Top 7 Things You’ll Wish You Had Before a Blackout

Top 7 Things You’ll Wish You Had Before a Blackout

Real-World Essentials I Learned the Hard Way — So You Don’t Have To

Let me tell you — you don’t really understand how much you rely on electricity until the lights go out and don’t come back on.

The first time it happened to me, I thought I was prepared. I had some candles, an old flashlight, and a few canned goods. But after 24 hours in the dark? I realized I was completely unprepared for a real blackout.

Whether it lasts 3 hours or 3 days, being caught without the right tools and supplies can make an already stressful situation feel like survival mode.

So here’s a list of the top 7 things you’ll wish you had before the next blackout — learned through real experience, not theory.

1. A Reliable, Off-Grid Power Source

Forget batteries and gas. When the grid fails, the #1 thing you’ll need is a backup power source that works in any condition — even in storms, snow, or long-term outages.

Most people overlook low-tech options, but I found a system that doesn’t use fuel, batteries, or sunlight — and it works.

Click here to see the generator blueprint I personally use

It’s quiet, safe, and doesn’t make you a target. I built it myself in a weekend, and it now powers my essentials during every outage.

---

2. Light Sources That Don’t Rely on the Grid

When the power goes out, so do your light switches. I keep:

• LED lanterns
• Solar-powered lights (charged ahead of time)
• Headlamps (hands-free is underrated)
• Long-lasting candles (plus lighters/matches)

Having light brings comfort, safety, and sanity in the dark.

---

3. Backup Water (and a Way to Filter It)

If your home relies on an electric pump — or city services shut down — you’ll lose water fast. I now keep:

• 5-gallon water containers
• A gravity-based water filter
• Water purification tablets

Even if your tap is still running, you can’t assume it’s clean during an emergency.

---

4. Ways to Stay Warm (or Cool)

Depending on the season, you’ll either be freezing or overheating. When my heat shut off during a winter blackout, I wrapped myself in blankets and regretted not preparing better.

Now I keep:

• Wool blankets
• Emergency space blankets
• Battery-powered fans
• Thermal clothing

And thanks to my off-grid power setup, I can now run low-wattage fans and heaters when needed.

This is the power system that made that possible

5. Charged Devices + Power Banks

No power = no charging. I now keep:

• Portable power banks (charged weekly)
• A crank-powered radio/charger
• My off-grid generator for phone recharging

Communication and information are everything in a crisis. Don’t be cut off.

---

6. Ready-to-Eat Food

If you can’t cook, you’ll be glad you prepped:

• Canned soups, beans, fruit
• Peanut butter, crackers, granola
• Freeze-dried meals + portable stove (if you have ventilation)
• Manual can opener (can’t forget that)

It doesn’t need to be fancy — just enough to keep you going.

---

7. A Calm, Prepared Mindset

This might sound odd, but your mindset is crucial. Blackouts bring stress, fear, and frustration. If you haven’t prepared, those feelings take over.

But if you’ve done the work — if you’ve built a quiet off-grid power source, stored your essentials, and planned ahead — you’ll stay calm, sharp, and focused.

This is the system that gave me that confidence

Prepare Now, Relax Later

Most people only prepare after they’ve been through the chaos once. Don’t be like them.

Get these 7 things in place before the lights go out — especially the power source most people forget.

You’ll thank yourself later.

Click here to get the generator blueprint I use and trust

One thing I learned quickly is that boredom and anxiety hit hard during a blackout. When you can’t scroll on your phone, watch TV, or even read comfortably at night, the hours drag. That’s why I also keep things like a deck of cards, a journal, and even a small portable speaker with preloaded music — all powered by my off-grid generator when needed.

You can see the generator system I use here — it’s been a game-changer for keeping small devices running.

Another overlooked necessity is a hard copy of emergency contacts. During one outage, I realized I didn’t know anyone’s number by heart — everything was saved on my phone. Now I keep a small waterproof notebook with key names, addresses, and numbers, just in case my battery dies or the cell network is down.

Speaking of communication, don’t rely solely on your phone. A hand-crank or battery-powered emergency radio can help you stay updated on weather alerts or evacuation orders. You’d be surprised how quickly local information becomes crucial when the internet and TV are down.

Something else I never thought I’d miss so much? Hot coffee. I now keep instant coffee, tea bags, and a small propane burner (with proper ventilation) on hand. It sounds simple, but small comforts matter a lot when your world goes dark and cold.

If you have pets, make sure you’ve got enough supplies for them too. During one blackout, I had to ration food for my dog because I didn’t think about storing extra. Now I always have an emergency bag with food, water, and meds — just like I do for myself.

Here’s the link again to the power system I use that keeps us comfortable and connected

I also want to mention cash. If the power’s out, ATMs and card readers go down. I always keep a small stash of emergency cash in small bills tucked away. During a grid failure, even buying a bag of ice or gas becomes difficult without physical money.

Blackouts are one of those events where everyone suddenly panics and rushes to the store. Don’t be part of the crowd. The shelves empty fast — I’ve seen it. Flashlights, batteries, bottled water — gone within hours. That’s why prepping ahead of time is not just smart — it’s essential.

What surprised me most is that having power during a blackout gives you a huge mental edge. When the neighbors are panicking, your lights are on. Your devices are charged. You’re able to cook, communicate, and breathe easy. That kind of security? It changes everything.

The Lost SuperGenerator system made that possible for me — here’s the exact guide I followed

I’ve talked to people who regret not preparing — and it’s always the same story. They thought it wouldn’t happen to them. They waited too long. Then the outage hit, and they were scrambling, cold, and in the dark. Don’t let that be your story.

You don’t have to be perfect. You don’t have to spend thousands. Just start with the basics — and make sure your power plan is rock solid. That’s where most people fall short… and where you can stand strong.

Start here with the simple, off-grid power system I recommend.
It’s the smartest prep I’ve ever made — and I truly believe it could save lives.