If your home loses power during a storm, don’t panic—determine the cause. If it’s just your home, then an electrician can fix it quickly. If it’s a grid outage and other homes lose power, you’ll probably wait longer. In those cases, have a blackout kit with emergency supplies—you’ll be ready for anything.

What Should You Keep In a Blackout Kit?

1. Lights

If your home is completely dark, you need light so you can safely navigate it. Keep flashlights, lanterns, and headlamps in your survival package. Try not to use many candles, since they can create a fire if you use them for too long during blackouts.

2. Batteries

Have plenty of batteries and mobile charging options so you can power the items that don’t require electricity. Keep a variety of battery types depending on the devices you utilize. Typically, flashlights and lanterns take AA alkaline batteries. Keep one working set in your device, and stock an extra pair. Include and external battery phone charger, too.

3. Food & Drinks

Keep your fridge closed so your food doesn’t spoil. Instead, have a few non-perishable options and at least two cases of water. Items can include canned fruits, vegetables, and meats for a well-rounded meal. Viable snack food options are packaged nuts and peanut butter. These items include essential protein and vitamins, which keep you feeling full for a long time. Plan to have enough food, so each family member has three fist-sized meals for a day.

4. First Aid Supplies

It’s always a terrific idea to have a small first aid kit handy just in case there are any minor injuries or issues. Have bandages, gauze, antiseptic, and essential medications, if any.

5. Emergency Radios

An emergency radio uses either batteries or a crank. This item lets you stay on top of news regarding the storm or outage. Many battery-powered options run for several hours, but hand-crank options can run indefinitely. Modern crank radios can even come with LED flashlights, sirens, and Bluetooth capabilities.

If you’re experiencing power loss in your home, call Walter’s - Eaton’s Electric, Plumbing, Heating & AC. The Ellsworth, WI, company has been providing exceptional residential electrical services since 1952. They handle any home electrical repairs, including those related to heating or air conditioning. View a full list of services on the company’s website, or call (715) 273-5589 to speak with an electrician directly.