I lost power for 2 days; my emergency preparedness plan came in clutch
Android Police 2026-07-23 11:00:15
Context: A severe power outage lasting two days prompted an investigative journalist to reflect on their emergency preparedness plan, which included essential items such as non-perishable food, spare batteries, a power bank, and a portable generator. The outage, which occurred two weeks prior to the article's publication, highlighted the importance of being prepared for extended power outages. The journalist, who lives on the outskirts of a major city, relied heavily on their Android phone to stay connected with family and informed about the outage.
Key Facts
- The journalist's emergency preparedness plan included stocking up on non-perishable food that doesn't require electricity, such as BBQ with propane, and keeping spare disposable batteries for flashlights.
- The journalist's primary power bank is from UGreen, and they also recommended Anker as a solid alternative, emphasizing the importance of regularly checking the power bank's charge and functionality.
- During the outage, the journalist used their phone's power-saving mode settings to conserve battery life, choosing the "Standard" power-saving mode on their Samsung phone with One UI 8.5, and toggling on performance and display settings to ensure comfortable use.
- The journalist's phone battery lasted for two days, with only an 18% charge lost on the first day, thanks to careful usage, including frequent checks of Google Messages, the power outage map, and Reddit.
- The journalist recommended ensuring that electronics are properly grounded and protected with surge protectors to prevent damage during power outages, and also suggested stocking up on ice for freezers and having a safety kit and water on hand.