Blackout Box
Table of Contents
Blackout Box
What is a blackout box, and why is it an essential for any household? A blackout box is a box with all of the essential supplies for a power outage. It is essential because it is a single place where I can keep everything together. How many times has the power gone out and you can’t find a flashlight, candle, matches, or even a lighter?
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It’s about as frustrating as being on the phone and someone tries to give me information that needs to written down and where is a pen and paper? Nowhere nearby, and panic sets in as I’m trying to find it in a timely manner. Well, a blackout box is everything I need, and found in a timely manner. I love this for the ease and organization. Here is a list of how I’ve stocked mine and why:
Box
Box: I’ve used an ammo can. My reason for this is the fact it’s small, easily portable with a handle, easily identified, water-proof. Any kind of container works, honestly. I simply like mine and I made pretty chalkboard labels for them so they are easy to find. My normal ammo cans are a different color, so there is no mistaking them either.
Blackout Box Contents
Candles
Candles are super important to any prepper because we need light and to be able to see. It is always important to have multiple sources of light as well. I also included matches and a lighter in my box, to go with the candle. You can learn about candle making as well.
Flashlight
I don’t know about anyone else, but I keep flashlights stashed around my entire house. I added spare batteries in a Ziplock bag as well. It is important to keep the batteries in a bag because batteries will corrode over time, and I don’t want to open the box to find everything covered in yucky battery goop, rendering it useless and unsafe. This would also be why it is important to rotate things and change the batteries.
Heat
Hand and foot warmers: If the power goes out in the winter, so does the heater. The blackout box is an easy place to stash a package or two of these just in case I need them. They are amazing, and I keep them because I am always cold. I find I use them even when it isn’t an emergency, I’m simply cold. I also keep these in my car and first aid kits as well. They don’t take up much room in comparison to how useful they are.
Rain Gear
Rain poncho: If you had to go outside for something, such as to start a generator. Because these things typically happen in the winter during bad weather. Just a small added protection to make things a bit more comfortable.
Gloves
Latex gloves: I stash them everywhere. Home, bug out bag, glove box of the car, first aid kits. They’re amazing. You want to keep your hands clean in instances like this. Naturally my blackout box was no exception in the list of places to keep latex gloves.
First Aid Kit
First-Aid Kit: It seems inevitable that someone, especially with kids, will need a bandaid or something once you can’t see to find what you are looking for. Why not have it in a convenient place?
Emergency Blankets
Emergency blanket: I have blankets everywhere in my house. I’m always cold. But it would be just my luck that when the power goes out, I’d have just put a full load of them in the washer or dryer. Which is why I keep these around at all times too.
Another backup. I love that these is that they are individually packed, and take up almost no room. Perfect for throwing one in a bug out bag, first aid kit, purse, glove box. You name it, this can be a wonderful addition to being prepared.
Stationary & Entertainment
Stationary: I keep a small notebook, a puzzle book, and a pen in here. Because, I may have to take notes, or just get bored. If you have kids, I’d imagine boredom would be an even bigger issue, so the puzzle book is good for that. I also threw in a deck of cards for the same reason.
Keeping everyone occupied in even a small emergency will refocus attention, prevent crankiness and maybe even result in some quality family time, or a good memory. If you have kids, one of those Mad Libs books would be a really fun idea to stash in here. I’m all about comfort and morale during a stressful time, which is why things like this are important.
Can Opener
Manual can-opener: If the power is out for any length of time, you’re stuck eating pork and beans out of a can for dinner. The can opener is very handy! It’s also always inevitable that somebody gets hungry when the power goes out. I keep a small bag of chocolate in the box for the same reason.
Comfort Items
Lotion, Chapstick, and Kleenex: I threw these in my boxes, especially the ones I’ve given out as gifts simply as a comfort item. Many times basic items are very comforting. Are they absolutely necessary? Probably not. But the one thing many preppers forget to take into account is morale. Comfort items take that a very long way.
Whenever I’m uncomfortable, I always find little things annoying. My elbow itches when I put a jacket on, or I suddenly need to blow my nose and I’m fumbling around to find the box of tissues.
This is especially true with kids. Kids get bored and every little thing becomes an emergency. Well, it’s all right here and probably easier than trying to find it in the dark. Is it a necessary item? Not even close. But they are easy to buy small bottles/packages and throw them in for a little added comfort.
Notes
I’ve compiled this list because a blackout box is important and can make life a little easier when and if the power goes out. The blackout box is a wonderful Christmas present for someone in your life who isn’t so prepper-minded. I find giving helpful gifts like that to be even more fun than some useless gadget that nobody really needs.
These are also really fun because it is something I’ve made for myself to be better prepared. It wasn’t something I just went and bought at the store. I created this, came up with all the items inside and put it together.
In my house, I have four of these scattered around the house. I keep one in each of my two bedrooms, and one in the hall closet, and the living room. That way they are always within reach wherever I am in the house.
Discussion
Do you have a blackout box at home? What have you put in it? Tell me about it in the comments! Read more of my tips on ways to be better prepared here.
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124 Comments
Millie
I’ve never thought of anything like this before! Whilst the power doesn’t go out as often as it used to, when we were younger if used to go out basically every two weeks. So we had a stash of candles and our ‘biscuit box’ and sat on the living room floor haha thanks for these useful tips!!:)
Ashli
OHHH!!! I need to make one of these for our house!!! One for the humans and one for the doggos…. Wonder how long dog stuff stays haha
The Prepping Wife
If you’re talking about food and treats for your furry friends, I would say rotate it the same way you would their regular food and treats. I wrote a post recently about creating a bug out bag for my cat, and I put a Ziplock bag of his food in there, along with bottled water. He is about two weeks away from finishing the (regular) bag of food and it’ll be time to open a new one. Before opening the new bag, I’ll use what is in his bug out stash first. Once I open the fresh bag of food, I’ll refill the bug out bag stash. That is my recommendation for that, simply rotate it the same way we do our own food.
Alyssa
Oh wow this is a post everyone should read! It’s so important to be prepared. There have been countless times that I’ve gotten in a situation where the lights are out (it always happens at night!!) And I’m so unprepared. I definitely need to make a box like this.
Scott DeNicola
Boy, we could have used this in NY a bunch of years back when hurricane Sandy hit. No power for 16 days and of course all the flashlights were scattered throughout the house. Great idea. Right up there with the go bag. I will be stocking mine this weekend.
The Prepping Wife
One of the things I talk about in my blog quite often is knowing your supplies. Knowing where they are and knowing how to use them. Having everything in one place just makes that easier for me. I am in the midst of remodeling my house and changing everything around. So very few things are exactly where they are supposed to be right now, and this just makes that easier for me.
The Prepping Wife
I am working on a post about my bug out bag now, Scott! Thanks for reminding me. Lol. I wrote one about creating a bug out bag for my cat, if you’re interested in reading it. Now it is time to write the one about my own bag too.
janice sisemore
Never thought of that. Great idea
Snehal
This is the first time i heard about the black out box. Well now i know what to keep in it during emergencies!
Lauren | My Favorite Job Title Is Mom
A blackout box is so helpful! We had the power go out randomly a couple of weeks ago and having our flashlights and lanterns all in one box was super helpful! There’s a lot of things you mentioned that we don’t have though, so I’ll definitely look at adding to our box.
The Prepping Wife
I’m so glad you already have a blackout box, Lauren! You’re ahead of the game right there and that is awesome. I am glad you found some items to add to the box. It is one of the reasons I love talking about this stuff with others, to share those ideas and learn from them. I’m excited you got that out of this article.
Lene
I keep candles and matches, as well as flashlights and battery-operated lanterns in a couple places around my home — living in a one bedroom apartment, makes it a lot easier to find things. But you do add some really good tips to this, so I am going to build a blackout box of my own. I still remember the 2003 huge black out and don’t want to do that again without being super prepared
The Prepping Wife
You definitely have an advantage of being in a smaller living space, Lene! I keep multiple boxes around the house because I have a cat, and well, he’s a jerk. Lol. Whenever I want to get somewhere quickly, he’s right there to slow me down. I leave a light on in my living room all the time just because of this, so I’m not kicking or stepping on him. I get nervous walking very far in the dark with him around.
Lene
I did think I recognized this post! Since we last spoke about black boxes, I haven’t gotten much further. Well, not on the blackout supplies, anyway — I am currently the proud owner of a very well-stocked pantry that should be able to take me through at least two weeks of a possible quarantine. Thanks for the inspiration! PS Good luck with the cat jerk (and aren’t they all? 😉 )
Sharon
omg i never really thought to create this but i think it’s a great idea because you just never know when you’ll need it! my dad told me that the power went out for like 12 hours a week or two ago at his house 😮 this would definitely have come in handy!
The Prepping Wife
12 hours is a pretty decent chunk of time to go without power! You could easily make something like this for him and give him as a gift. It is such a thoughtful gift, along with being useful. That is probably my favorite aspect of giving these as a gift.
Nero N
I definitely need to put together a black box. Have never thought about it. Especially maybe one in case a zombie apocalypse breaks out.
The Prepping Wife
You never know what can happen.
Menzi Mabunda
I’ve never thought of this but now when you outline it like that it actually is something you need in the house! Great thinking points!
The Prepping Wife
I am so glad you enjoyed reading this post! I hope it helps you and everyone reading it to be a little bit more prepared.
Andrea (2oddravens)
Funny enough, we actually have a box of blackout supplies. We’ve never had a blackout since getting the box (go figure), but it is definitely great to have.
The Prepping Wife
It always happens when you are unprepared. Lol. I have often wondered about that. Like if preparing keeps those things from happening. I haven’t experienced a blackout since I put my box together either.
Starlene
I have become concerned about weather events as we were in the Toronto blackout in 2003 and Cyclone Gonu in Oman in 2007. We have had 3 power interruptions for various lengths of time just in Nov-Dec of this year. I have a cooking stove, fire pits, a bit of an extra food stash, water filled containers at the ready and a sort of box in my car with some if your suggestions. Reading this helpful article makes me think it is time for an upgrade. Thank you!
The Prepping Wife
I am so glad that you’re already prepared, and this post helped you upgrade your preps, Starlene! Congrats! You are more prepared than most, simply by having the basics. It is always interesting when you start learning and growing, and both upgrading and increasing your preps. You are on the right track, and that makes me so happy!
Trish
We don’t get too many blackouts, but we have heaps of earthquakes, so have a very similar stash in a box in the garage. My favourite gadget in it is a wind-up torch with a radio.
swagata
This post reminded me of a Black out night many years back in NY – with a baby alone ! I was never prepared for this. There was no candle at home. A neighbor lent a flashlight! It was an absolute nightmare!
Your post is very relevant for everybody! Thanks for putting these together
Thuy Linh
I am having flashbacks to when I could have really used a blackout box. It pays to be prepared and it puts the mind at ease.
Alisha Valerie
Thankfully now that we live back in a city our power never cuts out anymore but it used to always do so when I lived near the countryside – this is such a helpful blog post, I’ll keep this in mind if I ever move back to the countryside. Thanks for sharing! 💜
With love, Alisha Valerie
M
You’d be surprised how often power can go out in a city. Storms & auto accidents knocking out transformers. Workers hitting something they’re not paying attention to (that goes for gas lines, too). We’ve been without power for an hour or two mostly when it goes out, but it’s also been as long as 26 hours. You don’t realize how dark it gets until everyone loses power. My biggest worries are first our freezer, then the looters, then the boredom.
Jenn
This is a good idea. I will have to make one of these so we will be prepared
Melody
Love this! I’ve done similar things, but you’ve included some ideas I hadn’t put in before. Love the idea of gifting it.
The Prepping Wife
I think that the idea of gifting these is easily my favorite part. I did that in 2017 for Christmas. I made I think 8 of these boxes and gave most of them away. Stashed the ones I wanted to keep around the house and sent others with friends and family.
Tracy @ Cleland Clan
Thank you about the hint for putting the batteries in a Ziploc bag. I’ve had batteries corrode in flashlights and lanterns, and it’s something most people don’t think about. Now, I always take them out before storing the items.
The Prepping Wife
I’ve had them corrode in other things as well, that I had forgotten about on a shelf somewhere and go to take it out to use. Well, that can’t happen now. It is useless. Which is such a waste of money, in my opinion. So I have always tried to learn from my own mistakes and do things that will make it easier.
Sarah
This is such a great idea. We don’t lose power very often, but having a little box set aside for things needed during that time would make it so much easier to deal with. Going to put one of these together real soon.
Jessica
These are really good ideas !! ✨ the whole blackout box idea is GOOD. I’ve never thought to make one but I need to with the way this crazy Tennessee weather is !! Thanks for sharing and great post !!
Andreea
Amazing write-up! I admit .. I don’t know much about that things, although I live at the countryside! This post will be usefull to me! Thanks a lot! ✨
Johnny
We gotta step our Black Box game up, clearly. A lot of the stuff you suggested would definitely come in handy, and I now want to revisit our supplies and see if we can add to it. The poncho and electric blankets are great ideas, as are the hand and foot warmers. I know we have plenty of flashlights, batteries, and a radio, and I actually want to invest in a generator as well.
The Prepping Wife
I should add a radio into my box! Thanks for the suggestion, Johnny. I have a couple of really small ones that would be absolutely perfect for that too. A generator is definitely on my list of things I want as well. But, they’re expensive and so it will wait a bit.
Kari
This is right up my alley! I have a blackout box, but I totally forgot about the manual can opener! Thanks for a great reminder!
The Prepping Wife
I am so glad you have a blackout box! You are ahead of many, Kari. I love reading things that remind me I should add something, or I learn a new technique to make my prepping even better. So I am excited this post did that for you too!
Megan McC
Our power just went out last night for an hour. One thing I would add to the list (maybe not in the box, but to keep handy) is an extra battery/charger plug-in-pack to charge the phone or stuff with a USB cord.
The Prepping Wife
I was actually thinking about that as well! Thanks for the idea, Megan!
Mary
Down south we call it a hurricane kit! This is a great reminder because many people don’t think to do this until it’s too late.
Live Learn better
Preparing for emergencies is not a bad idea. I have been lucky though not to have experienced an outage so bad that I’ll be needing a blackout box
Angie
We have a smaller version of this in our home. We live in AZ so we don’t see any tornadoes or hurricanes, but we do get some pretty bad storms during monsoon season. So we have actives, flashlights etc. Its always good to be prepared!
Lex
Oh my gosh I was just thinking about doing this the other day. Having an emergency box. Definitely going to keep this noted down. Great tips! X
Lisa
This is a great idea! The last time our electricity went out, we had a baby, and there was a tornado coming through so we were stuck in the basement. We couldn’t get any supplies from upstairs. It would have been so helpful to have a box of supplies downstairs for situations like that!
Zuri Walker
A blackout box is a wonderful idea! The power went out at my house just a little bit back, and I wish I had had one of these! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Minifoxychicky
I need to make one of these, though we haven’t lost power very often, it never hurts to be prepared.
Vicky
This feels like something I need to make, but keep forgetting to do. Especially with Brexit looming 😉
Catherine
Good idea, we always searching in the dark for items we need during a power outage. Thanks for sharing.
daph
What a great read! I will have to make one for our family now!!
Brendaleea Bagwell
Great article! I love that this can be easily adapted to your car as well. Thanks for the information!
Yvonne @Hudduma
This is such a great post. I have never come across anything like this before. Guess what I am doing this weekend?
Fantastic post! Well written and full of insightful information. ❤️❤️❤️
Theresa
I have to giggle because in early Jan we just lost power randomly. It was not due to a weather event and boy was it black at the farm.
We could hardly find our way around to find the matches to light the lanterns! We were like oh my gosh, oh my gosh. where is this and where is that? Lesson learned and I will utilize your list and created my black out box. We have tornado season coming up too.
The Prepping Wife
I either loose even the basics (or they’re moved, my husband is notorious for that. Lol) or I trip on the cat. He loves to get in the way at just the right time in these kind of situations. I’m so glad this post will help you out and make things easier, Theresa! I’m big on organization and making things easier, which was my goal when I created this box.
Nikki
Great article filled with tons of useful info. Living in Florida the land of Hurricanes we keep Black out Boxes around and Go Bags. I am a flashlight lover – they are all over my house and the batteries are checked regularly.
Pauline
It’s so important to have an emergency kit. I would also add that bottles of water are important to have on hand as well. Our water runs off electric so no electric, no water.
The Prepping Wife
I agree, Pauline! Water is so important. Have you read my post about emergency water storage? It talks about different methods to store water.
Dayna
I never thought about how important something like this is! What a great idea. My husband and I will definitely have to get a blackout box together soon, cause you never know when you’ll need it! Thanks so much for sharing. Great post 😁
Eefje D.
What an unusual post to read! I really liked it!
Lots of love!
Nyxie
Wonderful suggestions! I never thought to have one of these made up and ready to go, but seeing as I now live in my own home I probably should get on that!
We don’t get many blackouts here but with the wind we have been having lately our electricity has threatened to give up on us on occasion!
Davis
I love how organised this post it, it would be so easy to put one together by using this post and not forget anything.
I have all of these items, but they’re dotted around everywhere. In fairness my house is so small that I definitely don’t have the space for four boxes dotted around, but living in a bungalow I guess I don’t really need to.
I have a place for my candles (and a tonne that decorate my desk so it’s easy enough to find one, at any time) and my first aid kit lives in my medicine cupboard, but everything else such as matches and a lighter I could really do with having together, as a lighter is always that one thing that I can never find!!! I might have to work on that sometime this weekend.
Davis
Arun
I have many chronic health issues. And problem with mobility. I guess this box will help a lot.
Meilifisayo
Uhmmm very interesting-have never heard or thought of this before but now I know. Thank you for sharing
Boss Babe Chronicles
This is a great list, thank you for sharing. Emergencies like a blackout can happen at any time and it is so important to be prepared, especially when there are kids involved. I have some candles, blanket and first aid kit but I will be adding more things from your list to my emergency box.
Lauren Lane
This was a timely read for me and a reminder I need to start setting up my prep supplies again. When we lived in Alaska, power outages and bad weather were a constant concern. We always kept a stockpile of food/supplies and had a Kerosene heater in case the generator ran out. Since moving to the Pacific Northwest, I’ve slowing been building up my supplies again. What I didn’t realize was that it still can get really cold here, so having extra blankets and hand warmers are definitely going on the list. We do keep a flashlight in each room, but I love the idea of the ammo box to keep everything in one place to get to quickly. Our bug out bag is an oversized backpacking bag, so even though its easy to grab and throw in the car, it would be a pain to open up and pull everything out if we were sitting around in the dark. Thanks for the great ideas and suggestions. Looks like I have a new weekend project!
Katie
This is so smart! And useful! Thank you for sharing. I will have to put on together ASAP!
Kirsten
This is such a great idea! I’ve always heard of making an emergency kit but never thought of what all would go into it. This is the perfect list because it’s things I never would have thought of but is not excessive. As a college student, I’m just learning to completely take care of myself and this is something I need to add to the list!
Diana
Great list! I’d add a small battery or wind up radio so you can find out what’s going on.
When I was a kid I used to pretend I was blind and try to feel my way around, memorize my surroundings, just in case. I think this was because we learned about blindness and helping blind people around in Girl Scouts. Anyway, it really made me more aware of how to use all of my body to find my way and how to move in a calm way. Good game for kids and adults to play. 😊
I keep a candle and matches in every room, in a focal point (mantlepiece, next to the toilet, bedside table etc.) and a little flashlight on my key ring and in my handbag. Those little flashlights are cheap and super useful! Everyone got one in their Christmas stocking a couple of years ago.
The Prepping Wife
I never had thought about throwing my tiny radio into this box! Great idea, Diana! I keep several of them, just in case. That is a perfect place to keep it. Thanks for helping me improve on my box!
Kimberly Leatherwood
What a great list!! I had never thought of using an ammo box but will be utilizing one of the many we have laying around! I have several of these things but see I have more to add thanks to your list!! Awesome post!
The Prepping Wife
I love ammo boxes for this purpose because they are water-proof and have handles, so they’re really portable. Plus, with the size it is almost impossible to make them really heavy. I’m so glad the list helped you to add more to yours! I’m excited that you already have blackout boxes and are more prepared than most right there.
Kim T.
Cool box idea. Since we live in tornado area, I think I’d also put one in our ‘safe place’.
I buy tea light candles by the dozen and keep them and matches in the hall table. I also keep light sticks there—which I buy after Halloween at half price. I keep a votive holder w/tea light and small box of matches in the bathroom drawer.
But what I really wanted to mention is, flashlights—yes, they disappear. I keep a small led flashlight with the wrist loop on the inside doorknob of every room. Always handy, there’s a door for every room and everyone knows where the door is, even in the dark. When I see them on sale ($1) I pick up a couple extra, just in case.
Janice Formichella
I love the idea of keeping games and scratch paper in the box 🙂
Ashlee
Never thought of some of this stuff, I’m so glad you wrote it down for me!! Thank you!
Katie
I glued a “tap light” to the inside lid of the blackout box. I also added some glow sticks for putting near the bathroom door, and my utility information for when the electricity goes out. you might need your account number and log-on information to report your power outage. I have that in a ziplock inside the lid as well.
jessie
Fantastic list – wish I would’ve had this 2 years ago! Thanks!
toni
I live in Florida and my lights go out at least 1 to 2 times a year for one reason or another. Some of these items I had not thought to make a part of my hurricane survival box.
Lindsey
Great stuff! I definitely need one of these! Thank you!
Janice
This is very good. Living in Florida especially around hurricane season. They would be great to have in a few rooms. Being prepared is a great thing. We could be without power for a while. This is very helpful.
Mike
I added a couple of lithium battery power bricks to keep cell phones, iPad, weather radio charged during power outage. Helps to keep down the boredom plus stay informed (generally cell towers will stay up during power outage due to generators).
The Prepping Wife
Great idea, Mike! I’m currently selling these, and from ideas like yours, changed them up to be improved. Love the feedback!
Kayleigh
This is a great list! I have most of these items, but I need to do a better job of pulling it all together again. We have a blackout box in our basement coldroom, which is the location we would go in the event of a tornado (we get a couple tornado warnings every summer at least, living on the prairies).
Wilson Woodburn
I truly never thought to have a blackout box in other parts of my house especially upstairs. While I do have flashlights tucked away all over the place, I love the glow sticks in the bathroom and tap lights in the boxes ideas from your readers. I do need to clarify for others like myself who are allergic to latex to pack vinyl gloves. Don’t forget something for the candle to rest on while it burns such as a small tin can artfully decorated by an 8 year old using a nail and hammer to punch a cute design.
Renee Thomas
Never thought of anything g like this. I’ve been meaning to put something like this together, but your ideas are great. I’ll definitely be doing this with our hurricane kit 😀
Nicholas Tuma
I totally agree with some type of box with all the essentials needed in case of a blackout. I live in Florida and I have everything in case of an emergency. I would also recommend a small knife or multitool and a couple of bottles of water. Great post.
The Sunny Side Lifestyle Co.
The Blackout Box is such a helpful idea! I’ll admit I’m the one scrambling around when a storm is coming or worse yet when the power actually has already gone out. I’m going to pull together these essentials before New England winter hits me.
Lene Andersen
I’ve recently added a solar-powered/hand cranked radio to my kit (yeah, I know… ’bout time). Now I just need to get some bottles of water. Which are hard to store in a onebedroom apartment, but important. Thanks for the nudge!
Betsy Carter
What a great idea! We too have flashlights scattered around our house, but I hadn’t thought about creating a blackout box. And, love the idea of including hand/foot warmers, they really do keep your hands and feet warm. My kids used to use the hand-warmers when they were outside waiting for the bus on very cold days.
abby hewes
This is such a great idea! We live in a wildfire and earthquake area, so having an emergency kit is super important. We had a fire-related blackout a few years back that was 2 1/2 days long!
Kelly Martin
This is such a good idea Erica. I don’t know how many times I’ve run around during a blackout looking for a torch or a candle!
Sonia Seivwright
Blackout Box. Here in the U.K, we don’t get much power loss, so we hardly need any. However, I like the idea. Better to be prepared.
Jam Nesreen
Ohhhh! These post made me think that black out boxes are really a must in a household. Especially when you live in places that brownouts/blackouts usually happens. I do keep one in the office but haven’t totally thought of making one for our home. Now I know better!
Trish Veltman
We always have candles, matches, flashlights etc in our earthquake kit, but I never thought of putting hand and feet warmers on – it’s a fab idea. Btw, one of our flashlights is a wind-up, with a radio too. You’d probably enjoy a gadget like that too!
Smita
A great idea to have the puzzle books and all – we forget about morale when preparing for an emergency, which is just as important to whether any situation.
Live Learn Better
These are very great life saving tips. I can’t even imagine not having a survival kit in the house with little kids who are used to a particular type of comfort.
Thank you for sharing
Kaye
Great list! So important to store potentially life saving items in something that’s water proof, portable, and easy to move for on-the-go situations. I’d like to see more of your blogs like this! I really enjoy reading about the prepper take on fire creation! Gotta get that candle lit!
Lyosha
You thought it through and through. I am saving your list and will buy it in November when I live in house (and yes it’s totally happening, we’re finishing the fixing now)
Britt K
I’ll be honest, I’ve never considered a blackout box before, but reading this – it makes SO much sense! I’ve been that person fumbling in the dark to find something that I need before in the past. The one thing that we have close at hand all over the house is flashlights, but I think being campers helps with that to an extent. I’m going to have to put something like this together so that I have it moving forward!
The Prepping Wife
It is such a useful tool to have, Britt! For me, having one nearby usually means that I can navigate the house without tripping on my cat. He loves to sit in the middle of the floor, like a giant landmine. Sometimes I think he moves with me just to be in the way.
Bemused Berserker
Although I’m not a big fan of Walmart, they do have cheap flashlights in the Sporting Good department. At our local store, priced at $1.00 each with batteries included. Small and LED, it’s hard to beat that price. Handheld, Headband mount and cap mounted. I keep a selection in each rooms box. Pick up those that still have the battery saver tab still in place, as it prevents the slow discharge of the batteries. I also picked up at Lowe’s (if memory serves), some flat solar charged LED blackout lights I taped to each box. If the room is dark, they come on automatically, making it easier to find the box in the dark. Sorry I don’t have any information about who made them. I’d bought them years earlier (before I began prepping), for another project that they didn’t work for. Glow in the Dark tape works well too, as long as there’s enough light to activate the tape during the day. Stuck in a closet, it doesn’t work.
I tailor my supplies to where I’m at. What I keep at our cabin, is different from what I keep in the box for home. Same goes for the box for camping. Think about your needs and go from there. I do suggest keeping one flashlight at the very top of your supplies. It’s a lot easier not to have to dig for light.
The Prepping Wife
I have a bunch of those cheap Walmart flashlights too! The only problem with them is reliability, I’ve found. Some work, some don’t. Even straight from the store, I have found only about half of them work, and the rest go straight into the trash. I love the idea of taping a solar light to the blackout box though! I’ll have to go find some and give it a try. Thanks for the awesome suggestions! I’m always looking to improve my preps, and you’ve given me some wonderful advice here.
Nkem
Erica, thank you for a reminder like this – I mean I guess you were just sharing your own thing but it acted as a reminder for me. It’s the smartest thing I’ve seen this week and I need to create something like it. It’s also like having an emergency fund but except for money, it’s actual items!
The Prepping Wife
That is exactly what prepping is all about, Nkem! It’s an emergency fund/insurance policy that YOU control! You put in the time, effort, learn new skills, store food and water, everything. How cool is that?! That’s my absolute favorite part about prepping. It’s the insurance policy that I created and maintain for myself.
Leesa
I love this idea. I’m not sure why I haven’t already thought of it before. The last time our power went out, I had to fumble through the dark to grab a flashlight in another room then creep through the house to get all of my other supplies.
Stephanie S
I love this! I never actually thought to make a box for this, and now I’m going to do it! I just ordered a great LED lantern from Amazon. So far we love it, and I will definitely add that to our box. I did make a point to buy more candles, and my husband always has a flashlight handy on his night stand. Thanks so much for sharing this great idea!
Sarah Emery
This is such a great idea. I can’t tell you how many power outages I lived through and was never properly prepared. I would scatter around the house trying to find candles, flashlights, etc. Also, what a great tip for gifting these. It’s really one of those things, that you don’t think to have. But it’s super helpful and useful when in need.
The Prepping Wife
When I first made these, it was my Christmas present for everyone. Lol. I used to be in the same boat, running around looking for things. I also have a cat who just loves to sit in the middle of walkways, like a giant landmine, and I hate tripping over him in the dark. Having these things easily accessible makes it easier on both of us.
Melanie williams
LOVE this!! Prior to all the pandemic I would have never thought about having things like this, but now, I deffo would do this x
Nicole Anderson - Camping for Women
Similar to you, I also have a blackout box containing pretty much most of what you have suggested. There were two things you mentioned which I hadn’t considered. The first was to include something for entertainment for kids or others around you. I think that’s a pretty good idea. The second point was to have multiple boxes in the house, which is something I hadn’t thought of. I guess that would depend a lot on the size of the home as well as the layout and ease of getting around in the dark.
The Prepping Wife
If you have a must-story home, I definitely recommend a minimum of one for each level of the house and put it in a central location that is easy to find. One of the biggest things I try to prep for is comfort. Strange or stressful times put everyone on edge as it is. If a little distraction/entertainment for kids will get them through it easier, I’m all for that. As adults, we already know and understand what is happening, so we suck it up and deal. Kids, that isn’t quite as easy for them to do and basic distractions can be comforting and/or create a fun memory instead of scaring them.
Kat
That’s an amazing and really useful list. I don’t have a blackout box yet but after reading this, I am definitely going to have another think about what I would do in a blackout. Luckily, most of these things are somewhere in my house, but not all in the same place, so I think I would be rushing around the flat in an emergency.
Subhashish Roy
Blackout box is such a great idea and now to me it seems a must have. So often we are not prepared for a power cut and when it happens we all seem lost looking for a light. This is such a great list to feel comfortable and secure.
E-HEALTHONLINE
Blackout box, Like mysterious essential. i think this an advance and beautiful idea to keep some important things in a one box. Nice…Thanks for this superb idea.
Stella
I am saving this post and forwarding it to my husband, too! He just recently thought I am overexaggerating when I said that I wanted to make a run bag. He was like “what will you be running from”. This will make more sense to him! I really think all of us need something like this and love your content sugestions.
Gerald Godinho
Great write up on something we all need in our daily lives. The black box is essential for anyone. Thanks for the great write up and wonderful different products we can use thanks.
Seriah Sargenton
Omg I wish I would’ve thought of something like this. It’s so important to be prepared for anything
Arti
Keeping stationery in your emergency kit is something I would never have thought about. And this list will help in any emergency not just during power outage.
LuLu B
Something so simple and yet so neccesary. There have been a few times where the power has gone out and I’m stumbling around with my cell phone flashlight trying to find things I need! You shared some great ideas of what essential things would be needed – I wouldn’t have thought of hand and foot warmers, but it could definitely come in handy!
Melanie Williams
This black box is an excellent idea. To have all those essential supplies stored in one easy box is great and makes a stressful situation that little bit easier x
Kim
I have a large tub with all our emergency lighting supplies (candles, matches, lighters, chem snap lights, flashlights, lanterns, etc) But also, I buy the small flashlights with the wrist loop on them and I hang one on the door knob inside every room and on the door of the breaker box. Cause sure enough, when the lights go out you’ll be in the room without the blackout box.
The Prepping Wife
Congrats on being so prepared, Kim! That is awesome. I love the idea of putting a flashlight inside the door of the breaker box too. Good thinking!