My Emergency Box for Power Outages and Power Cuts - Back-up Power, Lighting, Heating and Cooking.

In this video, I wanted to share with you my emergency power cut, power outage box. I put this box of back-up kit together out of frustration at the frequency of power cuts we seem to be getting recently and sadly I think its only going to get worse - changing climate causing more extreme weather, forced cuts in supply due to the worsening energy crisis and energy supplies not able to keep up with demand - we need to be prepared.
My emergency box contains a number of useful items my family and I might need if the power goes off - stuff to make life without power a bit more comfortable - lighting, heating, cooking, back-up power and some entertainment.
Get yourself organised, so you don’t need to fumble around in the dark next time the lights go out!
I hope you enjoy the video,
Thanks for watching.
Links
Plano Trunk
www.cadetdirect.com/plano-sma...
Camping Gaz Stove
www.wowcamping.co.uk/productD...
Poweroak AC50 Power Unit
poweroak.co.uk/en/powerbanks/...
Olight Obulb
www.olightstore.uk/obulb-mc-o...
Olight S1r Baton Torch
www.olightstore.uk/s1r-baton-...
Tealight Candles
www.ikea.com/gb/en/
Hot Water Bottle
www.amazon.co.uk/Vagabond-Rib...
Simon, a bloke in the woods Merchandise
simon-a-bloke-in-the-woods.te...
Contact me at:
[e-mail]
Or by mail at:
Simon, a bloke in the woods
PO Box 384
Diss
Norfolk
IP22 9DB
UK
Facebook - Simon, a bloke in the woods
Simon-a-blok...
Instagram - simon_a_bloke_in_the_woods
simon_a_blo...
Music
Olmsted Pond - Jesse Gallagher
Jeramiah’s Song - Dan Lebowitz

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Hi folks, thanks for watching. I want to add a very important safety point to this video - please always place tea light candles on a non-flammable surface (like a plate or saucer) - they get hot once the wax has melted and can be a fire hazard - I should have made this clear in the video! Safety first folks!!

[@paulsouth3926]

Ha! 'Elf-n-Safety'. Trouble these days there's not to much common sense. To think when I was a lad you just reached for a bog standard candle.

[@podden22]

Yeah, I've seen tea candles scorch a wooden table. It get hottest at the very end as the last of the wax burns off. Good video! I have to get my kit together too!

[@mitchyuk]

I was just coming here to link to this helpful article. I know a few firemen, none of them have anything good to say about candles and tea lights, sadly. www.europeanfiresafetyalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/31.pdf

[@stephengomme777]

Hi Simon get sum fluffy covers for the hot water bottles is a good idea soft and cosse fealing

[@CherryBlossomHill]

We’re very familiar with power outages in California, food should stay cold enough to last in your fridge as long as you don’t open the door frequently for about a day, I kept wondering how to cook dry goods on a burner if the “big one” hit after we accumulated months of dry legumes for emergency supplies in 2020 when stores couldn’t keep food in stock for months on end. I had not realized you could buy a table top stove burner that runs off of gas canisters All I could think of up till now was to use our propane barbecue as a heat source for cooking if we ever lost power in an earthquake. Really hope there won’t be too many power outages this winter for you guys; although it’s kind of cool knowing we can survive without electricity with these huge batteries. We have a large foldable solar panel we can use to recharge our battery for small appliances on road trips that are starting to be somewhat more commonly seen these days. That was a very cool video, and you look so happy 🎉 how is Maggie btw? Sending hugs from California ❤❤

[@jammaman]

"I'm not a prepper, but I'm prepared for certain scenarios, that may or may not happen." ... You're a prepper mate... that doesnt make you a nutter either!👍🏼

[@willjohnson1273]

Some glow in the dark tape applied to the box so you can find it in the dark/not fall over it in the dark might be a good addition.

[@markirish7599]

This is my day to day life. I live in a house that has no electricity for the past 28 weeks . I have a couple of solar panels and deep cycle battery . I cook with gas have a cheap generator for power tool use . Life is surprising fine . Trust me you don't need half of the electric gadgets most people have . We as humans lived happily for thousands of years without electricity . Just eat well and stay warm . Spring isn't to far away 😊

[@kevins4404]

If each of us were a prepper, our whole society would be stronger, safer and less fearful which lends to the capacity to be kinder and helpful to others.

[@Jaysonbc1234]

Great video. The great Commie reset is getting closer. Soon we'll all be equally poor apart from those in WEFminster. Now I'm off to get my 17th booster to flatten the curve.

[@johncasey5594]

I got bad news for you. You sir are indeed a prepper. Preppers come in all shapes and sizes.

[@gregphillips.1312]

My local Home Bargains have 4 of those Butane cylinders for £3.99 at the moment 😉

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Not called Home Bargains for nothing! 😉😁

[@jonbroadsword7572]

Great idea Simon, and timely since it seems to be getting darker in Winter. One thing I would suggest - 'Glow in the Dark' tape or paint on the Emergency Box, so you can find it in the dark without tripping over it.

[@umaiar]

I'm late jumping in, having just found the channel. My solution is to keep a flashlight by the bed. And of course I have a mini one (Rovyvon) on my keychain, one in the kitchen, and a small collection in the office lol

[@CM-tj1fg]

"I've always got wood!" quote of the day Simon!!!

[@lancelape1202]

.....a bloke in the dark. Good stuff as always brother, thank you!

[@scottfromfl6828]

You are a preper whether you want to be or not .Nothing wrong with being prepared

[@warrenstanford7240]

Good supply of batteries of various sizes for more powerful lanterns for indoor use and flashlight for outdoors use on your property .

[@loupiscanis9449]

Thank you , Simon . 🐺 Loupis Canis .

[@kathiwalker7512]

Be prepared, thank you. We lose our power quite frequently.

[@ramtharthegreat]

First thing when the power goes out in England: "Right, get a kettle on."

[@Sara45499]

Тонкий английский юмор❤❤❤

[@bryanhall9034]

A very interesting and helpful “Be Prepared” video. One item I would add to your kit is a rechargeable headband light. You can slip this,on find your way about and it leaves both hands free to do jobs.

[@thizizliz]

Great advice! Due to recent powercuts (they were replacing poles and took power down 4 or 5 times in one month - we were given a massive power box and solar panels to run hubby's oxygen, a fan, lamp and charge our devices. I'm always thinking of such things because we are in a rural area and earthquake country. So we'd have no heat but do have a gas grill, with a long lighter just in case. Flashlights tucked in each room and keeping the floors free of trip hazards at all times. Hubby also keeps a full week's supply of medications at a minimum, we have clean, filtered water as well as lots of accessible food.

[@TCKNurse]

I got a good chuckle out of this. Dad power went out. I got ya! (puts water on for a hot beverage) Great idea for keep a kit all together rather then fumbling around trying to find everything in the dark.

[@wrylife57]

Great video and a reminder to get it all together, thanks, Simon, "a bloke in the dark." lol

[@ihavemyshield]

Those long matches are good to keep too

[@jkline999]

We used to have problems with power going out, so I spent $20,000 on a 40kw generator, generator house and the wiring. After that, we hardly ever lose power.

[@philholman8520]

The sensible man! 👍✌️🇬🇧

[@Uploaderization]

This is a super late comment, but remember that some houses need electricity to pump water to the faucets. Store water, and count on at least three liters of water per person / 24 hours.

[@liammalarky3483]

The power bank and decent torches aside, we've had kit like this under the sink since the 1970's. As well as the pack of cards we also had a box of dominoes and some rolls of Toffos. Timely vid, thanks.

[@steveherridge8965]

Toffos, brilliant. Haven't heard that in ages 🤣

[@sea-tour]

A lot of good Tipps. Not only by Black outs . Also for the Car in Winter in Traffic Jam or accident. I add two Sleeping bags Thanks Simon for the Video

[@MHarenArt]

Well, like you said I have all that stuff, but putting it into ONE kit is brilliant. I'm off to make that happen! Thanks Simon! I can always count on learning something from you!

[@Trains-With-Shane]

We have a fairly extensive setup for power outages. We have two gasoline generators, oil lanterns, battery powered lanterns, butane, isobutane, and propane fuel and stoves, fire starting gear as well as hardware to process firewood if needed, and a large battery backup. We're pretty set here at home. It came in handy a year or so ago when almost the entire state of Texas was without power in the winter.

[@TOAOZuur]

Is alkylate fuel such as Aspen 4T available in the US? I'm using that with great success in my Coleman stoves and lanterns inside tents but also inside the house. Without complaining from my girlfriend about smell.

[@Trains-With-Shane]

@@TOAOZuur I have never looked for that specifically but I know that the liquid Coleman fuel is available. There are some fuels such as "HEET" which is largely Methyl Alcohol that are available as well. Interestingly it's sold as a gasoline additive but works VERY well in alcohol stoves like the Trangia.

[@DebsPhotography]

You know, I so need to do something like this for myself. Thanks for giving me some ideas

[@spook233]

I love the way the Brits say 'aluminium'. I feel like a little magic was taken from American English by its exclusion

[@joncarter8372]

The deck of cards is a great idea.

[@spongebobgrumpypants6862]

I'd add puzzle books (crosswords, sudoku etc), pens/pencils, colouring books for kids

[@andrewwhitehead4619]

Hi Simon love your Stuff, currently making a .50cal ammo box wood burner from your video a while back, I have been prepping for this sort of stuff for a year or so now and I think a vid on home water collection and filtration/treatment would be very beneficial to your subscribers. A serious note to everyone is if you think it’s bad now, it is going to get an awful lot worse, the planned power cuts will be the tip of the iceberg, water, food, they are all coming. Be prepared people!

[@gwaponobby]

You are lucky to have a home. Super lucky to have all that stuff.

[@dmytrochan7402]

Your videos always bring the atmosphere of an interesting trip. We had a difficult day today. Thanks from Ukraine. Thanks to the power outages, I read more good books.

[@Sara45499]

Землякам привет! Держитесь!

[@dmytrochan7402]

@@Sara45499Дякую за підтримку.

[@dwaynef5410]

Where I live we have hurricanes a lot. So I keep a bug out bag packed at all times with 30 day food supply, cooking utensils and stove and plenty of oil lamps and battery powered lamps. I also have a solar charging panel with USB port to charge phones and most of the electric lamps I have. Being prepared is smart!

[@sarcasmo57]

Sorry to hear about the power situation there.

[@georgeshort4112]

Nothing wrong with being a prepper. Great video.

[@aulii11]

I agree! Unfortunately the word has taken on a kind of negative connotation among some folks, but it never hurts to be prepared for a power outage or any other situation, whether natural or manmade.

[@craiglake6091]

I also like to be prepared even though I am not really a “prepper.” I try to keep my stuff in separate easy access bags of things I might need in the first three minutes, first three hours and the first three days. Thank you for your insights on having an organized bag (box.)

[@Simon_W74]

I built a power box years ago for taking camping with a suitcase type Solar panel, so we could run lights in out tent and charge our devices. I still took them with us when we were off grip camping in our Motorhome as a back up, and to run lights in our drive away awning. The Panel was for back up in case I need to add it in to the other panels on the van if the weather was really dismal. Which was never needed. So now both are powering my Wife's Summer house I built for her and am just needing to finish off. So when we have had Power cuts that are going to last a bit we just jump in the Motorhome.

[@seanorrick8921]

Love the Cabelas teeshirt. That's my playground.

[@Rob.1340]

Thank you. All the best. 👍🐾🐾😎

[@brightantwerp]

Great idea to keep all together. Also wear your beanie indoors, so your head doesn't get cold. 😉

[@vipulsajagane9469]

When I read "Simon a block in the dark" I lost it completely 😂😂😂

[@josephinecronin1195]

I also bought some cheap garden solar lights which are charging in the garden right now and not switched on. I also have some small screw in wall hooks. The plan is to have, basically, fairy lights running up the stairs and also in my daughter’s bedroom. For ambience rather than illumination. But to make it less foreboding. I’m old enough to remember the 70s black outs. While it was thrilling as a kid, I know it was worrying for my parents. We stayed in one room with candles and a radio. Which reminds me, I also have a couple of radio ls in my power cut box.

[@safarijoesadventures]

Nothing wrong with being a little bit prepared. And I love the deck of cards. It will help you stay busy and the darkness won’t seem as long. There’s a lot of games that can be played with a deck of cards lol.

[@robertogomez3698]

Hi Simon, great video. My dad always encouraged us to be prepared for traveling and living at home. Having a dedicated kit for different scenarios has gone a long way. Several things stood out from your kit though, hot water bottles for heat, and a dedicated tea kettle, nice. As for the tea candles, like with other candles, I would advise using them in a container; to reduce the chance of knocking them over and accidentally starting a fire. I will be updating my kit, by taking in some of your ideas. Thanks

[@southbucksbushcraft6572]

Been thinking about making my own power cut emergency box these past few weeks. Thanks for the ideas 👍

[@user-bi8ko7kc6h]

I personally won't put tea light candles or any sort of candles directly on the desk for fire safety reason. Candle holder/a plate/heatproof mat are great. Especially if you've got kids/pets at home, try to keep them away from fire.

[@colinpratt3399]

That was a public information film brought to you by Simon, a bloke in the woods lol. Too many houses being built which the grid can't cope with. Good video.

[@TOAOZuur]

A Trangia stove fueled with Bio-Ethanol is also great for cooking indoors.

[@northernembersoutdoors1045]

Lol love the start..

[@paulharding1621]

Nice one, we have stoves, candles, lots of batteries, oil lamps, battery lamp etc. If I can’t use my computer for a bit I’m not too worried. 👍

[@mobasherkhan7802]

Hi, you can plug the the modem in your power unit to have access to Internet. Extended power outages are a daily routine here, so we got a UPS setup. The old fashion way using a couple of large car batteries. Keep up the good work...

[@denisemeredith2436]

Some good ideas, I have torches all over my house which help as I am blind in one eye. I just need a stove top kettle. I have a portable CD player and plenty of batteries and I keep some CDs with the player too. I also keep a pack of cards and have a travel game or two that only need one person to play (I am a singleton).

[@shaunarundel8672]

Tea lights should always be in a holder, the aluminium foil is just to keep the wax together. They get extremely hot and will burn the surface they are on, wood plastic ect. Put them on a small plate or glass jar to be safe.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Very good point Shaun - I should have mentioned the fire risk in the video, I’ve added a pinned comment pointing this out now 👍👍

[@heidimeigs5192]

Dollar Tree….tea light/votive candle holders.

[@barbaradionne7768]

Good one Simon. I’m going to follow your lead . Thank you for the simple but wise advice. 😊🇨🇦

[@jeanetteschulthe1andOnly]

Good idea Simon, thank you for doing this.

[@earlhayes2969]

Great idea Simon thanks

[@rhyssimms591]

Simon, a bloke in a hat.🤣 all jokes a side Great video 👌🏼🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@johnbennett9101]

Ironically I am watching this during a power cut!!! The watch is worth my phone’s battery life. All the best Simon Cheers 👍🙏❤️

[@jellyb1945]

What an excellent idea 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@markjarvis1600]

Great idea Simon. But. The tea lights that you put on the sideboard, the aluminium cases get very hot, not good when the lady of the house sees the damage

[@cgriggsiv]

My power goes out I'm like okay no problem I'm going back to bed I'll deal with it later if it's not back on after I get back up that's when I'll deal with it And I totally understand about being prepared thank you Simon for a good video as always

[@bronoun8884]

Sounds like an awful lot of wasted energy. Id just stay in bed

[@orenmontgomery8250]

🎖🥉🎖

[@bronoun8884]

@@orenmontgomery8250 medals for staying in bed who do you think i am john lennon😂

[@orenmontgomery8250]

@@bronoun8884 to be fair, I didn't have to leave the recliner to give you the "medal" either. 😁

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

😂😂 Or the pub is always another option 😉

[@inahuffman6999]

Simple yet effective. Thanks for the vid!

[@RandyLea]

Hi Maggie! I’ve had a very large black dog in an extended power outage. I found that a small led light clipped on the collar prevents crashing over a sleeping black dog in the dark. I have a wood stove that burns pellets, but it requires a small amount of electricity. To work in a blackout, I have a propane generator, since propane stores a lot longer and safer than gasoline, although a power bank like yours would work as well. I have a stove like yours, I also have an IKEA hobo stove that uses twigs. You don’t really have to modify these for them to work, you can just use the IKEA silverware holder. I highly suggest these, especially folks on a tight budget. You have to burn them on a safe surface, I use bricks around the house. One important thing I suggest if the temperature is very cold for an extended blackout is to shut off the water and drain the pipes to prevent frozen water pipes.

[@paulwilson7234]

A video worth watching. 👍

[@gary7vn]

I also have some Baofeng UVR 5 transceivers for use in case the cell phone network goes down.

[@paulseeman6481]

Thanks Simon, useful idea!

[@craigloveridge4833]

Great idea for a video!!

[@snapdragon2441]

Don’t forget a glow collar or tag for your black dog. You don’t want to trip over him/her in the dark.

[@treksntarps]

Nice one Simon . Some good sensible advice there 👍. Take care .

[@Zombiesheriff]

Some great tips 👍🏻

[@ek-nz]

Brilliant topic! Can’t wait to watch the whole thing this evening and see what ideas I can incorporate into my own kit.

[@lyndamcdougal3300]

I’m ready, I have all the necessary stuff. People where I live laugh at me saying I’m stupid, never will the power go off. I have candles, matches, water, plenty food and the stove like you, then I have blankets to keep warm. I have seen the schedule of when and where power will go off. Up to three to four hours at a time a few times a week, after 4 pm.

[@dianebannister965]

That's a good idea by putting everything in a box, thanks Simon x

[@Flakybones]

Enjoyed that Simon, some good ideas 💡 👍

[@dianejacklin4338]

Thank you so much Simon. What a brilliant idea. We have made a note of everything and will now make up an emergency box.

[@Kenbur]

great suggestions, thanks Simon👍

[@craiglake6091]

I've been waiting for this video from you Simon, thank you.

[@pnowikow]

Good ideas in that create. Thanks for doing that

[@deeweeuavp]

Yes, they laughed when I brought a camping stove to work, for hot coffees and stews - Covid hit !! I was isolated on breaks ... Now threats of power cuts or a broken boiler. Out comes the trusty gas cooker for heat or a cuppa. Have a few spare in storage. And taken delivery of a 28 parcel of gas cylinders. I prepared :)

[@maryjames7193]

Love it. Great idea.

[@brandonzayres]

Great video! Thanks!

[@denaredford6701]

Good tips , thank you .

[@dlee6014]

Great vid 💯

[@hubby-tubadventures01]

Rose tinted glasses time, Simon, it was never an issue in the 70's and I remember the cuts with a bit of fondness to be fair. I'm ready as the vast majority of us outdoor enthusiasts will be 😉. Ooh don't forget the wind up radios and torches too. Always handy to have in your box of tricks.

[@janhbhugo5085]

Nice timely video !

[@MASTURBIKER]

I'm going to get one because my cousin has one, a diesel generator. Last power outage we had I went around there they had lights, the fridge was going, tv and Nintendo.....it was like there wasn't even a blackout.....still keep a torch to see when setting it up but yeah, always thought they had a brilliant set up for such occasions...

[@foodndat]

great vid simon ty for upload

[@gary7vn]

A battery powered radio, solar, crank, battery is SUPER important and useful.

[@denisewilson1624]

Amazing video. Thank you, you are right most of us have all the bits but all in different places around the home great idea all to gather will sort it tomorrow 😀

[@stephendavies923]

A great idea Simon, I was looking around my home thinking, yes that is in that cupboard, oh that is under the stairs etc, so time to get it all together. I would add a couple of items, one is old saucers\small plates to put tea lights on and one of those small wind-up\solar panel\battery AM\FM radios as a little music in the background can break the boredom. Let's hope we don't have to use them much this winter, all the best.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Good additions! I should have mentioned saucers etc for the tea lights 👍👍

[@kieranorourke2269]

@@simonablokeinthewoods no Siri of course not 😂 you got a battery generator just plug in your router n back up the Wi-Fi is on backs up anyway

[@williambennett7611]

Great little useful vid, thanks

[@jonathanevans409]

Nice one, Simon gave me an idea . I will do 2 kit one for house and my van for work

[@MA-uu3sb]

Awesome idea Simon. Thank you for informative video. Always good to be prepared and having things in one place. I have things all over the place and the box is an awesome idea

[@L1ghtOn3]

I've had to do this a few times, so glad there were candles in the house, but one time nothing to light them with, had to run down to the shops for a lighter, so always keep a lighter now lol I often do wonder, bk before street lights when they had the lamps instead, just how eerie it would have been at nights, especially during the cold winters. I still believe in a good old log fire though, but in council houses they made them fill up or close the fireplace, which I think is just wrong, we are all far too used to using electricity and forget about the basics, this goes for food too, we should all be growing our own, yeah most definitely. 👍🏼

[@jame2182]

Interesting and informative.

[@jaysnyder3779]

Thank you Simon. Watching your channel has taught me a lot. Keep it simple stupid is my motto. Thanks again.

[@hangtough503]

Beautifully explained. Great gear. Power outages are no joke. Hope everyone can build out a kit like this. Great to spread this message. D🤙😎🇺🇸

[@wattsadonnasaurs4810]

My Mom, Depression era USA - they put bricks in the fireplace, wrapped in towels/rags put in the bed to warm it especially at the feet. NO water, just heat from the fireplace =+ FREE --- Just got a hurricane lamp 12 candle power + heat ----------- STAY warm !!