# 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.

## What's on the list

### General

- Torch — LED, one per room
- Headlamp — keeps hands free
- Spare batteries — to fit your lights
- LED lantern or LED candle — instead of real candles
- Power bank — keep it charged
- Phone charging cables
- Battery or hand-crank radio — for news updates
- Manual can opener
- Cool bag and ice packs — for medicine and food
- Medication
- First aid kit
- Blankets and warm clothes
- Small banknotes — card systems may be down
- Whistle — can wait
- Emergency numbers on paper

### Drinks

- Drinking water — enough for a few days

### Pantry staples

- Ready-to-eat food — no 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.

## 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.

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[Start a room with this list](https://ortakliste.app/en/list/power-outage-kit-list) — 18 items go straight into your new room; delete what you don't need, add what's missing. No account needed.
