Emergency Energy Calculator
An extended power outage can leave your family without lighting, communication, and the ability to charge devices. This calculator estimates what you need for basic energy self-sufficiency.
PlanRefugio UK Team Updated: March 2026
Energy guide for emergencies
Electricity is one of the first services to fail in an emergency. A basic energy plan can be the difference between a night in the dark and staying connected to emergency services.
Battery types
- AA/AAA alkaline: the most common. Last 5–7 years in storage. Ideal for flashlights and radios
- Lithium batteries: last longer and perform better in extreme cold, but cost more
- Power banks: rechargeable, ideal for smartphones. Look for 20,000+ mAh models
- Portable solar panels: allow recharging power banks and devices. Useful for emergencies over 3 days
Emergency lighting
- One LED headlamp per person is more practical than a handheld flashlight (keeps hands free)
- Candles are cheap but carry a real fire risk
- Hand-crank or dynamo lights need no batteries but produce less light
- Always keep a flashlight by the bed and one by the door
Communication without power
A NOAA weather radio with solar or hand-crank charging is essential for receiving emergency broadcasts. Smartphones drain fast when everyone is trying to call at once. Save battery by switching to airplane mode and using only SMS or short messages.
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