When the lights go out, it helps to know where your light, charging cable and weather radio are. Start with a small, organized set of supplies you can find quickly, then build around your household's needs.
The CDC's power-source checklist includes emergency lighting, spare batteries, power banks and a battery-powered or hand-crank weather radio. This guide focuses on those everyday essentials rather than a complete emergency kit.
1. Choose a light for moving around
A flashlight is useful for finding supplies and checking a dark room. A headlamp keeps your hands free. A lantern spreads light around a shared space. Think about the task before buying more than one of the same type.
- Keep a light in a familiar, reachable place.
- Check whether it needs replaceable batteries or recharging.
- Pack the correct spare batteries, where applicable.
For a portable option, compare our adjustable-zoom flashlight. It requires batteries purchased separately. For area lighting, explore the Fenix CL26R PRO rechargeable lantern.
2. Match backup charging to your phone
A power bank is only useful if it is charged and connects to your device. Check the connector, supported charging power and cable requirements. Battery capacity alone does not tell you exactly how many full phone charges you will get.
The Anker Zolo 10,000mAh power bank has a built-in USB-C cable for compatible devices. Test your setup before you need it, and keep the right adapter or cable with your supplies.
3. Keep another way to hear updates
A battery-powered or hand-crank weather radio offers another way to hear information. Check reception where you plan to use it and practice tuning it before an outage. Follow local emergency instructions.
Compare the Quake Kits weather radio and flashlight for NOAA weather-band, AM and FM reception. Read its charging and operating instructions before packing it away.
4. Make a quick household check
- Where is each light?
- Which batteries and cables does it need?
- Is the power bank charged?
- Can everyone find the radio and use it?
- What do you already own that still works?
Write down any gaps before shopping. Buying one useful item that fits your plan can be more practical than buying a large assortment you have not checked.
Explore your options
Browse Blackout & Off-Grid Essentials or our printable emergency planning guides. Products are sold separately. Shipping, availability and delivery services vary by item and address; review your complete total at checkout.
Further reading: CDC: Power Sources. For a full emergency plan, use current guidance from your local emergency-management agency.