WINTER-READY FINDS
Build your storm box, bit by bit
Calm, practical picks for power cuts, wild winter nights and the odd day when the usual things stop working. Every one is something I'd happily keep in my own storm box, with a quick note on who it suits and who can skip it.
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Light & Power
Philips Emergency Radio (TAR3500)
The one gadget I'd put in a storm box first. It's a radio, torch, reading light and phone charger in one, and you can power it four ways: wind the handle, leave it in the sun, plug it in, or pop in AAA batteries. There's a built-in power bank for topping up your phone, and a loud SOS button. It's also splash-proof, so it's fine for a soggy dash to the car.
Good for: Anyone who wants one reliable thing to grab when the lights go out.
Skip it if: You want proper phone charging power. The built-in battery is small, so pair it with a separate power bank.
Lepro Rechargeable Lantern
This is the one that makes a power cut feel cosy rather than spooky. It's bright enough to light a whole room, dims right down, and switches between a warm glow and a crisp white light. It charges by USB-C, and it can even top up a phone in a pinch. It's much safer than candles with kids or pets about, and it's handy for camping or the garden shed too.
Good for: Lighting the living room or kitchen so everyone can carry on as normal.
Skip it if: You'd rather not have another thing to charge. Rechargeables need topping up every few months, so a battery lantern might suit you better.
Belkin BoostCharge Power Bank (10,000mAh)
The answer to "my phone's on 8%" when the power's off. It holds roughly two full phone charges, depending on your phone, and the USB-C cable is built in, so there's no hunting for a lead in the dark. Fast charging gets you back up quickly. It's slim enough to live in a coat pocket or handbag the rest of the year, too.
Good for: Keeping phones going through a power cut, so you can check updates and stay in touch.
Skip it if: Your phone has an older Lightning port (iPhone 14 or earlier). You'd need an adapter or a different model.
Petzl Actik Head Torch
When the lights go out, you need both hands: for the fuse box, the stairs, or finding the candles at the back of the cupboard. This head torch is properly bright, comfy to wear, and has a red light setting that's gentle on sleepy eyes (handy for checking on kids at night). It runs on ordinary AAA batteries, so it's ready to go straight from the storm box. You can also buy Petzl's rechargeable battery for it.
Good for: Anyone who's ever tried to hold a torch in their teeth.
Skip it if: You already have a good head torch from camping. Just pop it in the storm box with spare batteries.
Warm & Cosy
Jsdoin hot water bottle with faux fur cover
A proper 2-litre hot water bottle in a soft, fluffy grey cover. Fill it before the power goes, or from your flask once it has, and tuck it under a blanket for hours of warmth. The thick cover means no scalded fingers, and it comes off for the washing machine. Made to the UK safety standard BS 1970. Lovely for cold feet on an ordinary winter night too.
Good for: Staying warm in bed or on the sofa when the heating’s off, and cold feet on any winter night.
Skip it if: You’d rather not use hot water at all. A thick fleece throw or heated layers might suit you better.
Thermos Stainless King Drinks Flask (1.2L)
Fill it with boiling water when a storm’s forecast and you’ll still have hot drinks the next day. It keeps drinks hot for up to 24 hours, which means tea, hot chocolate, or a refill for your hot water bottle with no kettle needed. The lid doubles as a cup and the folding handle makes it easy to pour. 1.2 litres is enough for the whole household.
Good for: Hot drinks and hot water bottle top-ups through a long power cut, or wintery walks.
Skip it if: It’s just you. A smaller 470ml flask is lighter and cheaper.
Bedsure Sherpa Fleece Throw (220 x 240cm)
When the heating’s off, gather everyone in one room under one big, properly warm blanket. This one has two layers: smooth fleece on the outside and thick sherpa underneath, about 480gsm in total, which is far warmer than a thin fleece throw. At 220 x 240cm there’s enough to tuck right round two people, feet included. It’s machine washable, and you’ll use it all winter, power cut or not. (Tip:Sherpa side towards you, and tuck it under your feet and sides. That’s where the warmth escapes. On a bed, lay it over your duvet.)
Good for: Keeping the whole household warm in one room when the heating’s off.
Skip it if: You need something compact for a car kit. A foil emergency blanket folds much smaller.
Heat Holders Thermal Socks (3.1 TOG, anti-slip)
Cold feet make the whole house feel colder. These are the warmest Heat Holders: double-layered, rated 3.1 TOG, with a deeply brushed inside that holds warm air against your skin. Soft, non-binding cuffs make them comfy enough to sleep in, and grippy soles mean you can pad about in the dark without slipping. They fit ladies’ sizes 4 to 8 and men’s 6 to 11.
Good for: Anyone who feels the cold in their feet first. Lovely for power cut nights, cold floors and bedtime.
Skip it if: You want socks for fitted shoes. They’re very thick, so they’re best around the house or in roomy boots.
Not sure where to start?
Grab the free Storm Box Checklist: 24 things to gather at your own pace, with a real example for each.