Why this basket
- The kit follows gov.uk's Prepare advice: a battery or wind-up torch, a battery or wind-up radio, spare batteries and a portable power bank.
- LED tea lights stand in for candles because gov.uk says torches are safer than candles and London Fire Brigade calls flameless LED candles a much safer alternative.
- The carbon monoxide alarm runs on batteries, so it keeps working with the mains off, and fire services warn against running barbecues and generators indoors.
- Keeping warm is on the cold house page, so this basket stays on light, news and safety.
Keep in one drawer
Put these together somewhere you can find in the dark.
A battery torch
4.6 on Amazon · 50,096 ratings · 4K+ bought last month · #2 in Standard Torches · recorded 27 Sept 2026
Worth waitingon offer 11 of 22 days, not today
Gov.uk's Prepare site says to keep a battery or wind-up torch at home, because torches are safer than candles. The Lepro LE is a small aluminium torch with an adjustable focus, and the listing says its three AAA batteries are included.
What buyers say
Buyers like
- Surprisingly bright for such a small torch(10 of 13 reviews)
- Small and light enough for a pocket or a drawer(7 of 13 reviews)
- The beam adjusts from a wide flood to a tight spot(3 of 13 reviews)
Our summary of the 13 reviews Amazon showed on 27 Sept 2026, counted by us.
More about this pick
- Size
- about 11 x 3.4 x 3.4 cm
- Weight
- 104 g
- Material
- Aluminium
- In the box
- Battery
From the Amazon listing, recorded 27 Sept 2026. Sizes are the listing's own.
Price: we have checked it on 22 days; Amazon showed a discount of 10% or more on 11 of them.
Spare AAA batteries for the torch and radio
Amazon Basics AAA batteries (20)
4.6 on Amazon · 853,583 ratings · 5K+ bought last month · #1 in Disposable Household Batteries · recorded 27 Sept 2026
Gov.uk says to keep spare batteries for torches and radios. The torch here takes AAA, and the radio's listing says it can run on AAA too, so one size covers both. This pack has 20 alkaline cells with a 10-year shelf life, per the listing.
What buyers say
Buyers like
- Last about as long as the big brands in everyday devices(7 of 13 reviews)
- The long shelf life makes a pack handy to keep as spares(5 of 13 reviews)
Watch out for
- Some buyers find the odd cell goes flat far too quickly(2 of 13 reviews)
Our summary of the 13 reviews Amazon showed on 27 Sept 2026, counted by us.
More about this pick
- Pack
- pack of 20
- In the box
- batteries
From the Amazon listing, recorded 27 Sept 2026. Sizes are the listing's own.
A wind-up radio for news during the cut
4.5 on Amazon · 8,409 ratings · 500+ bought last month · #1 in Portable AM/FM Radios · recorded 27 Sept 2026
Amazon shows a later dispatch date
Gov.uk recommends a battery or wind-up radio for updates while the power is off. This Mesqool charges by hand crank, solar panel, USB-C or AAA batteries, covers AM, FM and shortwave, and can top up a phone from its built-in battery, the listing says.
What buyers say
Buyers like
- Picks up stations clearly, with good volume for its size(6 of 13 reviews)
- Runs off the crank, the solar panel, USB or batteries(4 of 13 reviews)
- The built-in torch and reading light are usefully bright(6 of 13 reviews)
Our summary of the 13 reviews Amazon showed on 27 Sept 2026, counted by us.
More about this pick
- Size
- about 17 x 9.4 x 6.3 cm
- In the box
- Owner's Manual
- Warranty
- 1 year manufacturer
From the Amazon listing, recorded 27 Sept 2026. Sizes are the listing's own.
A power bank for the phone
4.5 on Amazon · 81,121 ratings · 5K+ bought last month · recorded 27 Sept 2026
Limited time deal
Gov.uk's kit list includes a portable power bank so you can keep a mobile phone charged. The INIU holds 10,000 mAh, per the listing. Charge it before it goes in the drawer.
What buyers say
Buyers like
- Holds enough for two to four full phone charges(5 of 13 reviews)
- Small and light enough to carry in a pocket or handbag(10 of 13 reviews)
- A paw-shaped gauge shows roughly how much charge is left(6 of 13 reviews)
Our summary of the 13 reviews Amazon showed on 27 Sept 2026, counted by us.
More about this pick
- Pack
- pack of 3
- In the box
- Detachable USB C Cable, INIU Power bank 45W
From the Amazon listing, recorded 27 Sept 2026. Sizes are the listing's own.
Price: we have checked it on 24 days; Amazon showed a discount of 10% or more on 23 of them, including today.
Safety without mains power
A battery carbon monoxide alarm that meets EN 50291
4.7 on Amazon · 8,566 ratings · 5K+ bought last month · #2 in Carbon Monoxide Detectors · recorded 27 Sept 2026
Always "on offer"22 of 22 days
The NHS says to fit a carbon monoxide alarm in each room with an appliance that burns gas, oil, coal or wood, and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue says to choose an audible one that meets EN 50291. This FireAngel runs on two AA batteries and conforms to EN 50291, the listing says. It also says it does not meet the newer rules for Scottish homes.
What buyers say
Buyers like
- Takes minutes to wall mount, or can simply stand on a shelf(8 of 13 reviews)
- The test alarm is very loud, and a light shows it is working(4 of 13 reviews)
- Compact and light enough to sit out of the way(6 of 13 reviews)
Our summary of the 13 reviews Amazon showed on 27 Sept 2026, counted by us.
More about this pick
- Size
- about 12 x 8 x 5 cm
- Weight
- 141 g
- In the box
- Carbon Monoxide Alarm, 2 x AA Batteries, Manual
From the Amazon listing, recorded 27 Sept 2026. Sizes are the listing's own.
Price: we have checked it on 22 days; Amazon showed a discount of 10% or more on 22 of them, including today.
LED tea lights instead of candles
4.6 on Amazon · 840 ratings · 5K+ bought last month · #1 in Candle Lights · recorded 27 Sept 2026
London Fire Brigade calls flameless LED candles a much safer alternative to real candles or tea lights, because they can be left unattended. This AMAGIC pack has 12 battery LED tea lights, per the listing, enough for a little light in each room.
What buyers say
Buyers like
- Each one gives off a bright, warm glow(4 of 9 reviews)
- Safer than a flame and no wax mess(3 of 9 reviews)
Our summary of the 9 reviews Amazon showed on 27 Sept 2026, counted by us.
More about this pick
- Size
- about 3.6 x 3.6 x 3.5 cm
- Material
- Plastic
- Pack
- pack of 12
From the Amazon listing, recorded 27 Sept 2026. Sizes are the listing's own.
Price: we have checked it on 24 days; Amazon showed a discount of 10% or more on 0 of them.
Can wait
- A portable power station. Gov.uk's list asks for a power bank for phones. For laptops or bigger loads, see the power bank vs power station comparison.
- A head torch. Handy for cooking or the stairs, but gov.uk's list only asks for one battery or wind-up torch.
Skip it
- SkipReal candles as the main lightGov.uk says torches are safer than candles. If you do light one, London Fire Brigade says use a heat-resistant holder on a stable surface away from curtains, and put it out when you leave the room.
- SkipA generator or barbecue indoorsShropshire Fire and Rescue says a generator should always be kept and run outdoors, and the NHS says never to use a barbecue or camping stove indoors, because of carbon monoxide.
Quick questions
What number do I call in a power cut?
105 in England, Scotland and Wales, and 03457 643643 in Northern Ireland, according to gov.uk's Prepare site. It suggests writing the number down on paper, so you still have it if your phone is flat.
What is the Priority Services Register?
A register that lets your energy supplier know you need additional support. Gov.uk's Prepare site says to sign up with your supplier if you are eligible; your supplier can tell you who qualifies.
How long will the fridge and freezer stay cold?
Several hours, if you keep the doors closed, says gov.uk's Prepare site. It also says to turn off items such as irons, ovens, electric fires and fryers during the cut.
Can I use a camping stove or barbecue indoors in a power cut?
No. The NHS says never to use a barbecue or camping stove indoors, and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue says a barbecue still gives off carbon monoxide after the flames have gone out. Generators belong outside too, says Shropshire Fire and Rescue.
Where should a carbon monoxide alarm go?
In each room with an appliance that burns gas, oil, coal or wood, such as a boiler, gas fire or log burner, according to the NHS and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue. Choose an audible alarm that meets EN 50291. A battery alarm keeps working in a power cut. If you suspect a gas leak or carbon monoxide, the National Gas Helpline is 0800 111 999.
Sources: GOV.UK Prepare: Power cuts (checked 26 September 2026); GOV.UK Prepare: Get prepared for emergencies (checked 26 September 2026); NHS: Carbon monoxide poisoning (checked 26 September 2026); Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service: Carbon monoxide (checked 26 September 2026); Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service: Generators and carbon monoxide (checked 26 September 2026); London Fire Brigade: Candles (checked 26 September 2026).
