POWEREasy portability
Jackery Explorer 1000 v2
A 1,070Wh battery and 1,500W AC output in a relatively light unit make it a sensible single-refrigerator starting point.
The practical preparedness desk
Could your home handle
a power outage?
Find the backup power you need for refrigeration, lights, and communication. Start with your appliances, compare batteries and generators, and build a practical outage plan.
✓ Clear best-for picks✓ Important drawbacks✓ Parts included
THE ESSENTIAL 3
Three systems. One workable plan.
01
Power
Keep refrigeration, lights, and communication running.
02
Water
Store first. Filter second. Know your daily number.
03
Food
Choose calories you can actually prepare without the grid.
GRID NEWS · UPDATED OCTOBER 25, 2026
Concerned by the grid emergency headlines?
The cited PJM order covered October 13–16. Understand what it meant, check current local alerts, and turn concern into a practical household plan.
A BETTER WAY TO BUY
Plan first. Size second. Shop last.
RECOMMENDED GEAR
What belongs in your reserve?
Compare equipment that solves a real problem in your home. We show why each option fits and what to verify before ordering.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
POWERLonger outages
EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max
The 2,048Wh base capacity, 2,400W AC output, expansion support, and high solar-input ceiling suit a refrigerator plus other essentials.
GENERATORSQuiet, proven small-load backup
Honda EU2200i
A compact inverter format, strong dealer network, and parallel capability make it a durable benchmark for essential loads.
GENERATORSPortable fuel flexibility
Champion 2500W dual-fuel inverter
Light weight and propane compatibility make it convenient for refrigeration, lights, electronics, and charging.
WATERPersonal kits and portability
Sawyer Squeeze
A field-proven hollow-fiber format, backflushing, and standard bottle compatibility make it adaptable.
WATERPortable household storage
Reliance Aqua-Tainer 7 gallon
A familiar rectangular format, integrated handle, and dispensing spigot make it useful for rotation and short outages.
FOODRecognizable complete-meal format
SOPAKCO Sure-Pak 12 civilian MRE case
Individually sealed ready-to-eat meals are easy to count, move, and issue without opening a bulk container.
FOODOpening familiar pantry food
OXO Good Grips Smooth Edge can opener
A sturdy manual opener makes shelf-stable canned meals practical without electricity.
PREPARE BY SYSTEM
Protect the essentials first.
Start with the failure that would affect you most. We compare complete systems—including the small parts required to keep them operating.
Start here
Backup power
Power stations, solar panels, and the cables that make them useful.
Gas & dual fuel
Generators
Portable, inverter, and dual-fuel picks—sized to your actual load.
1 gal / person / day
Water
Filters, storage, purification, and the replacement parts people forget.
Build by calories
Emergency food
Shelf-stable kits evaluated by calories, cost, storage life, and preparation.
Keep it working
Parts & upkeep
Gaskets, filters, plugs, cords, oil, and maintenance essentials.
NEW · EMERGENCY FOOD
Feed four people for three days without the stove.
Get a usable grocery list, count the actual calories, and keep drinking water separate from meal preparation.
MOST USEFUL TOOL
How long will a power station really run your essentials?
Enter battery capacity and appliance wattage. We account for normal conversion losses and show a realistic range.
Open runtime calculatorBATTERY1,024 Wh
ESSENTIAL LOAD150 W
ESTIMATED RUNTIME5.8 hoursat 85% usable efficiency
COMMON PLANNING QUESTIONS
Start with the problem you need to solve.
Direct answers to the questions households ask before choosing backup power, fuel, water storage, and communications equipment.
What will keep your refrigerator and freezer running?
Compare real generators and indoor battery backup, then check your load.
Get the answerWhat size generator runs a well pump?
Check voltage, horsepower, starting current, and the connection plan.
Get the answerWhat power station works for a CPAP?
Estimate overnight energy with humidifier and heated-tube settings.
Get the answerWill a power station start my sump pump?
Check running watts, startup surge, and real storm duty cycle.
Get the answerHow do I keep Wi-Fi on during an outage?
Back up the modem, router, fiber terminal, and required network equipment.
Get the answerHow much propane does a generator use?
Estimate fuel from the generator, load, cylinder size, and expected runtime.
Get the answerHow much emergency water should I store?
Calculate people, days, pets, existing supply, and container count.
Get the answerFIELD GUIDES
Research before you spend.
POWERBest power stations for CPAP backup
Size quiet overnight backup from a real night of energy use and the settings you actually use.
Read the guidePOWERBest power stations for sump pumps
Check motor startup, storm duty cycle, and battery runtime before the basement is at risk.
Read the guidePOWERBest power stations for refrigerators
Match real fridge wattage to usable battery capacity—not marketing claims.
Read the guideGENERATORSBest portable generators for home backup
The right size, fuel type, noise level, and transfer setup for an outage.
Read the guideGENERATORSBest generator for a gas furnace
Size for the blower motor, controls, startup surge, and a safe connection.
Read the guideFOOD SAFETYBest refrigerator thermometers for outages
Know when food stayed safe instead of guessing after power returns.
Read the guideOUR STANDARD