Power outages are inconvenient and disruptive, but there are inexpensive preparations you can make so that the next time the lights go out is less of an ordeal.
It's advisable to always have candles, matches, and a lighter in a place in your home where you can find them. An LED flashlight with spare batteries should also always be easily accessible.
These flashlights are cheap – around US$10 (RM42.34) – safer than candles, and provide much more light, according to German tech platform Techstage.
Generate your own electricity
However, don't use rechargeable batteries for the emergency flashlight because they discharge themselves over time. An alternative could be emergency flashlights which are permanently charged at the socket.
Some lamps and flashlights can be charged by turning a crank handle, while others have an integrated solar panel. Some crank-operated lamps even have a radio.
A small emergency radio is useful to be able to get information in case mobile phone networks are down or the smartphone has run out of juice, experts say.
Get a power bank
Speaking of smartphones: They have become indispensable devices, with a flashlight, radio, telephone, internet access and many other functions at your fingertips. But only as long as your phone is charged. That's why it's always worth having a power bank handy.
Power banks with a capacity of 10,000 mAh cost around US$10 (RM42.34) and can fully charge almost any smartphone at least twice.
After that, the power bank will have to be connected to the grid for charging – unless it has a small integrated solar panel to give it partial self-sufficiency. Those cost around US$33 (RM127). Models with larger, fold-out panels cost around US$50 (RM211.60).
The larger the panel surface, the faster the power bank will charge. Sunshine also speeds up the charging process. Without direct sunlight or under cloudy skies, charging takes longer. – dpa
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