Be prepared for a winter storm: 9 products I recommend if the power goes out

I keep seeing “power outage” everywhere online. I scroll through my Instagram and see checklists of what to buy. My TikTok is filled with people trying to make commissions selling battery-powered torches. But let’s be realistic: we can’t all afford to buy a full power-outage kit outright.

Nor do most of us have a place to store it. And while I really do want to be prepared, I’m not going to head to my local grocery store with a list of 50 items — that’d be my entire weekly food budget in one shop.

Instead, I’ve whittled it down to the 9 items you’d really need if a blackout lasts longer than an hour or two. You may already own some of these items, but if they’re tucked away, it might be smart to put them together, perhaps in a bag or box, ready to grab when needed.

So, here are my 9 non-negotiables for power cut preparations. Along with these items, you’ll also need to gather non-perishable food to store in your pantry.

Quick links

• Biopure Antibacterial Hand Wipes: $5
• Mart Cobra Emergency Blanket, 4 Pack: $6
• Amazon’s Choice First Aid Kit, 300 pieces: was $24 now $14
• Lepro Battery Powered Waterproof Led Headlight, 2 Pack: $15
• Lepro Led Camping Lantern, 4 Pack: $15
• Xlentpac Collapsible Water Container 8l/2.1 gallon: $18
• Fospower NOAA Emergency Weather Radio: was $39 now $31
• Gaganiu Insulated Water Bottle, 1 g allon: $39
• Renogy Pure Sine Wave Power Inverter, 1,000W: was $269 now $242

9 must-have supplies in a power cut

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Annie is a freelancer at Tom’s Guide. She’s been an Editor at various home magazines for 7 years — reviewing and writing about everything from cleaning products to air fryers and mattresses. Annie started her career at Real Homes as Deals Editor in 2018 and by 2020 she was the UK Shopping Editor at Livingetc, Homes & Gardens, and Ideal Home. She was in charge of the majority of eCommerce content on these sites, including reviews and buying guides. Now, as a freelancer, she writes features, reviews, and guides for several brands including BBC Good Food, Ideal Home, and Parade Home & Garden.