Don’t wait until the power goes out and you’re scrambling for a flashlight! Assemble this kit today, keep it in a central location, and make sure everyone in the family knows how to find it.
- One light source per room:
- LED flashlights
- Solar lanterns like this one
- Headlamps for hands-free lighting
- Lightsticks
- A supply of extra batteries for each light source
- A set of solar garden lights that can be placed outside and brought inside at night for extra lighting.
- At least one charged battery pack. My favorite is the myCharge Portable Power because of its size and the fact that it can charge with both USB and AC (electrical plug), but smaller packs are fine for keeping phones and electronics charged.
- One or more battery-powered fans for keeping cool.
- One or more spray bottles. Fill with water and spritz on faces and body to stay cool.
- Jar candles and matches
- Gatorade powder and/or NUNN tablets to help counteract dehydration
- Snacks such as granola bars, high-calorie energy bars, and packets of nuts.
- Cash in small bills for making purchases if ATM machines are down.
- Playing cards and games for entertainment
- Hand and feet warmers for cold weather outages
- Battery and solar powered radio
- A pair of wool socks for each person
- Manual can opener
All of this should fit in a smaller plastic bin. Along with these contents, stock up on 7 days worth of foods that do not need to be refrigerated or cooked. Use this list for suggestions.