker Nano Power Bank, 10,000mAh with built-in USB-C cable (A1259), on Amazon is one compact option. Its built-in cable fits compatible USB-C devices; other phones may need a separate compatible cable. Check the exact model and connector before ordering.

This is a mobile-device charger, not backup power for a refrigerator or your home. Rechargeable flashlights also need a charging plan of their own. Follow each device's instructions, and check your power bank's model against the manufacturer's current recall notices.

3. Keep water and easy food within reach

Put a few ready-to-eat foods your household actually likes near the kit, plus a manual can opener if needed. Include pet supplies and account for food allergies.

For a broader emergency water supply, the CDC recommends at least one gallon per person per day for three days, with extra needs for pets, hot weather and some household members. Four people would need at least 12 gallons for that three-day baseline. Store water safely rather than trying to lift an overloaded kit.

4. Write down what to do when the power goes out

A short note taped inside the lid saves everyone from searching for the same information:

• Your utility's outage-reporting number or website.
• A family contact and a nearby place you could go if the home becomes too hot or cold.
• Where the extra lights, water, first-aid supplies and pet supplies are kept.
• A reminder to note the outage start time and keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed.

According to the CDC's food-safety guidance, closed doors can keep food safe for up to four hours in a refrigerator, 48 hours in a full freezer and 24 hours in a half-full freezer. These are planning limits, not a reason to ignore temperature. Keep appliance thermometers in place, follow the CDC's guidance on discarding perishables, and never taste food to decide whether it is safe.

5. Know what a small kit cannot handle

A bin of supplies helps with the first few tasks; it does not replace an evacuation plan or a household emergency supply. Follow local instructions and stay away from downed power lines. If anyone relies on powered medical equipment or temperature-sensitive medication, arrange a separate outage plan with their clinician and equipment provider beforehand.

If you use a portable generator, keep it outdoors at least 20 feet from the home, doors and windows, with exhaust directed away from buildings. Never run one in a garage or connect it to a wall outlet. See NOLA Ready's generator and outage guidance, follow the manufacturer's instructions, and maintain working carbon-monoxide alarms.

Do a five-minute practice run

Without switching off the house power, ask someone to find the light and phone charger. Check whether both work and whether the right cable is actually in the bin. If something is missing, fix that one thing now.

That is a useful place to start: supplies you can find, equipment you know how to use, and a plan the household understands.

Heading out of town? Our before-you-go travel safety checklist covers a different set of everyday preparations.

General preparedness information only. Follow local emergency instructions and manufacturer guidance; products cannot guarantee safety. Product features and availability may change. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.