Spending on blackout prep? Skip the gadgets that fail without power or add risk, and put your money into water, light, warmth and a plan.
- Skip candles, indoor fuel heaters and one-use gadgets. Official guidance prefers flashlights and safe heat.
- Do not buy a huge amount of food before you have water, light and a radio.
- Spend first on the basics, then add backup power.
Fear buying wastes money. This list is based on what the Government of Canada and utilities actually advise.
Candles as your main light
Official guidance says to use flashlights instead of candles to lower fire risk. Buy flashlights, headlamps and spare batteries instead. See headlamps and lanterns.
Fuel heaters for indoors
Barbecues, camp stoves, portable burners and generators must never be used indoors because of carbon monoxide. Buy warm layers, sleeping bags and a CO alarm instead. See carbon monoxide safety.
A mountain of food, no water
Water comes first: plan about 4 litres per person per day. See how much water to store. Then add no cook foods you will actually eat.
A giant power system you have not sized
Big units are tempting. Size first: buying checklist and is it worth it.
Gadgets that need power to work
A radio that needs a wall plug, a lantern with no spare batteries, or an electric-only can opener do not help. Choose battery, crank or manual versions: see emergency radios.
What to buy instead
Water, flashlights, a battery or crank radio, a power bank, warm layers, first aid and medication planning. Then follow the 72 hour checklist.
Quick answers
Are candles a good idea in an outage?
Official guidance says to use flashlights instead, to lower fire risk.
What should I buy first?
Water, light, a radio, a power bank and warmth.
Is a generator a good first buy?
Not usually. It needs outdoor use, fuel and safe connection, so cover the basics first.