Preparing for a Power Outage: Light, Heat, Communication

When the power goes out for an extended period, it’s not just the lights that go dark. Heating, water, your phone, and card payments often depend on it too. Knowing this lets you prepare effectively for a power outage — without expensive gear.

HeatingEven gas and oil heating systems often need electricity to run the pump and controls.

RadioA battery-powered, hand-crank, or car radio still works when the grid and internet are down.

CO RiskOnly use cooking and heating devices approved for indoor use — carbon monoxide is deadly.

The three areas that matter

Light & power reserveFlashlights instead of candles, a charged power bank, batteries in stock. Whether a power station is worth it is covered in Power Station or Power Bank; how much power you need is shown in Calculating Your Power Needs.
WarmthOne room, several layers, blankets and sleeping bags – and only heaters approved for indoor use. More in Keeping Your Home Warm and Carbon Monoxide.
CommunicationA radio that doesn’t need an outlet, phone numbers on paper, fixed meeting points. See Staying Informed Without Internet.

Blackout Kit

Power, warmth, communication – with a worksheet for power banks and power stations, an hour-by-hour plan, and a shopping list.

What stops working during a power outage – and what to do about it
Worksheet: Will your power station be enough?
Plan for power-dependent medical equipment
13 pages, fillable PDF

€29.00 planned launch price, VAT included

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Based on: BBK (Germany’s Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance), “Preparing for Crises and Disasters,” as of 11/2025. LAGEBEREIT is an independent publication with no affiliation to the BBK. General information only, not individual advice.