Anker 20,000 mAh power bank
- What it is
- A pocket battery that charges phones several times.
- Why
- Most outages are short. This covers communication for most of them.
- Watch out
- Recharge every few months. Self-discharge drains it slowly.
Backup power: power stations, generators and solar
Decide what you need to keep running, then size to it. For most homes that's phones, lights, a fridge and maybe one medical device.
Reviewed October 2026 against guidance from CDC, CPSC, FEMA. Prices are typical ranges; check the live price before you buy.
Quick picks
- Everyone needsAnker 20,000 mAh power bankMost outages are short. This covers communication for most of them.
- Best for most homes1 kWh class power station (Jackery Explorer 1000, EcoFlow DELTA, Anker SOLIX C1000)Runs a fridge in cycles, a CPAP for several nights, or lights and phones for a week. Safe indoors.
- Don't skipBattery-powered CO alarm (Kidde, First Alert)Generators and fuel heaters cause CO poisoning every outage. This is the cheapest life-saver on the site.
Prices are typical ranges. Buy links are affiliate links; as an Amazon Associate, PrepScore earns from qualifying purchases. Disclosure
How much you need
- Phone recharge
- ~15 WhA 20,000 mAh bank holds about four recharges.
- Fridge per day
- 1 to 2 kWhNewer fridges are on the lower end. Run it in cycles to stretch battery.
- CPAP per night
- ~30 to 60 WhWithout heated humidifier. Check your machine's spec.
- Generator distance
- 20+ ftFrom doors, windows and vents, pointing away from the house.
When it matters
How important each item is in each kind of emergency.
| Item | Outage | Grid down | Evacuate | Shelter | Bad water | Earthquake |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phone power banks | ||||||
| Power station or generator | ||||||
| Battery CO alarm |
Critical Important Useful
- Phone power banks: Your phone is your map, flashlight, radio and alert system. A charged bank keeps it alive for days.
- Power station or generator: Keeps a fridge, CPAP, router or medical device running. Most valuable for long outages.
- Battery CO alarm: Generators, heaters and stoves used during outages are a leading cause of carbon monoxide deaths.
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Start here
Cheap, high-impact basics everyone should own.
Battery-powered CO alarm (Kidde, First Alert)
- What it is
- A carbon monoxide alarm that keeps working with power out.
- Why
- Generators and fuel heaters cause CO poisoning every outage. This is the cheapest life-saver on the site.
- Watch out
- Plug-in alarms without battery backup stop working when you need them.
Step up
Where most prepared households land.
1 kWh class power station (Jackery Explorer 1000, EcoFlow DELTA, Anker SOLIX C1000)
- What it is
- A silent lithium battery with AC outlets, USB ports and solar input.
- Why
- Runs a fridge in cycles, a CPAP for several nights, or lights and phones for a week. Safe indoors.
- Watch out
- Compare usable capacity (Wh), surge rating and battery chemistry. LiFePO4 lasts far more cycles.
$400 to $900Best for: Apartments, CPAP users, short to medium outagesCheck price on AmazonAffiliate link
100 to 200 W folding solar panel
- What it is
- A portable panel that recharges a power station.
- Why
- Turns a few days of battery into an indefinite supply for small loads.
- Watch out
- Real-world output is often half the rating. Match the connector to your station.
Go deep
For long outages, big households and rural homes.
Inverter generator (Honda EU2200i, Champion dual-fuel)
- What it is
- A quiet gas or dual-fuel generator with clean power for electronics.
- Why
- Fuel-based power for days or weeks. Dual-fuel models run on propane, which stores for years.
- Watch out
- Outdoors only, 20 feet from the house. Never in a garage, even with the door open.
Large expandable battery system (2 to 6 kWh)
- What it is
- A home-scale battery that can connect to a transfer switch and expand with add-on packs.
- Why
- Whole-circuit backup for fridge, furnace blower, well pump or sump with no fumes.
- Watch out
- Check if your loads need 240V. Professional installation is needed for a transfer switch.
$1,500 to $4,000Best for: Houses with medical equipment or well pumpsCheck price on AmazonAffiliate link
How to choose
- List what you need running and add up watt-hours per day. Buy capacity for that, plus 20%.
- Check surge watts for motors: fridges, pumps and furnace blowers spike at start.
- Prefer LiFePO4 batteries for longevity and safety.
- For generators, dual-fuel adds flexibility. Propane doesn't go stale like gasoline.
Mistakes to avoid
- Running a generator in a garage, carport or under a window. This kills people every year.
- Backfeeding a house through a dryer outlet. It can electrocute utility workers. Use a transfer switch or interlock.
- Storing gasoline without stabilizer. It starts degrading within months.
- Never testing. Run your generator or station under load twice a year.
Questions
Can a power station run a refrigerator?
Yes. Most modern fridges use about 1 to 2 kWh per day, so a 1 kWh station can run one for many hours. Check that the station's surge rating covers the compressor's startup.
Power station or generator?
Power stations are silent, safe indoors and maintenance-free, but limited by capacity. Generators provide much more energy for long outages but must run outdoors. Many households use both.
What size power station do I need for a CPAP?
Most CPAPs use 30 to 60 Wh per night without humidification. A 500 Wh station covers several nights. Use a DC adapter if available; it's more efficient.
Sources
- CDC: What to Do During a Power Outage
- CDC: Avoiding Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
- CPSC: Portable Generator Safety Alert
- FEMA: Be Prepared for a Power Outage
We check this guide against these sources when we review it. Read how we research and review.
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