Every season can bring expected—or unexpected—power outages due to drastic weather, whether from a storm, blizzard, or an accident near an electrical pole.

In the past, you might have focused on having candles, batteries, and flashlights ready. While those are still important, there are now additional essentials that I keep on hand to be fully prepared for any power outage.

1

Battery-powered generators

Make sure they are fully charged and ready to go

Credit: Bertel King / How-To Geek

When the power goes out, the first thing I do is head downstairs and turn on my generators. As expected, these provide temporary power to my whole house during a blackout.

I prefer battery-powered generators because they are much easier to use than gas models. With a gas generator, you have to place it outside, pull a chain to start it, and deal with the loud engine noise.

Battery-powered units, on the other hand, can stay inside and start with the press of a button. When it comes to noise, the only sound it makes comes from the fans, which is far quieter than a roaring motor.

Additionally, everything is already set up and connected, so all I have to do is flip the circuit breaker and start the generator. Within seconds, my house is fully powered.

But just having them set up isn’t enough; I need to make sure they’re always charged and ready to go when the time comes. That’s why I set reminders to charge them overnight.

Luckily, charging is simple: just plug them in and let them charge. However, plugging both in at once may trip a fuse, so if you’re like me, maybe charge one at a time.

• 

  Dimensions

  25.6 x 11.8 x 14.8 in

  Weight

  91.5 lbs

  The Anker SOLIX F3000 Portable Power Station has incredible versatility for everything from backup power to outdoor adventures. It’s not the easiest to transport, but its expandable feature set makes up for it.

  
  

• 

  Dimensions

  27.32 x 13.43 x 16.14in

  Weight

  113.54lbs (51.5kg)

  A single source to power almost all of your essential home appliances. Power high-demand appliances—from 3-ton central AC to 1 HP water pump—with robust 4,000W and dual 120V/240V capabilities.

  
  

With these generators, I can easily power my house during an outage without worrying about lugging a generator outside—regardless of the weather, filling it with gas, and struggling to get it started.

2

Portable power station

Easily bring around a power station to power various appliances

Credit: Patrick Campanale / How-To Geek

While battery-powered generators can handle my whole home, they’re not the only thing worth having ready for an outage. I also keep a portable power station on hand.

Think of a portable power station as a smaller version of a battery generator. It’s not designed to run an entire house, but it’s perfect for powering smaller, essential devices. Most come equipped with standard outlets, as well as USB-A and USB-C ports, so that you can charge or power multiple devices at once.

I like having mine ready, especially when I don’t need to rely on the main generator and want to conserve its battery. For example, on mild spring days, if the power goes out, I’ll open the windows to improve airflow, let in natural light, and plug the TV into the power station instead of turning on the generator.

During other events where I need the generator on during the day, I’ll often switch things up at night. I’ll turn off the generator and use the power station to charge my devices while I sleep. It’s more than enough for lighter needs and helps stretch overall battery usage.

Credit: Patrick Campanale / How-To Geek

Portability is another major advantage. It’s easy to carry from room to room, so wherever I go, I can bring power with me and plug in what I need.

A portable power station won’t handle heavy-duty appliances, but for lower-consumption items—like small kitchen devices or personal electronics—it’s incredibly useful when the grid goes down.

3

Rechargeable lights

Gather lights that have a rechargeable battery

Credit: Bertel King / How-To Geek

As mentioned, it’s still important to have candles, batteries, and flashlights ready when the power goes out. Even with modern tech, the basics matter.

That said, I’ve upgraded those essentials by switching to rechargeable lights instead of traditional battery-powered ones.

Credit: Bertel King / How-To Geek

The biggest advantage is convenience. I don’t have to worry about having the right batteries on hand or realizing I’m out when I need them most. I just charge the lights the same way I charge my phone, unplug them when needed, and they’re ready to go.

Rechargeable lights also tend to be brighter, last longer, and save money over time since you’re not constantly buying batteries. They’re affordable, too, with solid options costing around $10.

Credit: Tim Brookes / How-To Geek

If all else fails, don’t overlook the devices you already use every day. Your phone, tablet, or even smartwatch can double as a flashlight in a pinch, giving you a reliable backup when you need it most.

4

Power banks

Good to keep with you when moving around

Credit: Justin Duino/How-To Geek

You likely already have a power bank, but having multiple—and keeping them charged—is a smart move during a power outage.

I keep several power banks ready to go at all times. They’re portable, lightweight, and can charge a range of devices, from phones to laptops.

One type I especially like is MagSafe battery packs. They snap onto the back of my iPhone and start charging instantly, no cables needed. Furthermore, if friends have devices that support wireless charging, whether iPhone or some Android models, they can use them too without swapping cords.

That said, MagSafe packs aren’t the most powerful option. They’ll usually give your phone about one full charge. That’s why I also keep traditional multi-port power banks on hand for multiple charging cycles and broader device support.

Weight

.56 pounds

Size

4.36 x 2.76 x .83 inches

The UGREEN MagFlow is a 10,000mAh portable power bank with Qi2-certified 25W ultra-fast wireless charging and a 30W integrated USB-C cable. It has a powerful magnetic array for a more secure attachment and a compact, airline-friendly design.

Having these ready means I don’t have to rely as much on a power station or generator, helping conserve energy for when I really need it. And since they’re easy to carry, I can take them anywhere, whether I’m moving around the house or heading somewhere else entirely.

Stay prepared for the unexpected

Power outages can happen at any time, whether you expect them or not. That’s why it’s important to have the necessary accessories ready when they occur.

With these essentials, you’ll be prepared for nearly any outage. Furthermore, with the recent storms many areas have been experiencing, it’s better to have everything ready now rather than wait until it’s too late.