Tech for Power Outages: The Ultimate Guide to Staying Connected When the Grid Goes Down

In today’s hyper-connected world, we’re more dependent on electricity than ever before. When the lights go out, our Wi-Fi, computers, and phone chargers all stop working, leaving us feeling helpless and disconnected. But here’s the good news: a new wave of innovative devices is designed specifically to help you weather any power outage, and many people still aren’t taking advantage of them.

Whether you’re dealing with occasional blackouts or living in an area with frequent power disruptions, having the right technology on hand can make all the difference between chaos and comfort. Below, I’ve compiled my top recommendations for tech that will keep you powered up, connected, and safe when the grid fails.

Important Note: When Blackouts Are Frequent

If you live in an area where blackouts are a regular occurrence, you’ll need more than just the home tech listed here. For those situations, I strongly recommend investing in a solar home generator—like the ones my colleagues have extensively tested—to be truly prepared for any kind of power outage scenario.

Power Banks: Your Lifeline for Phones and Computers

Keep your most critical devices running and fully charged with a reliable power bank that can provide hours of runtime, even without electricity. This is perhaps the most essential piece of blackout tech you can own.

You have several excellent options when it comes to home power banks. You could choose one of our best power banks for iPhones—and in that case, it’s worth considering an emergency power bank for everyone in the household and their personal devices. Don’t worry, we also have a comprehensive list of power banks for Android devices too.

Another increasingly popular option is a portable home battery. These larger models, which CNET has tested extensively, can’t power your whole house unless you invest in a high-end system, but they can easily keep multiple devices running. And with the right setup, even appliances such as a fridge or heater. Some also include perks like solar charging or wireless charging pads. They’re a great option if blackouts are a regular issue where you live.

Surge Protectors: Your Electronics’ Best Defense

Surge protectors aren’t just power strips—they’re sophisticated devices that include components that automatically block the power surges that often occur before and after blackouts. These surges can seriously damage your electronics, including computers and TVs, potentially costing you hundreds or thousands of dollars in replacement costs.

Today’s surge protectors are affordable, and you can choose models with smart features for scheduling or energy monitoring, including several I’ve tested for my top picks. For best results, look for a surge protector rated for at least a couple thousand joules so it can withstand repeated surge events without failing.

Home Security Systems with Cellular Backups

You may frown at the thought of a home security system that shuts down when the power goes out. That’s why most have battery backups—but those have a limited benefit if your internet is down and you can’t get system alerts, change settings, or control the system remotely. If your security connections don’t use Zigbee and rely on Wi-Fi, your security system may not be able to communicate with its sensors either, rendering it useless when the power goes out.

The fix for all this is a cellular backup option, available on many security systems and stand-alone cameras. This automatically switches to a cell signal when the power goes out, so you retain full control and capabilities, including online video recording.

The catch is that cellular backups tend to be a little pricey. You may need to bump up to a higher subscription tier to enable them, for example. Think of it as an extra $10 per month for peace of mind if your power grid is iffy.

Solar Lights and Lanterns: Bright Ideas for Dark Times

Flashlights are fine, but better solutions exist for lighting during a power outage. Look for a solar lantern like this inflatable model, available for only $30. You can charge it during the day and have light for a dark evening, even if your power outage lasts for multiple days. It’s bright enough to illuminate a small room, and super light (plus a camping option if you’re heading out for a trip).

Emergency Light Packs: Automatic Illumination

While a solar lantern can help, there’s another light device I really like for handling blackouts. These emergency lights from Energizer, available in a three-pack for $20, are designed to plug into outlets around your home.

During normal times, the lights will keep their batteries charged up. However, they’re also made to detect a total power outage, at which point they turn on to provide light. You can either keep them as navigation nightlights throughout your home or unplug them and use them as flashlights as needed.

Battery-Backed Smoke Detectors: Safety First

Your wired smoke detectors likely already include battery backups, as required by most residential fire codes. However, if you have additional detectors beyond state requirements (or older wired models), it may be worth switching to battery-powered units or upgrading to models with full 10-year batteries.

Not only are these upgrades often required by code, but they also help keep you safe during blackouts, which can increase the risk of house fires when people turn to alternative heating methods or when home wiring isn’t prepared for power surges.

Explore more of your options with our guides to the best smart locks (which will work even during a power outage thanks to keypads, NFC passes and more), as well as the best DIY security systems.

Tags & Viral Phrases:
power outage survival guide, blackout tech essentials, stay connected during blackouts, emergency power solutions, tech to survive blackouts, best power banks 2024, solar generators for home, surge protector must-haves, cellular backup security systems, emergency lighting solutions, blackout preparedness checklist, smart home blackout tech, portable power stations, emergency power bank recommendations, survive any blackout, power outage tech hacks, blackout emergency kit, home backup power solutions, tech for when the lights go out, emergency preparedness technology, blackout survival essentials, power outage tech guide, best emergency tech 2024, stay powered during blackouts, blackout tech you need now

,