![[Add - on] Jackery Manual Transfer Switch for Explorer 5000 Plus - Jackery](http://www.jackery.com/cdn/shop/files/add-on-jackery-manual-transfer-switch-for-explorer-5000-plus-9017324.png?v=1754016782&width=350)
![[Add - on] Jackery Manual Transfer Switch for Explorer 5000 Plus - Jackery](http://www.jackery.com/cdn/shop/files/add-on-jackery-manual-transfer-switch-for-explorer-5000-plus-9017324.png?v=1754016782&width=324)
The best way to stay safe and comfortable during a power outage is to prepare in advance with a set of essential power outage supplies. From portable light sources and battery backups to non-perishable food and solar-powered generators, you need to have all the right items on hand that can help you manage without electricity for hours or even days.
Jackery Solar Generators are essential home backup solutions that can keep critical appliances running smoothly when the grid goes down. In this guide, you'll find 17 must-have supplies that cover lighting, food, communication, heating, and solar generators. We'll also show you how to calculate your energy needs to make sure you're ready for the next unexpected outage.
Takeaway
- Power outages are becoming more frequent and longer, making it essential for every household to have a backup plan with the right supplies.
- Knowing the wattage and runtime of your essential devices helps you choose the right emergency power solution and prioritize what matters most when the lights go out.
- Jackery Solar Generators provide clean, portable, and maintenance-free power, making them an ideal choice for families seeking peace of mind during power outages.
- What are the supplies you should have at home to prepare for long-term power outages.
Why Power Outage Preparedness Isn't Optional Anymore
Power outages are no longer rare or regional. Between 2018 and 2020, over 70% of US counties included in the study by the National Library of Medicine experienced at least one power outage lasting eight hours or more. According to the report by the US Department of Energy Information Administration (EIA), the average American experienced 5.5 hours of power interruptions in 2022.
The risk of power outages has become increasingly serious in recent years due to an aging grid and worsening weather conditions. For families, this means food spoilage, unsafe indoor temperatures, and communication breakdowns, especially if the outage lasts beyond a few hours. With the right power outage supplies, you can turn a disruptive event into something manageable and safe.
What Are the Power Outage Supplies You Should Have at Home
When the power goes out, you don't want to be caught unprepared. The right power outage supplies can make the difference between a stressful emergency and a manageable inconvenience.
Here are 17 essential items every household should keep on hand to stay safe, comfortable, and connected during a heatwave power outage.
Headlamp/Flashlights
Portable lighting is a must when navigating in the dark. Headlamps provide hands-free convenience, while flashlights are ideal for focused tasks and emergency situations. You should always keep extra batteries stored alongside them for uninterrupted use.
Jackery Solar Generator
An essential home backup solution, such as Jackery Solar Generators, can keep critical appliances and devices running when the grid goes down. With portable design and massive battery capacity, these solar generators offer clean and quiet backup power for your home. You can check our detailed guide to understand how to use a generator during a power outage.
First Aid Kit
Accidents and minor injuries can happen during power outages, especially in the dark. A well-stocked first aid kit ensures you can handle cuts, burns, and other non-life-threatening injuries without needing immediate medical attention.
Water
Maintain at least one gallon of water per person per day for drinking and sanitation purposes. When there is an unexpected power outage, water services may be disrupted for long hours or even days. This makes stored water critical for hydration and hygiene.
Non-Perishable Food
You should consider stocking up on shelf-stable items, such as canned goods, granola bars, dried fruits, and nut butters. It is best to choose foods that don't require refrigeration or cooking, in case you lose access to appliances.
Hand-Crank Radio
A hand-crank or battery-powered emergency radio keeps you connected to weather updates, alerts, and news when the internet and cell service are down. Some models also include built-in lights and phone chargers.
Cooler With Ice Packs
A good cooler helps preserve perishable foods or medications for a limited time. Ice packs help regulate the temperature, giving you valuable hours before spoilage occurs.
Manual Can Opener
If you rely on canned goods, you should not forget a manual can opener. Electric openers won't work during a blackout, and this simple tool ensures you can access your food supply.
Medications
You should maintain a one-week supply of essential prescriptions and over-the-counter medications. Store them in a cool, dry, and accessible place with clear labeling, so you can quickly access them whenever needed.
Multi-Purpose Tool
A compact multi-tool can replace several individual tools and is useful for minor repairs, opening packages, or handling utility shutoffs in an emergency.
Sleeping Bags or Extra Blankets
Outages can lead to extreme indoor temperatures. Whether it's cold weather or a drafty home, extra layers like sleeping bags or thermal blankets help keep the body warm by retaining body heat.
Personal Hygiene Items
Toilet paper, sanitary products, wet wipes, hand sanitizer, and toothpaste are essential items for personal hygiene. They make it easier to stay clean and comfortable during longer outages.
USB Rechargeable Fan
If a blackout happens during hot summer months, a USB fan powered by a battery bank or solar generator can make your space more bearable. It's especially helpful for young children, seniors, and pets.
Power Banks
Charged power banks or portable power stations help keep phones and other small devices running during the event of an outage. Look for high-capacity models that can recharge a smartphone multiple times.
Solar Lantern
The rechargeable solar lanterns offer long-lasting, bright light and are safer than candles. They can be charged during the day with sunlight and used all night without relying on batteries.
Corded Telephone
If you have a landline, a corded phone (not a cordless one) can work without electricity. It's a dependable way to communicate if cell networks are down.
Candles and Matches
While not ideal as the primary light source due to fire risk, candles offer a last-resort option for illumination. According to the CPUC, you should consider storing matches or candles in a water-resistant package and in a safe, dry spot.
How to Access Your Household's Power Needs During an Outage
When the power goes out and you have checked the power outage maps that indicate long-term blackouts, the first question most people ask is: "What do we need to keep running?" The answer isn't the same for everyone. A family with small children might need to keep milk cold and a TV running. An elderly couple may rely on medical devices or space heaters for their comfort and safety.
Regardless of the reason the power is out, you need the right supplies. Start by walking through your daily routine and identifying what you absolutely can't go without during an outage. That might include keeping the refrigerator cold, charging phones for communication, running a CPAP machine overnight, or staying warm in winter. From there, break your essentials into three groups: must-have (critical for safety or health), nice-to-have (comfort items), and can-wait (non-essentials).
|
Must-Have (Essentials) |
Nice-to-Have (Comfort) |
Can-Wait (Non Essentials) |
|
Refrigerator |
WiFi Router |
Home Theater |
|
Medical Devices |
Coffee Maker |
Dishwasher |
|
Mobile Phones |
Space Heater/Portable AC |
Clothes Dryer |
|
Indoor Lights |
Microwave |
Gaming Console |
|
Water Purification System |
Electric Kettle |
Decorative Lighting |
|
Security System |
TV |
Vacuum Cleaner |
This approach helps you focus on what truly matters and avoids the trap of overloading your backup solution. Once you've outlined your critical needs, you can move on to calculating wattage and runtime to find the right power source, which we'll cover in the next section.
How to Calculate Wattage and Runtime for Essential Devices
Being prepared starts with understanding your household's power needs during an outage. When an outage or blackout happens, you need to have sufficient power for the essential appliances. Here's how to calculate what size generator do you need for a home:
Step 1. Identify Your Must-Have Devices
List everything you absolutely need to keep running during an outage. This usually includes:
- Refrigerator for food preservation
- Lights for safety and movement
- WiFi or phone chargers for communication
- Medical devices like CPAP machines or oxygen concentrators
- Climate essentials like fans, heaters, or portable ACs
Step 2. Check Wattage Ratings
Refer to each device's label to determine the wattage (W). If it's listed in amps and volts, multiply them to get watts (Watts = Volts × Amps).
Step 3. Estimate Runtime Needs
Decide how many hours per day you'll use each item. Multiply wattage by hours to get watt-hours (Wh), which is the measure of how much energy you'll need.
For example: A 200W refrigerator running for 8 hours = 200W × 8H = 1,600Wh (or 1.6kWh).
A 2000-watt generator can run various essential appliances, including refrigerators, for long hours.
Jackery Solar Generators for Power Outages
When the grid goes down, Jackery Solar Generators keep your home essentials running. These portable home battery backup solutions combine a high-capacity power station with foldable solar panels, allowing you to power appliances even when you're off the grid. Here are a few Jackery Solar Generators built for emergency preparedness:
Jackery Solar Generator 1000 v2
The Jackery Solar Generator 1000 v2 is ideal for short outages or apartment living. It can keep small essentials running when the lights go out. It can power your WiFi router, recharge phones, light up rooms with lamps, or keep a small fan running through a hot night. It's compact enough to store in a closet and quick to set up, featuring solar panels that can be unfolded in your backyard or on your balcony.
Appliances Running Time
Refrigerator (200W) = 4.1H
Portable Heater (600W) = 1.4H
Microwave (900W) = 1.0H
Light (20W) = 25.1H
TV (150W) = 5.3H
Who Should Buy This
If you live in an apartment or small home and primarily need to keep communication devices charged, power a router, light a room, or run a fan during short outages, this is an ideal solution.
Customer Review
"This was the 2nd unit I bought. Love them both. I keep them charged for when I need them, and they don't lose power. Recently, I used one during a power outage, and one ran through my freezer and refrigerator." — Michael Wenson.
Jackery Solar Generator HomePower 3000
If you live in an area with frequent power outages, the Jackery Solar Generator HomePower 3000 can keep your routines uninterrupted. It is capable of powering a refrigerator to protect your groceries, running a microwave for warm meals, and charging multiple devices at once. During extended blackouts, you can even keep your washing machine or CPAP machine functioning for long hours.
Appliances Running Time
Refrigerator (200W) = 11.8H
Portable Heater (600W) = 4.2H
Microwave (900W) = 2.8H
Light (20W) = 62.2H
TV (150W) = 15.2H
Who Should Buy This
You can choose the Jackery Solar Generator HomePower 3000 if you live in a medium to large household and want to maintain comfort and essential appliances during power outages.
Customer Review
"Recently purchased the Homepower 3000 unit. We arranged for a test running our fridge/freezer, the router, the TV, and a fan. Ran the test for about 9 hours, and still had about 30% remaining on the battery, so we considered that a success." — Dave Caplis.
Jackery Solar Generator 5000 Plus
If you need backup power for a remote cabin or workspace, the Jackery Solar Generator 5000 Plus is a dependable option. The essential home backup solution can handle heavier loads, such as freezers, well pumps, or multiple power tools. It is ideal for families, home-based professionals, or anyone who wants to stay comfortable and productive during prolonged outages.
Appliances Running Time
Refrigerator (200W) = 17.1H
Portable Heater (600W) = 6.6H
Microwave (900W) = 4.5H
Light (20W) = 61.2H
TV (150W) = 21.4H
Common Questions About Power Outage Supplies
What supplies should you have if the power goes out?
In the event of a power outage, essential supplies include flashlights, extra batteries, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, non-perishable food, plenty of water, and a solar generator, such as those from Jackery.
What appliances to turn off during a power outage?
The appliances to turn off during a power outage include sensitive electronics, such as TVs, computers, and gaming consoles. You should also turn off electric heaters, ovens, water heaters, microwaves, and toasters.
What are 10 items in an emergency kit?
The 10 items in the emergency kit include water, non-perishable food, a first aid kit, flashlights, a hand-crank radio, a manual can opener, a whistle, personal hygiene items, important documents, and cash.
What is the best solution for a power outage?
The best solution for a power outage is a home battery backup or a solar generator that can keep essential electronics running.
What is in a 72-hour survival kit?
A 72-hour emergency kit, also known as a disaster preparedness kit, should include essential supplies to sustain individuals for three days in an emergency. Key items include water, non-perishable food, a first-aid kit, a radio (battery-powered or hand-crank), a flashlight, extra batteries, a whistle, and personal hygiene items.
Conclusion
Power outages can hit without warning, but your response doesn't have to be unprepared. With the right set of power outage supplies, including clean water, non-perishable food, dependable light sources, and solar-powered energy backups, you can ensure your household stays safe, comfortable, and connected. Jackery Solar Generators are reliable and portable solutions for running essential appliances or keeping your entire home powered during extended power outages.
