Blackout kit: what you need to get through days without electricity
A blackout kit adds light, stored power and a way to get news to your basic 72-hour kit, so a multi-day power cut stays an inconvenience. Add a portable power station if you need Wi-Fi, a fridge or medical devices.
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The checklist
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Light a whole room. Far safer than candles.
Hands-free for cooking and stairs.
Lanterns and radios drain them over three nights.
Your main source of official information.
Keeps phones alive for three days.
Runs router, lights and phones for 72 hours.
Hot food without power. Never use indoors.
Enough for about three days of simple meals.
Rescue medicines and food from a warming fridge.
Essential if you use any flame or stove.
Protects electronics when the grid comes back.
Homes cool fast in winter blackouts.
For when phones and navigation fail.
Shops that stay open will often only take cash.
Candles and stoves raise the fire risk.
Tips
- Unplug sensitive appliances so they are not damaged when the power returns.
- Keep the fridge closed: about 4 hours of safe cold; a full freezer lasts about 48 hours.
- Never run a generator, barbecue or gas heater indoors.
Questions people ask
Do I need a portable power station for a blackout?
Not for the basics: torches, a radio and power banks cover most needs. A power station makes sense if you want Wi-Fi, a fridge or a medical device running. See our power station guide.
How long does a blackout usually last?
Most last minutes to hours, but storms and grid failures can cut power for several days, which is why the EU recommends planning for 72 hours.