Light and Power

Child lying in dark with a flashlight, looking at a device with a curious expression.

Category 3: Light and Power

Emergency Lighting

What you need:

  • Flashlights (one per person minimum)

  • LED headlamps (hands-free is crucial)

  • LED lanterns (for ambient room lighting)

  • Battery-powered or hand-crank lights

  • Plenty of extra batteries

Don't rely on:

  • Candles alone (fire hazard, especially in earthquakes or with kids)

  • Phone flashlight (saves battery for communication)

Best practices:

  • Store flashlight near each bed

  • Keep one by main entrance

  • Test monthly

  • Replace batteries annually

Backup Power

Phone and device charging:

  • Portable battery banks (20,000+ mAh, keep charged)

  • Solar chargers (for extended outages)

  • Car charger and car inverter

  • Hand-crank chargers (backup option)

For medical devices:

  • Backup batteries

  • Generator (if critical medical equipment)

  • Inform utility company you have medical needs (priority restoration)

For refrigeration:

  • Keep freezer/fridge closed (food stays cold 4-48 hours)

  • Group items together in freezer (stays cold longer)

  • Use coolers with ice for essentials

  • Know what to discard after outage

Emergency radio:

  • Battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA weather radio

  • Receive emergency alerts and information

  • Some include phone charging capability

  • Test regularly

Resources

  • Ready.gov Power Outages: https://www.ready.gov/power-outages

Building Your 3 Day Home Emergency Kit