Little extras...once the basics are covered

[Yodeldodeldo]

I've got the basics in, water, torches, a few extra tins. I've also got a few bits which could be useful such as dry shampoo, and bathroom cleaning wipes and paper plates for if there is no water. I have some battery powered fairy lights to weave through the stair banisters so overnight the steps are dimly light. I have some cheap garden solar lights.

Onesies are a bit passe now but I've kept mine because I was always sweltering in it so if we lose heating it'll be great.

I thought we could share some less well known ideas?

Dry shampoo is a really good idea!

Cash, issues with the banking system have happened and whilst they have always been sorted within a day, if you need some food cash is king!

Its a long term thing but put your kids in Scouts/Rangers/Duke of Edinburgh.
They've experienced long drop toilets and trangias, they can cook bread dough on a stick.

Really dark chocolate. Its not something you'd want to pig out on but the odd square is quite nice. I just get Lidl basic dark chocolate. Mind you my kids still find and eat it all.

I'd think of your go to comfort when your ill and draw inspiration from there. Neither of which is very practical really.In power cuts the reality is we are get very excited for a few hours faffing about setting up lights but after the shock and novelty wears off its a early night. So books and some soft good light and my favorite blanket. I have been treating myself to either wool or knitted blankets on Vinted. Just because it feels cosy.

Also my usb light up radio speaker. I hope that's a kind of cosy thing to have.

Painkillers just came to mind

Maybe a camping shower? I do love a shower.

Extra powerbanks, good to have a few back up ones.

Food flask, so I can take a hot meal, even if just noodles, to my elderly dad.

Reorganise my craft collection so I have something easy to grab in a power cut.

Buy another puzzle book.

If there's no internet think about any books or paper version of things you might need, like a roadmap.

A pack of cards usually come in handy too if there is absolutely no power. The last time we had a longish power cut we ending up paying cards by candlelight and it was very cosy.

My little extra is the peace of mind taken from gently checking that close friends and family have got their plan in place too! I’d hate to be incommunicado and stuck worrying if PiL were ok, or panicking my elderly neighbour had fallen in the dark.

I have a friend who lives alone and doesn’t have much money - I’ve already told her that if she is stuck feeling cold and hungry (power cut) she’s welcome to come and stay with us.

Books, games, jigwaws, chocolate, sweets, crisps, wine. I also have lots of baby wipes for washing.