{"id":144545,"date":"2025-12-05T07:02:37","date_gmt":"2025-12-05T15:02:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/?p=144545"},"modified":"2026-05-07T07:28:57","modified_gmt":"2026-05-07T14:28:57","slug":"what-to-have-in-case-of-power-outage","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/renter-essentials\/what-to-have-in-case-of-power-outage\/","title":{"rendered":"Power outage guide: The essentials every renter should have ready"},"content":{"rendered":"

Power outages can happen\u00a0almost anywhere: during severe storms, grid failures, heat waves, or even unplanned maintenance. For\u00a0<\/span>renters<\/span><\/a>, knowing what to have in your apartment in case of a power outage is more than\u00a0just good\u00a0planning. It helps keep you safe, comfortable, and connected until the lights come back on.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A simple, well-thought-out kit can make a stressful moment much easier to handle.\u00a0We\u2019ll\u00a0walk you through everything you need and why, so\u00a0you\u2019re\u00a0prepared for whatever power issues you run into in the future.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What should you keep on hand for light and visibility?<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

When the\u00a0<\/span>electricity<\/span><\/a>\u00a0goes out, your priority is visibility. Flashlights are the safest choice. Keep at least one durable flashlight per person, along with extra batteries stored in a dry, easy-to-reach spot. Avoid using candles indoors since they increase fire risk in apartments.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Headlamps can also help you move around hands-free, especially if you need to check your breaker panel or navigate dark hallways. For room lighting, consider battery-powered lanterns or rechargeable\u00a0<\/span>LED lamps<\/span><\/a>. They provide steady, bright light and are safe to use for hours. Solar-powered lanterns are another smart\u00a0option, especially if you live in a sunny area or want something you can recharge without using a wall outlet.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How can you keep devices powered during an outage?<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

One of the most important parts of planning your emergency kit in case of a power outage is backup charging.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Smartphone<\/p>\n

A fully charged power bank can keep your phone going for hours or even days, depending on its size. If you work from home, consider having two or more. A portable charger with a built-in flashlight gives you extra functionality without taking up more space.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For longer outages, a solar charger or hand-crank charger can help you generate power without relying on the grid. These tools are slower than a wall outlet, but they can be lifesavers when the outage lasts longer than expected. Make it a habit to keep all backup chargers topped up.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What food, water, and household basics should you store?<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Store bottled water (at least a few liters per person) and choose shelf-stable foods that\u00a0don\u2019t\u00a0require cooking, like granola bars, fruit cups, nut mixes, or canned goods.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you rely on an electric stove, a small camping stove with fuel (used only outdoors) can help you heat food safely. Never use grills or open-flame gear inside your apartment because they create\u00a0<\/span>fire hazards<\/span><\/a>\u00a0and carbon monoxide risks.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Other basics worth including in your outage kit:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n