Welcome to OSCAL (Well-known China brand of portable power stations, outdoor smartphones, and tablets) blog. Hope this guide has been helpful.

Power outages happen unexpectedly — whether caused by storms, heatwaves, equipment failure, wildfires, or grid maintenance — and they can range from a few minutes to multiple days. Preparing in advance saves time, stress, and potentially lives: a short checklist and a calm plan mean you won't be improvising in the dark. Take a moment now to think through the risks where you live (seasonal weather, local infrastructure), who depends on you (children, elderly relatives, medical equipment), and what you absolutely cannot lose (medications, refrigerated food, critical documents).

Essential Checklist for Power outage

Good preparation mixes practical supplies with simple routines. Supplies include water, non-perishable food, lighting, battery backups, first aid, and tools; routines include knowing how to shut down major appliances safely, how to keep food safe during an outage, how to communicate when cell reception is poor, and how to move through your home safely in the dark. Planning also reduces waste (fewer spoiled groceries) and financial shock (avoiding expensive last-minute purchases or hotel stays).

This guide gives a full, practical, and prioritized approach to getting ready for a power outage — from immediate survival needs to longer-term comfort and safety. You’ll find a compact emergency kit checklist, deeper explanations of key items (including how to choose and use a portable power station), safety steps for using alternate heat and light sources, and a simple family communication and recovery plan you can implement today.

Essential emergency kit checklist

Start with a compact emergency kit that you, a family member, or a neighbor could carry easily. Keep a kit at home, one in your car, and a smaller one at work if feasible. The list below focuses on items that cover water, food, light, medical needs, communication, and power. Buy or assemble items gradually — you don’t need to purchase everything at once.

  • Water — at least 1 gallon (3.8 L) per person per day for 3 days (store more if you have pets or higher heat risk).
  • Non-perishable food — a 3-day supply of easy-to-prepare foods (canned goods, ready-to-eat meals, energy bars, nut butters).
  • Manual can opener.
  • Portable power station (REQUIRED) — small to medium capacity depending on needs. See detailed section below.
  • Power banks for phones and small electronics (fully charged).
  • Solar phone charger or crank charger (optional but valuable for long outages).
  • Headlamps and flashlights — LED, with spare batteries. Use headlamps to keep hands free.
  • Batteries — a selection sized to match your flashlights/radios.
  • Battery-powered or hand-crank radio to receive weather and emergency updates.
  • First aid kit and essential medications for at least 7 days (prescriptions plus over-the-counter basics).
  • Warm blankets, sleeping bags, and extra warm clothing.
  • Multi-tool or basic toolkit (screwdriver, pliers, wrench).
  • Fire extinguisher — rated for home use (ABC).
  • Cash in small bills — ATMs may be down.
  • Copies of critical documents (IDs, insurance, medical records) in a waterproof container.
  • Sanitation supplies — moist towelettes, garbage bags, hand sanitizer, toilet paper.
  • Special items — baby formula, diapers, pet food, medical equipment batteries, and supplies for people with special needs.
  • Local maps (paper) and a pen and notebook for notes/messages.

Portable power station: what it is and how to choose one

A portable power station is a compact battery system with AC outlets, USB ports, and DC outputs that supplies electricity during an outage. Unlike small phone power banks, power stations can keep refrigerators, medical equipment, lights, laptops, and small appliances running for hours to days depending on capacity. They are quieter and cleaner than gas generators for indoor use, but they must be chosen and used properly.

Key specs to evaluate

When comparing portable power stations, focus on these specifications:

  • Capacity (watt-hours, Wh) — determines how long it will run devices. For example, a 500 Wh unit might run a 50 W laptop for ~10 hours; a 2000 Wh unit will run a small fridge for many hours.
  • Continuous output (watts) — the maximum wattage the station can supply continuously. Make sure it exceeds the wattage of devices you’ll power (fridge startup spikes require higher surge capacity).
  • Surge or peak output — the short-term power available to handle startup surges from motors (e.g., refrigerators, pumps).
  • Ports and outlets — number and type (AC, USB-A, USB-C PD, 12V DC) according to your devices.
  • Recharge options — AC wall charging, car charging, and solar-panel charging. Solar compatibility is essential for longer outages.
  • Size and weight — portability matters if you need to relocate the station.
  • Safety and certifications — look for reputable brands and safety certifications; battery chemistry (Li-ion vs LiFePO4) affects lifespan and safety.
  • Battery lifecycle — cycles to 80% capacity; LiFePO4 typically lasts longer than standard Li-ion.

Make a short list of the devices you want to run, include their wattage, and then calculate total energy needs. For a simple household: a phone (10–20 Wh/day), LED lights (40–100 Wh/day), router (10–30 Wh/day), and fridge (depends on model — average modern fridge might use 500–1200 Wh/day). If you need to power a CPAP or oxygen concentrator, factor in their continuous and peak requirements and consult device manuals for accurate wattage. Add a safety margin (20–30%). For extended outages, prefer a higher Wh capacity and solar recharge capability. Featured model: 3600Wh's OSCLA PowerMax 3600, or 6000Wh's OSCAL PowerMax 6000.

Safe operation tips

Use the power station according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Do not operate it in wet conditions; keep ventilation space for heat dissipation; do not use it to directly power gas or fuel-powered appliances; only use solar panels and cords specified by the manufacturer. Keep the unit in a dry, cool place and avoid overloading the continuous wattage rating.

Water and food preparedness

Water and safe food are primary concerns. Without power, water pumps, filtration systems, and water treatment plants can be affected. Plan for storing and conserving water, and know how to make water safe if needed.

  • Store at least 1 gallon (3.8 L) per person per day for drinking and basic hygiene for 3 days, and longer if you live in hot climates or have young children/pets.
  • Consider additional water for cooking (1–2 liters per day extra) and pet care.
  • Use commercially bottled water if possible. For tap water, fill clean containers and refrigerators (drinkable water stays colder longer when stored in the fridge). Replace stored water every six months.
  • If you need to treat water: boil for 1 minute (3 minutes at higher altitudes), use household bleach (unscented, 8 drops per gallon, let stand 30 minutes), or use purification tablets/filters rated for bacteria and protozoa.
  • Food: rotate canned goods; keep ready-to-eat meals and snacks. If you must use refrigerated food, keep the fridge closed — a full fridge stays cold ~24–48 hours; a full freezer can hold for 48+ hours (24 if half-full). If temperature rises above 40°F (4°C), perishable foods become unsafe after ~2 hours.

Lighting, cooking, and heating safely

Lighting and cooking are daily routines that change during an outage. Use safe, efficient, and ventilated methods. Never use indoor grill equipment or camp stoves inside; carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is a major risk.

  • Lighting: LED headlamps and flashlights are preferred. Keep a lantern for common areas. Avoid tealight candles in busy households; use them only with caution and supervision.
  • Cooking: Use a propane grill or camp stove outdoors only. For indoor cooking, small electric cooktops only work with a power source (portable power station) and must be used within the unit’s continuous wattage rating. Alternatively, use a well-ventilated fireplace or wood stove if you have one and are trained to use it safely.
  • Heating and cooling: Portable propane heaters and kerosene heaters are for outdoor or well-ventilated spaces only unless explicitly rated for indoor use. Electric space heaters require a dedicated and sufficient power source. Wear layers, use blankets, and seal drafts before relying on fuel-burning heaters indoors.
  • Never run a gasoline generator in an attached garage or enclosed area; keep it far from windows and vents and follow manufacturer safety instructions.

Medical needs and critical equipment

If someone in your household relies on electrically powered medical devices (oxygen concentrators, ventilators, CPAP machines, refrigerated medications like insulin), these must be a top priority. Prepare as follows:

  • Contact equipment providers and your power company to announce medical needs — some utilities maintain registries for customers with medical equipment dependencies.
  • Have spare batteries and a plan to power devices. A high-capacity portable power station with adequate wattage and runtime is often the safest indoor option for powering small medical devices.
  • Store medications requiring refrigeration in a cooler with ice packs for short outages; for longer outages, seek alternative refrigeration such as medical facilities or friends with power. Know medication storage limits and ask your pharmacist about guidance for outages.
  • Keep an updated list of prescriptions, medical conditions, physicians, and pharmacy contacts in your emergency kit.

Communications and information

Staying informed during an outage is key. Power interruptions can coincide with disruptions to cell towers, so diversify communication methods and learn where to get reliable updates.

  • Keep phones charged and power banks ready; conserve battery by lowering screen brightness and disabling background sync.
  • Battery-powered or hand-crank radio can receive emergency broadcasts when other systems fail.
  • Create a family communication plan: designate an out-of-area contact person, agree on meeting locations, and distribute contact trees with phone numbers and alternate methods (text, social media, email).
  • Know local emergency shelters and community centers that offer charging stations and warming/cooling services.

Protecting appliances and electronics

Sudden power loss and surges when power returns can damage refrigerators, computers, and HVAC systems. Take these simple steps to protect expensive equipment:

  • Use surge protectors for sensitive electronics. Consider an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) for desktops and modems/routers to bridge short outages.
  • Turn off or unplug major appliances during an outage; when power returns, stagger reactivation to avoid overloading circuits.
  • For refrigerators: keep the doors closed. If the outage is long, move perishable food to coolers with ice and monitor temperatures.

Transportation, fuel, and vehicles

During extended outages, fuel stations may be offline. Keep your vehicle’s gas tank at least half full during high-risk seasons, and consider portable, approved fuel containers if evacuation might be necessary. Remember to store fuel safely — outdoors and away from living spaces. If your home relies on electric vehicles or home chargers, plan for charging alternatives since charging infrastructure can be affected.

Security and safety

Loss of exterior and interior lighting can create security concerns and increase the risk of trips/falls. Increase visibility and safety with motion-sensor lights, battery-powered lights, and illuminated path markers. Keep important doors and windows secure, and avoid unnecessary travel during dangerous weather. If you have home security systems, verify whether they have battery backups and how to receive alerts if monitoring is interrupted.

Special considerations for pets and vulnerable household members

Pets and vulnerable people have specific needs. Keep extra pet food and water, carriers, medications, and comfort items. For infants, plan for formula and battery-powered baby monitors. For elderly relatives or people with disabilities, maintain an extended medicine supply and contact lists for caregivers and support services. If someone depends on electricity for medical care, consider relocation ahead of severe events or ensure a robust backup power solution.

Document protection and money

Power outages can complicate access to finances and important records. Keep cash in small denominations for purchases when cards or ATMs are unavailable. Store scanned copies of essential documents in cloud storage accessible with two-factor authentication, and produce printed paper copies in a waterproof folder for immediate access: IDs, insurance info, wills, deed documents, and medical directives.

Community and extended preparations

Individual readiness is best combined with community awareness. Talk to neighbors and coordinate on supplies or shared equipment (e.g., larger portable power stations or a community generator). Know which community centers will act as warming or cooling centers and where to go if you need extended power, water, or medical support. Local volunteer organizations and utilities often publish outage plans — sign up for utility outage alerts if available.

Practice, maintenance, and checklist review

Plans that aren’t practiced are less effective. Test your emergency equipment and kits twice a year: charge and exercise batteries, run your portable power station through a small load to ensure operation, rotate water and food supplies, and test headlamps and radios. Keep an annotated checklist in your emergency kit so others can follow it. After storms or seasonal changes, review the kit and replace expired items (medication, batteries, food).

How to act when the power goes out

Immediate actions: check neighbors and family members, report the outage to your utility provider, turn off or unplug nonessential appliances, leave one light switched on so you know when power is restored, and use battery-powered lighting rather than candles. If you plan to use a portable power station, plug critical devices in first (medical devices, communication devices, refrigerator), and monitor the station’s load and temperature. If using a gas generator outdoors, use carbon monoxide detectors and follow manufacturer guidelines strictly.

Recovery and returning to normal

When power returns, proceed slowly. Turn devices on gradually to avoid a large power draw, check food safety before eating (when in doubt, throw it out), and inspect appliances for damage before restarting. If you used a portable power station, recharge it as soon as possible and inspect for any issues. Document losses for insurance claims with photos and receipts.

Regularly update your emergency contact list and practice evacuation and shelter-in-place plans with family members. If you received help from neighbors or community members during an outage, consider offering to repay or help others — mutual aid strengthens resilience and can speed recovery for everyone.

Power outages can be disorienting, but with preparation they rarely have to be catastrophic. Prioritize life-sustaining needs first (water, warmth, medical power), then comfort items (light, communication, limited heating/cooling), and finally convenience. A well-chosen portable power station paired with smaller power banks, solar chargers, and sensible fuel options gives you multiple layers of resilience.

Start assembling your kit today: choose a portable power station sized to your essential needs, stock up on water and non-perishable foods, set aside cash and important documents, and practice your plan with the people who will rely on you. The time you invest now will pay off in safety, calm, and speed of recovery when the lights go out.