Supplies Needed for a Power Outage

Nearly everything in our home requires electricity. From cooking to communicating and keeping ourselves entertained, we use a lot of power. In fact, we may not even realize how much we depend on electricity until there’s a power outage. Before the power goes out, you need to be prepared. Below, we will discuss supplies needed for a power outage both in the summer months and the winter!

Supplies Needed for Winter Power Outage

Power outages are difficult, no matter when they happen, but having a winter power outage with frigid temperatures can be the worst! Think about it, you won’t have heat without power! With that being said, there are a few supplies you can stock up on to get you through a winter power outage:

#1 A Way to Heat Your Home

We all saw what happened in Texas in 2021. People didn’t have the supplies they needed to stay warm! What will you do to stay warm if the power goes out? Obviously, you will need to stock extra warm clothing such as hats, gloves, snow pants, thermal underwear, coveralls, etc. Additionally, you will want to have a stash of extra warm blankets. But, you will want to consider some of the following heat sources as well:

• Indoor Kerosene heater
• Fireplace
• Woodstove
• Indoor gas heater

#2 Batteries

Lots of things require batterie,s and without power you will probably be using more of them! For example, you will need lots of batteries for flashlights. Please check Sam’s Club, Costco, or any bulk-purchase source you have nearby for the best prices. AA Duracell Batteries

#3 Flashlights and Candles

Power outages mean no lights! This may be ok during the day, but it isn’t going to work well during the evening and nighttime. Make sure you stock up on flashlights and candles for light. You may also want to look at Olive Oil Lamps by Ron Brown. Remember, you have to be extra cautious when using candles. Make sure you don’t leave them lit when you go to bed. Also, keep them away from any flammables. These are now my favorite flashlights, thanks to Matt. Flashlights

#4 Battery Powered Radio

Sometimes power outages last a few hours, and other times, they can last days. You won’t know what’s going on in your area or when the power will be back on if you don’t have a way to listen to the news. Battery-powered radios are a great way to stay in the know. 

#5 Full Tank of Gas and Extra Gas

One supply needed for a power outage is gas! Keep in mind that when the power goes out that gas station pumps run on electricity. Whether you need to make it to a warmer area or just use your car to warm up and charge your phone, you are going to need gas! Keep your gas tank full and have extra gas stocked up (with a stabilizer). 

#6 Water

When it’s cold outside, the lack of sufficient heat in your house is likely to freeze up your pipes. Additionally, if you have a well, the pump runs on electricity and won’t work during a power outage. With that being said, you need to stock up enough water for every member of your household. I recommend 4 gallons of water per person per day. Have at least a week’s worth of water. Of course, more than a week’s worth of water would be better. Here are some choices in case you missed this post, How To Store Water-Pros And Cons

#7 Food

You need to have a good supply of non-perishable food. Even though it may be cold outside, your fresh food won’t last long without refrigeration. Make sure you have at least a week’s worth of non-perishable food at your disposal. Additionally, keep in mind how you will cook or heat your food. If you have a gas stove, you can light it with a lighter, but if you have an electric stove, you will need another method of cooking. In case you missed this post, How to Stock Your Pantry

#8 Tent

Amy reminded me about setting up a tent in the house (we can camp inside) and stay warm inside the tent. Coleman 4-Person Pop-Up Tent

What You Should Do in a Winter Power Outage

In addition to stocking up on supplies, there are a few things you should do during a winter power outage:

• Move perishable food items from the refrigerator to the freezer. This will keep them cold a little longer. Just don’t open the frig or freezer very often.
• Shut off the main water valve. If you are concerned your pipes may freeze, you can keep the pipes safe in your home by shutting off the main valve. 
• Make a warm room. Even if you have a heating source, it probably won’t be enough to heat the whole house. Designate one room in your home to keep warm. Cover windows, doors, and insulate the room with blankets. 
• Place perishables outside. If it is cold enough (less than 32 degrees), you can place some items outside in the shade to keep them cold longer. 

Supplies Needed for Summer Power Outage

A summer power outage is much different than a winter one. You don’t have to worry about freezing to death, but there are a few supplies you are going to want to have on hand! 

#1 More Water and Gatorade

As stated for winter outages, you are going to want to stock up on water, especially if your pump is electric. Heat can dehydrate you much quicker, so you should always be prepared for dehydration with Gatorade or other electrolyte sources of some kind. 

#2 Heat Blocking Curtains

In many places it can get over 100 degrees in the summer. Most of us are accustomed to AC, so it’s going to feel even hotter. Heat blocking curtains are a great way to help keep your home cooler during a power outage. 

#3 Battery Powered Fans and Batteries

Battery-powered fans actually work better than you might think. However, you are going to need lots of batteries. So, make sure you stock up on batteries specifically for your fan. Battery Powered Fans You should consider some backup power sources, particularly ones you can recharge with solar panels.

#4 Sunscreen

Due to a lack of entertainment and power indoors, you may be spending more time outdoors when the power goes out. Make sure you have plenty of sunscreen. Don’t just sit in the open sunlight, look for shade. Consider buying large yard umbrellas to help provide some shade to sit under.

#5 Non-Perishable Food

You may be able to keep your food cooler in the winter, but in the summer, after a few hours of the power being out, the food isn’t going to be good anymore. Make sure you have at least a week’s supply of non-perishable food items. 

#6 Propane Refrigerator

You can get a propane/electric camping refrigerator. This way, you can still keep perishable items cold without electricity. Instead, you will just need propane. This is something to consider, especially if you have summer power outages. 

#7 Flashlights

Candles are a good source of light, but they can add additional heat. Instead, make sure you have flashlights. Every family member should have a flashlight next to their beds. Electric lanterns are also handy to have. Make sure you have multiple sources to provide the lights you need.

What You Should Do in a Summer Power Outage

In addition to stocking up on supplies, there are a few things you should do during a summer power outage:

• Make sure the fridge is full. A full fridge will stay cold longer than an empty fridge. 
• Keep the refrigerator closed. The less the door gets opened, the longer your food will stay colder. Know what you want before you open the door.
• Block out the sun. To keep your house cool, pull the curtains or blinds and block the sun from coming into the windows. 
• Cool off with a cool bath. If you get too hot, use the water from your tap and cool off in the bath allowing your hair and body to dry on their own. 

Other Posts to Check Out

In addition to these power outages supplies, check out some of my other posts to help you prepare for a power outage in your area!

• Power Outage Kit
• How to Have Clean Underwear After a Power Outage
• How to Prepare for a Power Outage Today
• Power Outage: What to Do Next
• Power Grid Failure: What You Will Need

Amazon Supplies Needed for a Power Outage

Above, I listed supplies you should have on hand. If you don’t have them, you can find most of them on Amazon! Here’s a list:

• Indoor Kerosene heater
• Woodstove
• Indoor gas heater
• Batteries
• Sunscreen
• Flashlights
• Radio
• Propane refrigerator
• Battery-powered fans
• Heat blocking curtains
• Gatorade
• Water
• Candles

Final Thoughts

Power outages strike when we least expect them. Be prepared before it happens to you! Remember, luck favors the prepared. Please keep prepping, we must. Let me know of any additional items we should add to the list of necessary supplies to have on hand. May God Bless this world, Linda

Copyright Images: Power Outage AdobeStock_309882881 by nd700