A recent government report has revealed that in 2021, electricity consumers in the U.S. experienced an average of seven hours of power interruptions. Even though basic preparations for temporary blackouts are not expensive, it is generally advisable for most households to take some precautionary measures. For example, investing in a surge protector can help safeguard your media center, and having headlamps can keep your hands free in the dark. In the event of longer blackouts, whether they occur during wildfire-prevention efforts in California lasting a few days or stretch over a week following a tropical storm or hurricane, having extra backup power is crucial. It can help prevent food spoilage, keep medical devices operational, provide power for fans, lighting, space heaters, and ensure that phones, laptops, and tablets remain charged and connected to the outside world.
We offer various guides on general emergency preparedness, bug-out bags, and readiness for specific scenarios such as hurricanes, earthquakes, wildfires, and winter storms. However, this list focuses on the best options for power and lighting, whether you are preparing for a planned outage, anticipating the aftermath of a natural disaster, or gearing up for the next utility glitch. In the unfortunate event of a power outage leaving you without sufficient heating or cooling options for an extended period, it is essential to find shelter. If you are interested in learning about larger systems to keep your house operational during an outage using solar power combined with battery storage, refer to our guide on selecting a solar panel and battery backup system.
