Essentials of technology when the electricity goes out

Last night the electricity was off for six hours. By now, it was late, so I could do what most people do and sleep.

But I didn’t.

Instead, I started looking at the technology that I had to take with the energy that was being lost. I can easily go for a few days with the essentials powered and have the ability to charge devices using the solar or 12v outlet in my car.

Okay, so let’s go over the tech essentials when the power goes out.

Phone

This one is pretty obvious, and I’m sure we all have one.

The flashlight feature came in handy, and I then used it to contact the power company. Until I put my router on backup power it became my only connection to the outside world.

One of the reasons I always want to charge my phone is because I never know when I’ll need it in an emergency or for how long.

Great phone with super long battery life.

• Octa-core MediaTek G37 Helio 2.3 GHz processor
• 6.5 inch HD+ display
• 50 MP camera
• 5000 mAh battery – up to three days on one charge
• 4 GB RAM
• 64GB storage
• Waterproof finish

Packed with features you won’t find on an iPhone.

• Helio G96, octa-core, 2.1GHz
• 6.3 inch, 2400×1080 display
• 8 GB RAM
• 6,000mAh battery
• 48MP main camera, Sony IMX350 20MP night vision camera
• Thermal camera
• Night vision camera

Power banks

I have many power banks, from small ones that fit in a pocket to huge ones that definitely don’t.

And they are all fully loaded and ready to go.

I don’t think any normal person needs power banks, but I have a small one that you can carry around and a big one that you can use at home.

Remember to keep your charging cables nearby. It might not be a bad idea to buy an emergency spare as they are quite cheap these days.

There’s plenty of power to keep all your devices charged.

• 26,800 megawatt capacity
• 4 x USB-C ports
• 100W port maximum output
• 138 W total maximum output

A small power bank that you can take with you everywhere.

• 10,000mAh capacity
• Enough capacity to charge iPhone 13 2.4 times
• 1 x 20W USB-C port, 1 x USB-A
• Full charge in 3 hours

Rechargeable lights

I have several rechargeable lights that I use for photography and videography, and they serve well when the power goes out. These have magnets that allow them to stick on and can be dimmed and dimmed to suit.

A great photography light that doubles as an emergency rechargeable flashlight.

• Adjustable color effect
• 100 minutes run time at high brightness
• USB-C PD and Qi wireless charging
• Built-in Effects Paparazzi, Fireworks, Faulty Light Bulb, Lightning, TV, Pulsing, Fire, Party, Cop Car

Having a rechargeable flashlight or two at home is a good idea for many people. A blackout is not the time to mess around with candles and their dim flames, no matter how nice and atmospheric they are.

I find that keychain lights are the best. They are small and usually unobtrusive and won’t blind you when they wave around the house at night.

A fantastic little flashlight for your keys.

• USB-C rechargeable
• The maximum output of 180 lumens
• 5 lumens moonlight mode
• Full payment in 100 minutes

Power stations

Most people can now run several hours of electricity with a phone, power bank and flashlight.

But there are some people who want more power.

Perhaps a CPAP machine, other health equipment, or something needed for work.

Some power stations even come with built-in lighting, which is great.

This is where the power station comes into its own.

What separates a power station from a power bank is that a power station can produce mains AC power, and they come in all sizes, power capacities, and prices.

Some charge from the mains, while others can be charged using other means, such as a solar panel or a 12V outlet in a car.

It really matters how much you want to spend! The more power you need, the more output power you need, the bigger and more expensive the power station.

And if you need solar panels, the hardware requirements will increase, and the costs will increase significantly.

Perfect power station for power outages and camping trips!

• Huge 256Wh capacity
• Disposable design
• It delivers safe, convenient power when you need it.
• 2x AC ports, 2x USB-A ports, 1x USB-C port, and 1x 12V car outlet

This power station is a monster.

• 2400 loan capacity
• 1000 W AC inverter
• 2x AC outlets, 1x 12V car outlet, 4x USB-A, 1 x USB-C
• 12.5-hour charging time using the included charger
• It weighs 48.5 pounds