The Prepz guides Power cuts

Prepared for a power cut

Lighting at home, a charged phone and news on the radio. Find out what you need and when extra backup power makes sense.

Explore our solutions Has the power already gone off?

Choose your backup power

Which solution do you need?

Choose according to what you want to do when mains sockets stop working.

Lighting at home: A torch or rechargeable lamp. Test it and keep suitable spare batteries or a charging option ready.
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Charging your phone: A powerbank with a suitable cable. Check that the combination actually charges your phone.
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Following the news: A battery-powered or rechargeable radio. Find and test your regional broadcaster in advance.
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Keeping devices running: A power station, provided its connections and power output are suitable. See below how to work out the power and capacity you need.
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Preparing for a longer outage

As well as lighting and backup power, think about recharging and eating without a working kitchen.

Solar panels

Check that voltage, current and connector are compatible with your power station. Output depends on sunlight and positioning.

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Food without power

Make sure you can eat even when heating and refrigeration are unavailable.

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Browse suitable products

Compare contents and specifications, then choose what is missing.

Choose your backup power

Powerbank or power station: which do you need?

For your phone and small USB devices

Start with a powerbank and a suitable cable. Check which USB port and charging power your device needs. A separate torch and radio mean you do not rely on the same battery for everything.

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For a laptop or a device with a mains plug

Can your laptop charge through USB-C? Check the charging power it needs. A mains plug requires a suitable output socket. Your devices' combined power demand and starting surge determine what a power station must be able to supply at once.

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If you need several hours of backup power

Capacity in watt-hours (Wh) tells you how much energy is available. Use the calculator below for a steady load. For a fridge, measure consumption over the period you need: it switches on and off.

Compare capacity and connections

Calculate for your own devices

How much energy do your devices need?

A 50-watt device running for four hours uses 200 watt-hours. Enter the total steady power draw for an initial estimate.

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Power demand of your devicesDesired runtime

200 Wh

energy for your devices. Allow extra battery capacity for conversion losses and the power station's own consumption.

This is an estimate, not a guaranteed battery runtime. Measure varying consumption separately, for example for a fridge. Also check connections, continuous output and starting surge.

Power cuts

Has the power already gone off?

Use current information from your grid operator, local authority or regional emergency authorities.

Follow the news and report the outage

Listen to your regional broadcaster without internet. In the Netherlands, you can report a power cut by calling 0800-9009; use 112 for an immediate emergency, not just to report an outage.

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Check food from the fridge and freezer

Whether food is still safe depends on its temperature, the product and how long the outage lasts. Use the food-specific guidance from the Netherlands Nutrition Centre; there is no single safe storage time for everything.

Look out for people nearby

Check whether someone nearby needs practical help. You might share information or help charge a phone.

Checklist

Test these five things at home

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Still to checkYou can find a torch in the dark

You can find a torch in the darkKeep a torch in a fixed place, switch it on and check its batteries or charge. Store suitable spare batteries with it and show your household where everything is.
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Your powerbank actually charges your phoneCharge your powerbank and connect your phone using the cable you keep with it. Check that it charges. A charged phone does not guarantee mobile reception or internet access.
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Your radio receives news without mains powerSwitch on your radio using batteries or its charged battery pack. Find your regional public broadcaster and write down the frequency. Test reception where you intend to use the radio.
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You have food and drink without a fridge or hobKeep long-life food ready that you can eat cold, with a manual tin opener if needed. Check your drinking water supply and expiry dates; also go through the full emergency kit checklist.
You know which devices need backup powerFor each device, note its connection, power in watts and desired runtime. Test the charging equipment you already own. If you use medical equipment, agree an outage plan with your healthcare provider.
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Safe use

Cooking and keeping warm without power

Include food you can eat without heating, and keep warm clothing and blankets ready. Do not use a barbecue indoors or as a heater: combustion can produce carbon monoxide. An open window does not make it safe. Want to cook or heat electrically with a power station? Check the power demand and energy consumption, as these appliances can drain a battery quickly.

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Power cuts

Frequently asked questions

Which number should I call about a power cut?

In the Netherlands, you can report a power cut by calling 0800-9009. Use 112 for an immediate emergency, not just to report an outage.

How can I stay informed without the internet?

Listen to your regional broadcaster on a battery-powered radio. Look up the frequency in advance.

Will I have internet if my router still has power?

It is not guaranteed. Connections outside your home can fail too, so include a radio in your preparations.

Sources and further reading

Use this list as a starting point. In an emergency, always follow instructions from the authorities.

Add what you need

Choose what completes your preparation.

Start with your list and check each product's connections and specifications. A bigger battery is not automatically the best solution.

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