Chaos doesn’t have to take over when the lights go out—especially if you’ve prepped like a pro. Extended power outages are becoming more common between summer storms, heat waves, and hurricane season. But with the right supplies (and mindset), you can turn a blackout into a low-stress family adventure. Here’s how to build a parent-approved outage survival kit that covers the basics, keeps kids entertained, and avoids the dreaded snack-time meltdown.

🧰 First, the Power Outage Prep Essentials

Keep these basics on hand year-round—especially during “heat season” (May through September) when outages are more frequent and longer-lasting.

• Flashlights (one for every family member!)
• Extra batteries (check sizes!)
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
• Fully charged portable phone chargers
• Cases of bottled water
• Manual can opener
• First-aid kit
• Baby wipes or moist towelettes
• Cash (ATMs and card readers may be down)
• •mportant documents in a waterproof bag

🍎 Sanity-Saving Snacks to Stock

Forget the stale granola bars and sugary junk—snack prep is where you can really shine.

One of our favorite blackout-friendly heroes?

👉 Crispy Fruit – A no-mess, no-cook snack made from 100% real fruit and nothing else. It’s shelf-stable, nutrient-rich, and has seven delicious single-fruit flavors (Apple, Banana, Strawberry, Mango, Pineapple, Tangerine, and Pear). Bonus: Kids love the crunch, and parents love the clean label.

Other great snackable options:

• Trail mix (nut-free if needed)
• Apples and bananas (they store well without refrigeration)
• Shelf-stable milk or plant-based cartons
• Nut butter with crackers
• DIY fruit leather or dried fruit strips

🔦 Unexpected (But Genius!) Things to Include

These are the unsung heroes of your emergency kit—the little (and not-so-little) items that can make a huge difference when the power’s out longer than expected:

• Glow sticks – Double as kid-friendly night lights and backup light sources
• Battery-powered fan – A lifesaver during summer blackouts
• Mini whiteboard and markers – Great for keeping score in games or posting family messages
• •eck of cards, activity books, or Mad Libs – Low-tech entertainment = low-stress
• Headlamps – Keep hands free while cooking, reading, or checking on the breaker
• Spare toothbrushes and toothpaste – Fresh breath goes a long way when you’re all stuck inside
• Portable power station with a solar panel – Power up phones, lights, and even small appliances. If you lose power for an extended time, a solar-rechargeable backup station is a game changer for staying connected and calm.

🧘‍♀️ Bonus Tip: Set the Mood

Instead of focusing on what you can’t do, embrace the moment. Break out the board games. Tell stories by flashlight. Let the kids build a fort and “camp out” indoors. These small rituals help ease anxiety and turn the outage into something memorable (in a good way).

Power outages may be inevitable, but panic doesn’t have to be. With a little planning—and a stash of Crispy Fruit in the pantry—you’ve got everything you need to keep your family safe, satisfied, and surprisingly upbeat when the lights go out.

Power Outage Prep Checklist for Parents

Stay ready for anything with this smart, family-friendly guide to blackout prep. Print and check off as you go!

Essential Supplies

[ ] Flashlights (1 per family member)

[ ] Extra batteries (check sizes!)

[ ] Battery-powered or hand-crank radio

[ ] Fully charged portable phone chargers

[ ] Cases of bottled water

[ ] Manual can opener

[ ] First-aid kit

[ ] Baby wipes or moist towelettes

[ ] Cash (ATMs may not work)

[ ] Important documents in a waterproof bag

Smart Snacks

[ ] Crispy Fruit (100% real fruit, shelf-stable)

[ ] Trail mix or nut-free snack mix

[ ] Apples and bananas (no refrigeration needed)

[ ] Nut butters and crackers

[ ] Shelf-stable milk or plant-based cartons

[ ] DIY fruit leather or dried fruit strips

Unexpected (But Genius!) Items

[ ] Glow sticks (night lights + fun)

[ ] Battery-powered fan

[ ] Mini whiteboard and markers

[ ] Deck of cards or activity books

[ ] Headlamps[ ] Spare toothbrushes and toothpaste

[ ] Portable power station with solar panel

Bonus Tips

[ ] Let kids build a blanket fort and camp indoors

[ ] Play board games or tell stories by flashlight

[ ] Create a calm, cozy vibe to ease anxiety