Home blackout kit: a room-by-room list for a week without power
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Room by room
| Room | What to have there |
|---|---|
| Kitchen | Manual tin opener; no-cook food; bottled water; LED head torch for preparing food; cool box or ice packs |
| Living room (your warm room) | LED lantern; wind up radio; blankets and fleece; draught excluder; board games and books |
| Bedrooms | Torch by every bed; hot water bottle; extra duvets; LED tea lights for children |
| Bathroom | LED tea lights; wet wipes; hand sanitiser; bucket for flushing if water pressure drops |
| Hallway or cupboard | The kit bag; spare batteries; power bank; first aid kit; document wallet; whistle |
Safety first
- No candles near children, pets or curtains; use LED instead.
- Never use barbecues, camping stoves, patio heaters or generators indoors.
- Fit a battery carbon monoxide alarm (EN 50291) if you have a gas boiler, fire or cooker.
- Call 105 to report a power cut; 0800 111 999 if you smell gas.
Build it or buy it
Most families can assemble a blackout kit over a few weekly shops. If you would rather have everything matched and in one bag, the Home Prep Kit contains 18 items covering every room above except food and water.
Frequently asked questions
What is a home blackout kit?
A home blackout kit is a set of items for getting through a power cut at home: lighting, a radio, a power bank, warmth, hygiene supplies, first aid, food and water, kept together so you can find them in the dark.
What is the best lighting in a blackout?
Rechargeable LED lanterns for rooms, head torches for tasks, and LED tea lights for low light. They are safer than candles and last for days on a charge or set of batteries.
Should I buy a generator for power cuts?
Most homes do not need one. Portable generators must only ever be run outdoors, away from windows, because of carbon monoxide. A good power bank, lighting and warm layers cover most needs.
Updated 2026-10-28.