These are the best gadgets and tips to prevent blackouts.

The experience of a massive blackout can leave its mark and cause those who experience it to rethink how they would have handled the situation with a bit of foresight. In recent years, large-scale power outages in Spain and other European countries have highlighted the need to be prepared. with specific devices and gadgets to maintain security, communication, and comfort, even when technology fails.

In this article, We show you the best gadgets and strategies to anticipate and overcome a blackout.Here you'll discover how to equip your home and stay organized as an individual and family, using technological devices, simple tools, and essential tips that will give you peace of mind the next time the power goes out.

Why should you prepare for a blackout?

Blackouts occur without warning and can be caused by a variety of factors: from storms, accidents, work on the electrical grid, to energy crises or cyberattacks on critical infrastructure. The impact can range from a few minutes to full days without electricity., affecting everything from lighting to access to drinking water and food, to the loss of internet signal and the inability to use electric heating or cooking systems.

Prepare your home with an emergency kit and key gadgets It has become an official recommendation in many countries, and is the best way to reduce anxiety, protect the most vulnerable, and ensure that daily life does not come to a standstill.

Smart Lighting: Beyond Candles and Lanterns

When the electricity goes out, Lighting is the number one priorityAlthough traditional candles never fail, today there are much safer and more efficient technological options:

• Rechargeable and dynamo LED flashlights: The most current models offer Low energy demand, powerful light and long battery lifeThere are variants that run on batteries, USB, or hand cranks. Dynamo-powered ones allow you to light up with just a turn of a crank, without relying on batteries or electricity. If you have battery-powered flashlights, remember to stock up on spare batteries of different sizes, preferably alkaline for longer life.
• Portable solar lamps: During the day they accumulate energy from the sun and at night they provide light for several hours. They are ideal for use both indoors and outdoors of the home and do not require cables or spare parts.
• Automatic emergency lights: They are activated when they detect a power outage, making them essential for large houses or homes where there may be elderly people or children.
• Long-lasting candles and rechargeable electric lightersAs a last resort, it's a good idea to keep candles in a safe and accessible place, along with matches or electric lighters. The latter can be charged via USB, which adds points in terms of practicality.

Backup power: Keep your gadgets charged

One of the biggest challenges during a prolonged power outage is keeping essential devices powered. A mobile phone, a radio, portable lights or even small appliances may be essential.To achieve this, choose from these options:

• Power bank external batteries: You can currently find models with more than 20.000 mAh, capable of recharging your phone several times. If they have solar charging, much better., as this way you can continue using them for days on end without depending on the power grid.
• Portable power stations/solar generatorsAn increasingly popular alternative, these high-capacity batteries can power everything from phones to refrigerators, routers, and home medical equipment. Some models can be charged either from a wall outlet or with portable solar panels, providing days of battery life. There are compact models like the Anker 521 (lightweight and with a built-in flashlight) and high-capacity models like the DJI Power 1000, which can even power small kitchen appliances.
• Portable solar chargers: small panels that can be extended in the sun and recharge power banks and mobile phones during the day. They may charge slowly, but they offer absolute freedom when the power grid is down..
• Car cigarette lighter adaptersThese small gadgets allow you to convert your car's socket into a 220V power source, ideal for recharging devices or even powering portable LED lamps.

Communication in emergency situations

On a blackout day, the mobile network may go down and Wi-Fi may stop working. At that moment, your way of informing and communicating changes radically.These products become essential:

• Portable battery-powered, hand-cranked, or solar-powered radioRadio remains the most reliable means of receiving official information, alerts, and real-time news in crisis situations. Multi-function models allow you to charge mobile devices, use a flashlight, and even tune into both FM and AM radios. It's a must-have gadget for your emergency kit.
• Battery-powered walkie-talkies: Perfect for communicating with family, neighbors, or emergency services when phone networks are down. They have a range of several kilometers, and some models offer a built-in flashlight and active listening.
• Backup SIM card from another operatorIf the outage affects only one network, having an alternative SIM can make phone calls easier in critical moments.

Cooking and heating: solutions for eating hot food and not getting cold

Losing power can render your stove or microwave, as well as your range or heating system, unusable. A true survival kit includes solutions for cooking and staying warm without electrical outlets..

• Portable gas or camping stoveThese small appliances allow you to heat water, cook food, or simply prepare a hot infusion. They are easy to transport and run on propane or butane gas cartridges.
• Thermal blankets and technical clothingEmergency blankets take up little space and provide plenty of warmth. For winter, thermal base layers can also make a difference.
• Mini portable stoves or gas heating systemsIf the power outage occurs during cold weather, having a portable heater and properly ventilating the room can help prevent further inconvenience.

Food and water: how to survive several hours (or days) without light

The refrigerator and freezer are among the most affected when the power fails. The key is to always have a small supply of food and water..

• Non-perishable food that does not require cookingCanned goods, legumes, instant purees, nuts, energy bars, crackers, and toast. This way, you avoid having to cook and take advantage of resources that stay in good condition outside the refrigerator.
• Bottled water bottles and collapsible jerry cans: Make sure to stock up on at least two liters of water per person per day for three days, plus easy-to-store collapsible containers or bottles for longer emergencies.
• Portable water filters and purification tabletsIf the water supply is cut off or the water arrives cloudy, these gadgets can be the difference between staying hydrated and avoiding health risks.
• Keep the refrigerator and freezer closed: Every time they're opened, cold is lost. A closed refrigerator can keep food cold for up to 4 hours, and a freezer can keep it cold for up to 48 hours if it's full.
• manual can opener: essential to take advantage of cans and containers without energy drops.

Other useful gadgets, tools and accessories

Beyond the obvious, A complete prevention kit includes accessories and devices that make a difference:

• Multi-purpose and Swiss Army knife: Compact tools for unexpected situations, from opening cans to cutting rope or making small repairs.
• CashPayment terminals and ATMs won't work without power. Always keep bills and coins at home for emergency purchases.
• Small fire extinguisher and carbon monoxide detectorEssential if you're using candles, camping gas, or combustion stoves. The detector alerts you to leaks, and the fire extinguisher allows you to respond quickly to minor incidents.
• Complete first aid kit: to treat cuts, burns or any other mishap without relying on health centers (which may also be affected).
• Basic hygiene products: Toilet paper, soap, menstrual products and disinfectant cannot be missing.
• Board games and books: a way to stay calm, entertain the little ones and disconnect even if the situation continues.

Organization and planning: the key to avoiding chaos

In addition to gadgets and storage, The way you organize and plan your response is equally importantHere are some additional guidelines recommended by civil protection experts and official agencies for critical cases.

• Define a family meeting point and communicate the plan so that if the power outage occurs while members are separated, everyone knows where to find each other and how to notify each other.
• Unplug sensitive appliances while there is no power, to prevent them from being damaged by a power surge when the power comes back on.
• Keep your laptop and devices charged: This way, you can continue working or accessing downloaded local information, even without internet.
• Keep your car's fuel tank at least half full., so you can use it as a power source or even evacuate if necessary.
• Store batteries and spare parts in their own case, avoid mixing them and check their expiration date regularly.
• Write down emergency phone numbers and important addresses on paper. In a serious power outage, your phone could run out of battery and you could lose access to your digital address book.

Advanced technological devices: UPS, generators and solar panels

It's not just about small gadgets. If you go a step further, there are advanced solutions capable of powering the entire home or keeping critical equipment running for hours or days..

• UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply): Very useful in businesses, but also in homes where people rely on electrical medical equipment or want to avoid losing data on computers.
• Portable electric generators: Running on gasoline, diesel, or gas, they can keep essential appliances powered, although they require space, fuel, and safe use to avoid accidents.
• Solar panels and home solar stationsAlthough the initial investment is higher, solar panels allow you to generate your own energy, recharge batteries, and power gadgets in a sustainable and continuous manner.
• Mini UPS for routers or small devices: Compact devices that allow you to maintain internet connection, security cameras, or smart doorbells operational during short power outages.

Safe storage and periodic reviews

An essential part of the preparation is Store all your kit in cool, dry, and accessible places. Regularly check the expiration dates on batteries, medications, food, and water. You can also find out how to make emergency calls without an internet connection to keep you prepared.

Guard all the essentials in a waterproof emergency backpack, with compartments to separate food, gadgets, tools and first aid kit. So You can take it with you quickly if evacuation is necessary.

As you can see, Being prepared for blackouts is no longer exaggerated, but a guarantee of peace of mind and security. With the right tools and strategies, even the most unexpected power outage can be handled with greater confidence and control.