What to buy for the kit
What a home needs to get through three days without power, in three budget levels for two people. Each level includes the one before. Before buying, check what you already have: it is usually more than you think.
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The essentials About $50
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Water in large bottles
The day 2 rule. Buy it at the supermarket: online it is expensive and heavy.
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LED headlamp
One per person. Hands free, and it saves your phone battery.
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Spare alkaline batteries
The size your flashlights and radio take. Check the cover before buying.
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Portable battery radio
Without the internet, the only thing that tells you what is going on. AM and FM.
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Manual can opener
Not every can has a ring pull.
Three calm days About $100
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Power bank
20,000 mAh or more: several phone charges. Recharge it every six months.
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First aid kit
A basic one, plus your usual medication.
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Battery LED lantern
Light for the whole table, no candles.
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Waterproof document bag
Medicines, papers and cash, together and dry.
Ready to leave home too About $200
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Wind-up radio with flashlight and USB
No batteries needed, and it can top up a phone.
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30-liter backpack
One per person, packed, in case you have to leave.
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Folding USB solar panel
To charge a phone or power bank if the outage drags on.
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Foil emergency blankets
One per person in the bag. They weigh nothing and also help at home if the blackout comes with cold weather.
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Small multi-tool
Pliers, screwdriver and can opener in one.
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Emergency whistle
It carries further than your voice and needs no battery.
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If you prefer a ready-made kit
Some come in a backpack. Check the radio, flashlight and first aid kit are decent; water, food and medication always go separately.
And to do it in order
Buying is the easy part. The guide Ready in 7 Days tells you how much of each thing your home needs, where to keep it and how to test it, in seven 20-minute sessions.
Coming soon $12