Storm Austen is coming! Prepare for winter power cuts with this essential blackout kit
With the Met Office issuing a Yellow Weather Warning for the weekend, it's worth checking to make sure that you're prepared for everything that winter storms can throw at you!
Make sure your home is prepared for any unexpected outages – storms, wind, heat, ice and snow can all cause temporary blackouts, so we’ve had a look at the essential comforts that will help you stay comfortable in a power cut.
Our blackout must-haves include practical buys like a first aid kit and battery-powered lamps, as well as power banks that will keep your devices charged for messaging, streaming and social media. Plus, we always like to have a cuppa to hand on chilly winter evenings, so we’ve also included a brilliant (massive) vacuum flask to keep you snuggly.
Check that everyone in your family knows where the kit is stored in case of emergencies!
In the meantime, you can find advice and ideas for reducing your energy consumption and cutting down bills in our energy-efficient section.
Blackout kit: power cut essentials for your home
Ring Automotive First aid kit
Basic first-aid supplies are a must-have for any home or vehicle, and The Ring Automotive first aid kit covers all the essentials, including plasters, dressings for wounds and burns, wet wipes, elastic bandages, triangular bandages, gloves and a pair of scissors.
This one-stop safety kit is stored in a practical carry bag so that it's easy to store - and to find. All the supplies are neatly packed inside to make it easy to find what you need if you’re in a hurry.
Solar Flare 2000L Dual Power Rechargeable Lantern
This clever rechargeable camping lantern can be charged-up via USB-C and top up with solar, so that you never run out of battery. This is a handy piece of kit to have in case your outage goes on for a couple of days.
It also doubles as a power bank so that you can charge small devices, like phones, on the go. Its maximum output is 2000 lumens, but if you find that dazzling, you can choose the level of light that suits you with the dimmer switch.
The practical carry handle and ‘tackygrip’ finish makes it easy to grab and move to where you need it most.
YETI Rambler Gallon (3.7L) Jug
Make sure you can still treat yourself to a cuppa when the power is down. Hot drinks are a great way to keep you cosy, and make sure you get your daily water intake, whatever the weather. This massive, double-walled vacuum insulated jug will keep water hot (or cool) all day.
It’s 100% leakproof and has a clever, smooth pouring spout that prevents messy ‘glugging’.
And for extra piece of mind, it has a 5-year warranty
Anker Prime Power Bank
If you don’t already have one, a power bank should be number one on the shopping list to get you through time spent off-grid. If you have a power bank you can keep your smartphone charged in case of an emergency
This power bank from Anker has a huge 20,000mAH capacity – which should get you through most outages. Its multiple ports and built in USB-C cable allow you to spread the 87W power to charge three devices at the same time, too.
And for even more charging solutions, check out our round-up of multiple USB power sockets.
Survival Emergency Hub Powerbank Torch
This all-in-one hub is a great piece of kit to have with you in an emergency. The AM/FM radio will keep you up to date with news from the world outside, and the LED torch will help you see around the world inside.
It also contains a power bank to keep your devices charged, and it can be recharged via solar, hand crank or USB.
It’ll work in temperatures of up to 60C and all the way down to -10C so it’s well prepared for most winter power cuts.
