Power outage kit list — be ready when the lights go out
Power cuts are often short, but if a storm or a fault drags on, lighting, communication and keeping food cold quickly become a problem. Gather the kit in advance and keep it in one place; share the list through a room code with the household so it's clear who gets what. No sign-up needed.
In short
A power outage kit starts with a torch, headlamp, spare batteries, power bank and a battery radio. Add drinking water, food that needs no cooking, a can opener, medication, blankets and a cool bag. For light, choose LED torches over candles, as they carry less fire risk. If you use a generator, never run it in an enclosed space.
18 items go straight into your new room; delete what you don't need, add what's missing. No account needed.
What's on the list
General
- TorchLED, one per room
- Headlampkeeps hands free
- Spare batteriesto fit your lights
- LED lantern or LED candleinstead of real candles
- Power bankkeep it charged
- Phone charging cables
- Battery or hand-crank radiofor news updates
- Manual can opener
- Cool bag and ice packsfor medicine and food
- Medication
- First aid kit
- Blankets and warm clothes
- Small banknotescard systems may be down
- Whistlecan wait
- Emergency numbers on paper
Drinks
- Drinking waterenough for a few days
Pantry staples
- Ready-to-eat foodno cooking needed
Cleaning & household
- Wet wipes and bin bags
Tips
Use LED torches and lamps instead of candles or gas lamps for light; open flames are a fire risk, and never leave a burning candle unattended.
If you use a generator, never run it in a garage, on a balcony or in any enclosed or semi-enclosed space, and don't burn a barbecue or gas stove indoors for warmth; exhaust and combustion gases contain toxic carbon monoxide.
When a storm or outage is announced, charge phones and power banks right away; keep the kit in one place everyone knows.
Keep the fridge and freezer doors shut as much as possible; if the outage drags on, be careful with food that may have spoiled, and don't eat anything you doubt.
How it works
1. Open your room
Tap the button and the items land in a fresh room. No account, no email, nothing to install.
2. Share the code
Send the room code or the link to the group; everyone's on the same list in seconds.
3. Finish it together
Who's buying what shows up instantly; bought items get ticked, so nobody buys the same thing twice.
Frequently asked questions
How long does food in the fridge last during a power outage?
If you keep the door closed, a fridge generally stays cool for a few hours; a freezer lasts longer. If the outage drags on, be careful with food that may have spoiled, and don't eat anything you doubt.
Should a power outage kit include candles?
No need; LED torches and lamps are safer and more practical. If you must use a candle, put it on a stable surface, keep it away from anything flammable and never leave it unattended.
What should you do about sensitive devices when the power goes out?
Unplug devices like computers and televisions or use a surge-protected socket; a sudden voltage spike when the power returns can damage them. If you leave one lamp switched on, you'll notice at once when the power is back.
Can I change the list?
Of course. The ready-made list is just a starting point: delete, add, move items between categories.
Do I need an account?
No. A room code is all it takes — no email, password or signup.
How long is the list kept?
As long as you use it. A list is only deleted after a month without any activity; even opening the room resets the clock.
Can I install it on my phone?
Yes. With the room open, tap "Save Room" to add it to your home screen and open it with one tap.