21+ Life-Changing Power Outage Essentials Every Worst Case Scenario Worrier Needs

Fancy yourself a worrier and wondering what power outage essentials you can worry about next? As your fellow worst case scenario girl, I’ve compiled a list of life-changing supplies you won’t regret!

Life-Changing Power Outage Essentials

Until not too long ago, I lived on my own for 15 years, with my closest family being about 10 hours away. In that time, I’d been through much mayhem as an independent, single girl trying to survive in the big, or perhaps, mid-sized city. From actual blizzards to power outages, I learned some stuff I always like to share with nice people like you!

My list of things you need during a power outage is for anybody, but it comes with a special shoutout to the people out there doing it on their own. You’re courageous and awesome!

Once you’re done reading, you should be even more prepared for any storms that come your way.

This post is all about power outage essentials every worrier needs.

1. Phone Number to Your Energy Company

Before you do anything, look up your electrical company and get the number for reporting a power outage. Add it into your phone contacts AND put it somewhere memorable in your home, like on the fridge.

You probably won’t have Wi-Fi to go searching for a number, so record it now!

2. Rechargeable Light Bulbs: My favorite power outage essentials

These are my absolute most favorite things and are probably the first thing I always recommend for power outage essentials. You have to get rechargeable light bulbs! I stumbled across these wonderful creations at the grocery store one day. Which is super random because I hardly ever go to the grocery store. (Long story, but I’ll never succeed at cooking!)

These rechargeable light bulbs work like regular bulbs, but will stay on with a power outage. Every time you normally use your lamps, the bulbs charge, so they should be ready to go when the electricity goes buh-bye.

You can also remove them and carry around as a flashlight.

These bulbs have helped me SO MUCH because they make the difference between a super dark place to one that’s easier to navigate without power. Plus, keeping the lights on is safer and a little more security overall.

Give your home a glow-up with these bulbs! I promise you it’s worth it.

3. Phone Battery Pack

Once, my power went out, then my phone died, then my garage door would not open without power and my car was stuck inside.

(A few folk said I could’ve manually pulled up the garage door, but I was like, “Y’ALL. A spidery garage in the pitch dark? And a solid wooden door that I can squeeze off my blood supply with one wrong move? And then no cell service in case I injure myself?” Just FYI: I am TOTALLY accident-prone. Using my muscles wasn’t an option for me. So, please be careful if you’re considering stumbling through your garage in the dark!)

I couldn’t leave to go to a hotel or even get in the car to charge my phone. And since I couldn’t access my vehicle or call anyone, I was stuck. I could’ve walked somewhere, but my dog was with me and, honestly, where was I going to go with my dog in the middle of the summer when we were already hot?

We waited it out and were fine, but I thought, I’m never being that unprepared again!

My dad told me about these battery packs. It’s a very dad thing to do! Being not the most techy of lasses, I didn’t even know these existed.

Have a dad or know a dad?

Ask a dad about their top power outage essentials.
‘Cause dads know stuff.

-Kat Stano (Yeah, you can quote me on that.)

But now, battery packs have been a lifesaver! AND one of the best things you can do to prep for a power outage!

Keep them charged up BEFORE a storm and when your phone is on its last bar, plug it up! You now have continued access to the outside world!

There are tons of options now that are probably a lot fancier than my battery charger. But I’ve had this one for about seven years and it’s been great.

4. Flameless Candles

There are a variety of flameless battery-operated and rechargeable candles online. Some come with remotes because you’re fancy like that!

I love natural candles, but if you’re in any way clumsy or forgetful or BOTH, flameless is your safest option. (Always be extra safe with candles!)

Plus, they usually ship as a set, so your house will look like a twinkle light wonderland AND you can mosey around with some enchanted glow.

Though, if you’re totally responsible with candle operation, my absolute favorite brand is JewelScent. The candles come with jewelry. People, JEWELRY!

How the jewelscent candle works

Let the candle burn down a bit, and then a carefully wrapped ring or necklace magically appears in the wax. It’s so fun!

Use tweezers or let the candle cool before putting your fingers near hot wax!

The jewelry pieces are really pretty, too! They also come with a code you can type into their site to find your ring’s value. But I think the value of a surprise ring is priceless!

Besides that sparkle, these candles smell amazing, they’re always adding fresh scents, and they’re vegan.

5. Extra Batteries

Know what to stock ahead of time, but here are some common household items you might need to work during a storm:

• Flashlights
• Flameless candles
• Battery-powered doorbell
• Weather radio
• Twinkle lights

6. Rechargeable Fan

Summertime power outages can get hot. This rechargeable fan will last for several hours when fully charged. I bought it to chase away maniacal mosquitoes, but it’s also good when the power goes kaput!

Don’t forget to charge before the storm rolls in! Charging all of your devices is a huge power outage essentials hack!

7. Extra Blankets

For the winter months: Keep a few extra blankets on your power outage supply list for layering. I love this stylish family pack I got for my stylish family members!

When not bundling up during a blizzard, use for a cozy movie night or snuggling with your amazing fur child.

8. Battery-Operated Sconces

I have some twinkle branches similar to these and they’re not only cute during holidays and regular days, but also very handy on power outage days.

Ambiance is making a comeback!

I’m also very intrigued with these battery-operated wall sconces. I mean, so pretty, right? They’re on my massive Amazon list. Also, who else has a massive Amazon list? Let me know about your shopping addiction in the comments!

9. Solar Lights

Who agrees that a neighborhood blackout is kind of scary? While light pollution is a thing, so are creepy lurkers and my number one hope for you is that you’re healthy and SAFE.

Outside solar lights give your home more security and you don’t need power to make them shine!

I annoy everyone I know by telling them, “You need these solar lights!” I love them so much because they’re bright and pop on with any movement they detect.

You can also set them to continuous light, but it saves more energy with the motion feature, allowing for coverage throughout the night.

Make keeping you and your family safe from the bad guys a top priority on your list of power outage essentials.

10. Bottled Water

If you don’t want to use plastic bottles, fill up reusable bottles before a forecasted storm.

Water needs to be thrown out and replaced after a certain period of time, so do your research and swap out as needed. (As I’ve said before, I didn’t do great in Chemistry, so check better scientific sources for water replacement times!)

You can use the expired water to hydrate your plants!

Power Outage Essentials: Use Your Imagination!

11. Creative Places to Get Food & Ice

This is probably my strangest tip, but it seemed to help me and maybe it will help you!

If you have a pet that you don’t want to leave in a hot or frigid house alone, take them with you on a supply run. Pets can get overheated faster than we can, plus who wants to leave their buddy at home?

As the pet parents of the world know, most places don’t allow our fur children, bless their unhelpful hearts. (Kidding! I know there are rules and stuff.) However, certain stores do!

Hardware stores, liquor stores, and drive-thrus, oh my!

Other than hammers, nails, and posh paint colors, hardware stores often carry cold drinks and snacks. PLUS, many are happy to see your fur baby when they’re on a leash. If it’s sweltering in your home, take your doggie for a ride to the hardware store, get some refreshing A/C, and a soda to-go.

Also, stores that sell wine and spirits (aka, liquor stores) are getting fancier, selling sodas, water, chips, dips, and even cookies. And a lot of them welcome dogs! Bring your leash and cool off while you load up on your snacks. (If you’re 21 and over, THOUGH! I love y’all, but I’m not trying to create a community of miscreants over here!)

If you just bought groceries and don’t want everything to spoil, you’ll need ice to keep it from getting gross! Some fast food drive-thrus have big bags of ice. I drove through Burger King with my dogter and, as weird as it sounds, it was a godsend to find a place they could heave ice to you through a window.

12. Cooler

If you have the storage space for a sizeable cooler, it’s a good investment for the food in your fridge you want to keep. Pack with ice and save some money and your yummy munchies.

13. Non-Perishable Snacks

Here are some things to stock up on if you know a storm’s a-brewing. Bonus points for finding foodstuffs that come in earth-friendly packaging versus plastic.

Power Outage essentials to nourish you

• Fruit tins (basically the same as fruit cups, but in earth-friendlier aluminum cans)
• Pudding cups
• Chips
• Pretzels
• Crackers
• Protein bars
• Granola bars
• Nuts
• Trail mix

14. Pet Supplies

For your beautiful fur babies, remember to have these power outage essentials on-hand during a storm:

• Pet food: Cosette dines on Open Farm.
• Water bowls: This pet waterer is so helpful any time, but will really help during an outage. Keep it filled with clean water and it’s one less thing to worry about.
• Medications
• Pet carrier: I have this one AND this one.
• Leash and harness
• Wipes: I buy these compostable pet wipes.
• Collar with your phone number prominently listed: I use these Orvis collars that boldly embroider your dog’s name and number onto the material. They’ll also embroider leashes!

15. Baby & Kid Supplies

I don’t have my own human kids, but I do have a fur child, and like fur children, human kids need lots of supplies, too! Here are some things you need during a power outage for the kiddos:

• Diapers
• Wipes
• Formula and bottles
• Non-perishable snacks like fruit cups, chips, cookies, fridge-free pudding, and juice boxes
• Bandages: I love these bamboo bandages! And I write more about them here.
• Tissues
• Toiletries
• Medications
• Change of clothes and shoes
• Winter gear like coats, hats, scarves, gloves, earmuffs, and fuzzy socks
• Car seats
• Favorite toys, stuffies, or blankies
• Pacifiers

{Related Post: 10+ Inspiring Tips for the Eco-Friendly Family of Your Dreams}

16. Emergency Cash

When I was a teenager,
I was hanging out at Taco Bell with my friends and “a date.”
This great date went up to the line
and ordered for himself and his sister,
but didn’t even ask if I wanted something.

Which like, duh, right?
I’m a teen at Taco Bell. Of course I want something!

Naturally, I had ZERO DOLLARS in my purse,
so my gal pal spotted me some cash.

It was a good lesson to learn.

Always have a few bills in case of an emergency.
Or in case you just want some Taco Bell!

I learned a lesson that day. Now, if only I’d always put that into practice…

Who here also never has cash on them? Most of us carry cards or pay with our handy dandy apps, so cash does seem so 1990s.

But having some spare bills is important when systems are down, like Wi-Fi and credit card machines. Maybe someone helps you out of a bind, like fixing your tire, and you want to pay them. Or you have to quickly evacuate and can’t get to an ATM.

Every time you get paid, stash away a few bucks in a jar or envelope for a rainy day. It doesn’t have to be a lot. Just build it little by little.

17. Alert Whistle

I hope this never happens to you or anyone you love, but sometimes accidents occur during weather emergencies.

These whistles are nice to have on standby at home, in your car, on your key chain or in your purse, and around your neck if you’re taking shelter or even puttering around a dark house.

Keep a whistle in your pocket or wear as a necklace, in case you need to signal for help. If you trip over EVERYTHING like me, these are worth the small investment!

18. Solar Emergency Lantern

I keep one of these solar emergency lanterns in my car and they’re also very useful for indoors. You can even pretend you’re on an indoor camping trip!

19. Book Light

The last time my power was out for several days, I got caught up on a little reading. Y’all remember books? Because there was no Netflix, I got to happily spend extra time immersed in a story. But since I didn’t have a book light, it was a little difficult as the sun set.

I used to have a little literary light and I’m currently looking at getting another one. This aqua book light is cute, rechargeable, and gets good reviews. I just might try it!

20. Showerless Hygiene Products

If your water heater is connected to your power like mine is, then no electricity means an icy shower. Brrrr! And if the lights are out for days, then you’ll probably be cranky AND stinky. That’s no good!

Full body deodorants and dry shampoo are nifty little things to have around for these less ideal situations.

I don’t have any current recommendations, but am researching and will update this list asap!

21. A Go-Bag

In case you need to leave your home quickly, pack a bag with some of the supplies I’ve listed above.

You might even have important docs, photos, heirlooms, and/or jewelry close-by to take along, too.

Check out Pixie Mood’s weekender bags if you’re needing a new, vegan go-bag!

What are your life-changing power outage essentials?

Let's all help each other out! I'd love to hear how you make your life easier during a power outage or emergency. Please let me know in the comments, sweeties.

Power Outage Essentials Shopping List

• Rechargeable Light Bulbs
• Battery Packs
• Flameless Battery Operated Candles
• JewelScent Candles
• Rechargeable Fan
• Blankets
• Twinkle Branches
• Battery-Operated Wall Sconces
• Outdoor Solar Lights
• Pet Waterer
• Pet Carrier
• Backpack Pet Carrier
• Compostable Pet Wipes
• Orvis Personalized Collars & Leashes
• Bamboo Bandages
• Alert Whistles
• Solar Emergency Lanterns
• Book Light
• Pixie Mood Weekender Bags

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