blackout essentials

3 Things to do immediately if the power goes out.

When the power suddenly flickers off and the room goes dark, most people panic. But the first few minutes of a power outage, knowing what to do immediately can make the difference between chaos and calm.

Here are 3 most important power outage survival tips to take away when the power goes out.

1 Secure Light Sources First

Don’t waist time fumbling in the dark. Your first move should be to grab a flashlight, headlight, or battery-powered lantern. Avoid candles if possible, there a fire risk especially with kids or pets.

💡Tip: Keep a flashlight in every major room (especially bedrooms and kitchen) so you never have to search in the dark. This is one of the most overlooked blackout safety tips for families.

Check Your Devices and Save Power

The second step is to protect your communication Tools. Quickly check your phone, portable chargers, and laptop. If your phone is under 50% pit it on low-power mode immediately.

  • Turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to save batteries.
  • Unplug sensitive electronics (TV’s, Gaming systems, computers ) to prevent damage when the power comes back on.
  • Store your portable power bank in your emergency preparedness kit.

💡Parents: Download a movie or offline game before the battery drains-it can keep kids calm during a long blackout.

3 Assess the Situation and Prepare.

Now that you have light and a working phone, find out if it’s just your home or a larger outage.

  • Look outside: Are the streetlights or neighbors homes dark too?
  • Check out map (if you still have internet or cell service).
  • Secure your essentials: Gather water, snacks, and comfort items if you expect a long outage.

💡Apartment Dwellers: Fill your bathtub or sink up with water if you suspect the outage may last-water pumps often fail in extended blackouts. This is one of the most important apartment blackout survival steps many forget.

Final Thoughts

The first 10 minutes of a power outage sets the tone for the entire experience. By following these three immediate steps-secure light, save power and assess the situation- you’ll stay calm, safe, and ready no matter how long the blackout last.

💡Prep Tip: Create a small “Blackout Bag” with flashlights, a portable charger and snacks so you’ll never be unprepared. Check out Blackout Essentials every apartment parent parent should have.

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How To Build a $50 Emergency Kit from Dollar Tree

by216GoldGoddess

When disaster strikes, its often without warning- blackouts, storms, water shut off’s or even citywide emergencies. You dont need to spend hundreds to be prepared. In fact, you can create a complete emergency kit for under $50 just by shopping at Dollar Tree.

If you’re a parent, apartment renter, or living in a city where small space is limited, this guide will show you how to get affordable, practical gear without breaking the bank.

Why Dollar Tree is Perfect for Prepping on a Budget.

  • Everything is $1.25 or less (so your $50 budget goes far)
  • No need to hunt for multiple stores-its all in one place.
  • Perfect for small-space storage in apartments.

What to include in Your $50 Dollar Tree Emergency Kit

1.Light & Power

When the light goes out, you need instant light source.

  • LED Flash lights (x2) -$2.50
  • Pack of batteries (AA or AAA, x2) $2.50
  • LED Push Lights (great for hallways or kids rooms) -$2.50

Subtotal: $7.50

2. Water Supply

Water is life-especially during emergencies.

  • Bottled Water (1-Gallon Jugs, x4) -$5.00
  • Collapsible Water Container (for storage) -$1.25

Subtotal: $6.25

3. Non-Perishable Food

Choose items with long shelf life that don’t need cooking

  • Canned Tuna or Chicken (x4)-$5.00
  • Peanut Butter-$1.25
  • Crackers- $1.25
  • Granola Bars (6-pack) -$1.25

Subtotal: $8.75

4 First Aid & Hygiene

Small injuries and hygiene needs can’t be ignored.

  • Basic First Aid Kit-$1.25
  • Bandages (variety pack) $1.25
  • Hand Sanitizer- $1.25
  • Toothbrush & Toothpaste Combo -$1.25
  • Bar Soap (2-pack) $1.25

Subtotal: $7.50

5 Warmth & Protection

Stay warm and safe in the heat of AC fails.

  • Emergency Blankets (x2) -$2.50
  • Ponchos (x2) – $2.50
  • Work Gloves -$1.25

Subtotal: $6.25

6 Tools & Extras

Small tools can make a huge difference.

  • Multi- Tool or Pocket Knife- $1.25
  • Duct Tape- $1.25
  • Whistle (for signaling) -$1.25
  • Notebook & Pen- $1.25

Subtotal: $5.00

Total Spent:

$41.25-leaving you with $8.75 to grab extra batteries, more canned food, or a small storage bin to keep everything together.

How to store your $50 Kit

  • Use a plastic storage tote or backpack for portability.
  • Keep it in an easy-to-reach spot near the exit
  • Check items every 6 months for expired food, batteries and water.

Final Tip

Preparedness isn’t about fear- it’s about peace of mind. A $50 emergency kit from Dollar Tree ensures you and your family are ready for blackouts, storms, or unexpected events without spending a fortune. Start small, and build as you go-your safety is worth it.

5 Blackout Essentials Every Parent that live in an apartment should have

Blackouts in apartments can be stressful- and as a mother with kids, i know it can feel overwhelming with little ones in the mix. From keeping them safe to making sure they stay fed and entertained, parents need a compact, effective prep plan. Here are 5 essential items every parent that live in an apartment should have.

1: Kid friendly Led Lanterns Child-Safe Led Lantern glow in the dark. Candles are to risky with curious hands around. Rechargeable LED lanterns provide safe, long-lasting light and even some double as phone chargers.

💡Parent prep tip: Keep one lantern in your child’s room and one in the living area to reduce fear of the dark.

2: Portable Power bank. A high- capacity power bank keeps phones and tablets running, perfect for keeping kids entertained during a blackout.

💡Parent Prep Tip: Recharge monthly to ensure it’s ready in an emergency.

3: Kid Friendly Food and Water

Pre-Portioned snackes and bottled water for children during a blackout. Stock at least 3 days of water (1 gallon per person/day) and easy-to-prepare, kid friendly foods like cereal bars, canned fruit, and peanut butter.

💡Parent Prep Tip: Pre-Portion snacks into containers – easier for kids to grab and keep things organized.

4: Battery-Powered or Hand-Crank Radio. Stay informed during outages. A battery- powered or hand-crank radio keeps you updated on weather alerts and emergencies.

💡Parent Prep Tip: Radios with built-in flashlights double as night lights for storytelling or comfort.

5: Mini Family Emergency Kit. Family blackout emergency kit with glow sticks, blankets, first aid, and comfort items. Store it in a backpack so kids can help carry it.

💡Parent Prep Tip: Let the kids help organize the kit- it gives them confidence and reduces anxiety during the actual blackout.

Apartment living with kids means prepping smart and compact. With these five essentials, parents can keep their family safe, fed, and calm during any blackout. Start building your kit today- your future (and your children will thank you.