When the power goes out, most people panic. The lights go dark, the fridge starts warming up, and suddenly the 21st century doesn’t feel so stable anymore. That’s why in Baby Steps Part 3, we’re talking about backup energy — the simple systems you can set up to keep the lights on and your sanity intact.

This isn’t about dropping $20,000 on an off-grid solar setup. This is about realistic, affordable steps to keep you and your family powered up when the grid fails.

Before you start dreaming of solar panels and wind turbines, start with the basics: AA and AAA batteries, power banks, and headlamps.

Get a few sets of rechargeable batteries and a charger. Pair them with devices that use them: flashlights, radios, small fans. These are dirt cheap, and they work when the power doesn’t.

Then grab a few power banks — the kind you’d use to charge your phone. Keep them topped off. Bonus points if you get ones that recharge via solar or crank (slow, but better than nothing).

This is foundational. If you don’t even have light at night or a way to power your phone, you’re not ready for anything bigger.

Once you’ve got the basics down, it’s time to scale up.

Look into a small gas or propane generator. You don’t need one that can run your entire house. You want one that’ll run your fridge, freezer, and a few lights or fans. That alone can save you hundreds in spoiled food and help you ride out short-term grid failures.

Test it. Maintain it. Store fuel properly. If your generator won’t start when the power’s out, it’s just a 50-pound paperweight.

If gas generators aren’t your thing, look into solar generator kits (like Jackery or Bluetti). They’re quiet, clean, and low-maintenance — but pricey. Get one only when you’ve handled more critical preps.

Solar is sexy, but don’t buy into the Instagram fantasy of a totally off-grid solar-powered life without knowing what you’re doing.

Start with a small panel and battery combo. Something that charges your power banks, radio, or lights. Learn how it works. Then scale up if you want to go bigger.

But remember: in a crisis, your first goal isn’t to run your air fryer. It’s to keep communication going, food safe, and critical devices running.

Energy independence doesn’t happen overnight, but these baby steps will get you there. Rechargeable batteries, a solid power bank, and a generator can turn a blackout into an inconvenience instead of a disaster.

This is part of being a well-rounded prepper. You don’t need to be a lone wolf with a bunker in the woods — just someone who plans ahead and has a few smart tools ready to go.

Panasonic K-KJ17MCA4BA Advanced Individual Cell Battery Charger Pack with 4 AA eneloop 2100 Cycle Rechargeable Batteries

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