The old days of stumbling for a flashlight during a blackout are far behind us. Now, from the phones in our pockets to innovative tech adaptations, we have a suite of new capabilities to help us out until the lights turn back on.
If you’ve been aggravated by power outages in your area, here are the home devices you should consider to stay prepared and safe — far beyond blankets and flashlights.
Important note: If blackouts are frequent in your area, you’ll need more than the home tech listed here. In that case, I recommend a solar home generator — like the ones my colleagues have extensively tested — to be ready for any kind of power outage.
A power bank for phones and computers
Keep your most important devices running and fully charged with a reliable power bank that can provide hours of runtime, even without electricity.
You have a couple of options when it comes to home power banks. You could choose one of our best power banks for iPhones — and in that case, it’s worth considering an emergency power bank for everyone in the household and their personal devices. Don’t worry, we also have a list of power banks for Android devices, too.
Another option is a portable home battery. These larger models, which CNET has tested extensively, can’t power your whole house unless you invest in a high-end system, but they can easily keep multiple devices running. And with the right setup, even appliances such as a fridge or heater. Some also include perks like solar charging or wireless charging pads. They’re a great option if blackouts are a regular issue where you live.
A powerful surge protector (or two)
Surge protectors aren’t just power strips. They include components that automatically block the power surges that often occur before and after blackouts — surges that could otherwise seriously damage your electronics, including computers and TVs.
Today’s surge protectors are affordable, and you can choose models with smart features for scheduling or energy monitoring, including several I’ve tested for my top picks. For best results, look for a surge protector rated for at least a couple thousand joules so it can withstand repeated surge events.
Home security systems and cams with cellular backups
You may frown at the thought of a home security system that shuts down when the power goes out. That’s why most have battery backups — but those have a limited benefit if your internet is down and you can’t get system alerts, change settings or control the system remotely. If your security connections don’t use Zigbee and rely on Wi-Fi, your security system may not be able to communicate with its sensors either, rendering it useless when the power goes out.
The fix for all this is a cellular backup option, available on many security systems and standalone cameras. This automatically switches to a cell signal when the power goes out, so you retain full control and capabilities, including online video recording.
The catch is that cellular backups tend to be a little pricey. You may need to bump up to a higher subscription tier to enable them, for example. Think of it as an extra $10 per month for peace of mind if your power grid is iffy.
A reliable solar light or solar lantern
Flashlights are fine, but better solutions exist for lighting during a power outage. Look for a solar lantern like this inflatable model, available for only $25. You can charge it during the day and have light for a dark evening, even if your power outage lasts for multiple days. It’s bright enough to illuminate a small room, and you can change the color to suit your mood or improve visibility.
An emergency light pack
While a solar lantern can help, there’s another light device I really like for handling blackouts. These emergency lights from Energizer, available in a three-pack for $24, are designed to plug into outlets around your home.
During normal times, the lights will keep their batteries charged up. However, they’re also made to detect a total power outage, at which point they turn on to provide light. You can either keep them as navigation nightlights throughout your home or unplug them and use them as flashlights as needed.
Battery-backed smoke detectors
Your wired smoke detectors likely already include battery backups, as required by most residential fire codes. However, if you have additional detectors beyond state requirements (or older wired models), it may be worth switching to battery-powered units or upgrading to models with full 10-year batteries.
Not only are these upgrades often required by code, but they also help keep you safe during blackouts, which can increase the risk of house fires when people turn to alternative heating methods or when home wiring isn’t prepared for power surges.
Explore more of your options with our guides to the best smart locks (which will work even during a power outage thanks to keypads, NFC passes and more), as well as the best DIY security systems.
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