After the [2025 Iberian Peninsula blackout](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_Iberian_Peninsula_blackout), I decided to form a set of tools that would've been incredibly helpful during the blackout. The list is not long, but is ever changing, so I think it may be more important to share the train of thought rather than simply links to stuff I bought. # Motivation I am *not* becoming a prepper: I don't want a rifle, a bunker or means to survive years by myself. I want **tools that might be useful for an emergency until everything goes back to normal or I can receive help**. My definition of that, right now, is things that I can use (mostly at home) without electricity, gas or water supplies that can help me stay safe and somehow comfortable for, at most, 24-48 hours (what I consider plenty for emergency services to reach most of the population in most cases). Everything else I consider a nice-to-have but I am not trying to cover it. # Detailed Setup ## Tools - [x] A **flashlight**: I wanted a flashlight that is compact, preferably can be attached to use hands-free, rugged and worked with both batteries and USB charging. I decided to get a [Streamlight PolyTac 90X](https://www.streamlight.com/products/detail/polytac-90-x), a compact L-shaped flashlight that runs on 2 [[CR123A Battery|CR123A]] batteries or a [Streamlight USB-C rechargeable battery](https://www.streamlight.com/products/detail/sl-b-26-usb-battery). This is probably the most rugged tool of this list, since it's likely going to be the one I'm going to beat up the most. - [ ] A **camping stove**: I do have a gas kitchen but I would like to be able to cook small meals in case the gas supply is cut. For that reason, I would like to buy a small camping stove that can be tucked away easily at home. - [x] A **FM Radio**: the only way to get information during a blackout, I wanted a FM radio receiver that works both on batteries and can be charged via USB. I found [this crazy radio](https://www.amazon.es/dp/B0DMVFYPML?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1) that includes not only all that but two different stationary flashlights, powerbank utility and solar charging to reduce the battery usage when running. It works on the integrated battery or a couple of [[AA Battery|AA batteries]], but I am not sure if it - [x] A **powerbank**: apart from my usual traveling powerbank, I wanted something extra to be stored. The above radio also checked this, so for now I think it's fine. ## Consumables - [x] **Batteries**: For the tools, I need [[AA Battery|AA]] and [[CR123A Battery|CR123A]], which luckily I had at home already. - [x] **Candles**: I think having a pack of tea candles at home can be useful during a blackout. - [ ] **Water**: Bottled water in case the supply is interrupted. - [ ] **Food**: I do have pasta, legumes and canned food at home, but I do not have a dedicated stash yet for emergencies. I would also need to set a process to track expiration dates and re-stock. - [ ] A **first-aid kit**: I have bare-bones medicines and bandages but it would be wise to stock up on that. ## Entertainment - [x] **Books**: I currently use daily a [[Kobo Libra Colour]] and have all my books downloaded offline and organized via [[Calibre]]. The reader consumes barely any power when the backlight off so I consider that to be covered. - [ ] **Games**: I do have some board games but I probably should get a card deck.