A short, practical list of what you need when the power goes out: light, information, water, food, warmth, medication and a charged phone or vehicle.
- Cover seven basics: light, a battery or crank radio, backup phone power, water and food, safe warmth, medication, and vehicle fuel.
- Never use a barbecue, camping stove or portable burner indoors, and keep generators at least 6 m (20 ft) from buildings.
- Plan for at least 72 hours, and talk to a health professional about critical medication.
When the lights go out, a long shopping list is not helpful. This page sorts the essentials into the groups the Government of Canada uses, so you can see in minutes what you have and what is missing.
Light and information
Keep flashlights with spare batteries where everyone can find them. The Government of Canada advises flashlights instead of candles to lower fire risk. Add a crank or battery radio, since the internet and mobile networks may be down.
Power for phones and key devices
Official guidance suggests a battery pack that can charge critical devices several times. Lower screen brightness and keep calls short. Never run a vehicle in a closed garage to charge devices.
Water and food
Be ready to care for your household for at least 72 hours: stored water and food that needs no cooking. See how much water to store and no cook foods. Keep fridge and freezer doors shut.
Warmth and safe cooking
In cold weather use layers, blankets and one smaller room. Do not use barbecues, camping stoves or portable burners indoors, including garages and basements, because carbon monoxide cannot be seen or smelled. Keep generators at least 6 m (20 ft) from any building. If a carbon monoxide alarm sounds, leave, get to fresh air and call 9-1-1 from outside.
Medication and health needs
This is the group people forget. Talk to a medical professional about critical medication, refrigerated medicine and powered medical devices.
Vehicle fuel and a final check
Keep your gas tank at least half full, or your electric vehicle charged, when an outage is possible. One minute check: can you see in the dark, get news without the internet, cover 72 hours of water and food, stay warm safely, cover medication, and keep the phone and vehicle topped up? Start with any no. Then build out with our 72 hour checklist.
Backup power picks (Canada)
Check the sizing guide first.
Quick comparison
| Brand | Best for |
|---|---|
| BBLUETTI | Large lineup, expandable home systems |
| JJackery | Wide range, compact to home backup sizes |
Power stations and solar generators with fast charging. Compare capacity and warranty.
Larger capacity power stations that can run a fridge, with expandable batteries.
- Broad capacity range
- Expandable home-backup options
- Compare battery chemistry and stated cycle life
Popular portable power stations and solar kits for short outages.
- Has a Canadian storeHas a US store
- Small, mid and large models
- Compare capacity, output and warranty on the maker page
Quick answers
How many days should a blackout kit cover?
The Government of Canada says a minimum of 72 hours.
Are candles a good light source?
Official guidance says to use flashlights instead of candles to lower fire risk.
Do I need a radio?
Yes. A crank or battery radio gives updates if the internet is down.