9 things to have handy when you lose power.

You never know when you’ll lose power. But when you do, do you know where your emergency supplies are? Are you fully stocked with first aid and food? Would you be able to access the things you need to be safe in the dark? Our experts collected nine essential items you need to have on hand — that are handy — for any upcoming power outages.

When you lose power, stay prepared with:

Flashlights. Keep a flashlight in every room or designate a flashlight for each person. Ensure everyone knows where they are and how to navigate safely to them in the dark.Batteries. Stock up on batteries for flashlights and other key devices. Store them in a set spot that’s easy to reach … you don’t want to be climbing a step stool or ladder in the dark.A first-aid kit. When you’re moving around in the dark, you’re more likely to run into something and get a cut, scrape, or bruise. Make sure you have a first-aid kit with bandages, gauze, ointment, medication, etc. easily accessible. We suggest having extra medicine readily available for any animals, too.Emergency contacts. Store the numbers in your phone for your power company, primary care doctors, independent agent, and any repair workers. Keep a separate physical copy in an emergency kit in case your phone battery runs out and you’re unable to charge it.A cooler and ice. Throwing away food from your refrigerator and freezer is a hassle … and it’s expensive. Instead of purging spoiled food items, keep a cooler at home and reusable ice packs in your freezer for any upcoming emergencies. Bonus: See how long experts suggest food is safe during a power outage.Non-perishable foods. It’s likely you already have some food items that don’t need electricity to be enjoyed. If you don’t often have these options available, add non-perishables, like granola bars, nut butter, tuna fish, canned fruits and vegetables, and shelf-stable beverages that don’t require refrigeration to your next grocery list.Bottled water. You’ll need drinking water, but you might also need bottled water to brush your teeth and wash your hands. Keep extra jugs or bottles of water in a basement or closet so you’re ready for any emergency.Car chargers for phones, tablets, and other electronic devices. If you can keep devices charged via your car, you’ll be able to check the weather, contact your power company for a restoration update, keep your family and friends updated, and have a device on hand in case of further emergencies.Board games. Power outages aren’t the most enjoyable. To keep your kids entertained and away from possible hazards, bring out board games, books, cards, and other non-electronic devices to keep them engaged.

Though power outages are inconvenient, you can stay safer and calmer when you lose power with these tips. For more expert safety and insurance advice, talk to your local, independent agent today.

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