A backup power solution may already be sitting on a shelf in your garage.
One homeowner is drawing attention online for pointing out that cordless tool batteries bought for everyday chores can also help keep fans, lights, and phones running when the power goes out.
Here's what to know
In Reddit's r/TwoXPreppers community, a homeowner explained that a stash of Ryobi batteries accumulated for yard work ended up serving as an inexpensive outage fallback as well.
The original poster wrote, "The same battery that powers our lawn mower can also be used to power our phones, a light or a fan with a simple adapter that sits on top of the battery," adding, "We got a Ryobi auto inverter that can power things using a Ryobi battery, 12V (cigarette lighter plug) or we can even hook it up to a car battery! You can power a fridge off a car battery for a while, if needed."
The setup that OP described can provide another way to stretch limited electricity during a blackout, including for basics like a fan or phone, without jumping straight to a dedicated backup purchase.
The comments section was overwhelmingly supportive of the idea. The top comment read, "Great ideas. I have a few of those types of batteries for my drill and a few saws. I need to get an electric battery mower."
Another user wrote, "Smart. A couple of the rechargeable flashlights we have also have an output port so you can flip it around and use the battery to charge your phone, etc. I especially like your suggestion to take stock of what you have and write out the secondary uses on paper to be able to access it when your power fails!"
A third commenter added that an "EV car with V2L (vehicle to load or home connection), can power a fridge/freezer and a couple fans for a week! No need for an inverter in that case."
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More background
Many households already own portable batteries through power tools, flashlights, and small electronics, but may not think of them as part of an emergency plan. Instead of buying separate single-use gadgets, people may get more value from the tools and batteries they already use for mowing, drilling, trimming, or basic home repairs.
A practical first step is to make a full inventory of battery-powered gear already spread around the house, garage, car, or shed. Tool batteries, rechargeable flashlights with output ports, USB power banks, and car batteries with an inverter can all fit into a layered outage plan.
It may also be worth looking at the accessory lineup for whatever tool system you already own. Some brands sell fans, radios, lights, USB adapters, and inverters that all run on the same battery platform, which can be cheaper and faster than building a backup setup from scratch.
Where can I learn more?
These articles look at backup batteries for homeowners and renters and other ways to keep the power on during outages.
• BioLite's sleek battery backup can protect families from outages and qualifies for incentives.
• Renters can power plugged-in essentials through outages with a compact briefcase battery.
• Palmetto is helping homeowners install home backup batteries without paying upfront costs.
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