Power bank or power station for a power cut?

What the government says to have ready

The government's Prepare campaign lists a battery or wind-up torch, which it calls safer than candles, a portable power bank for your mobile phone, a battery or wind-up radio and spare batteries. Which? adds that a charged phone matters so you can receive emergency messages.

Report a cut on 105 in England, Scotland and Wales, or 03457 643643 in Northern Ireland, and keep fridge and freezer doors shut so they stay cold for several hours. If you use medical equipment that needs power, gov.uk says to plan now with your care provider, and to look at the free Priority Services Register.

What a power station adds

Which? describes a power station as a massive battery with outlets that can run appliances, noting that it takes a while to charge and can also be charged from solar panels. The pick below has one AC socket rated at 300W.

That covers a router, a lamp or a laptop, not heating. The Centre for Sustainable Energy's appliance table lists an electric heater at 2,000W, well beyond a 300W socket.

Charging and storing safely

London Fire Brigade advises using the charger that came with a device, or a branded, genuine replacement from a supplier you trust. Do not leave batteries on charge once full or overnight, never cover a charger, and protect batteries from being crushed, punctured or soaked.

Avoid storing or charging them in very hot or cold places; Which? says to keep a power bank at room temperature and out of direct sunlight. If a battery swells, stop charging it at once and do not open the casing.