Tool Batteries, a UPS and Other Backup Power Already in Your Home

Ask A Prepper argues that many homes already hold enough stored power to ride out a long outage without a generator, citing the February 2021 Texas storm that cut power to over four million homes and businesses.

Key points

• Tool batteries: An 18-volt, 5-amp-hour pack holds about 90 watt-hours, enough to recharge a 12 to 15 watt-hour phone around five times. Clip-on adapters such as Milwaukee's M18 TOP-OFF supply 175 watts continuous.
• Gas fireplace: A standing pilot heats a thermopile that generates roughly 600 to 750 millivolts, enough to open the gas valve with the grid down, though the blower will not run.
• Computer UPS: With the computer unplugged, a typical 85 to 110 watt-hour unit can keep a modem and router drawing 15 to 20 watts going for a few hours.
• Laptop: A 50 to 90 watt-hour laptop battery outstrips most emergency power banks, and a USB-C port with power delivery can charge a phone directly.
• Landline jack: Copper phone lines carry about 48 volts DC from the phone company's battery banks, which the article says can trickle-charge a power bank. Fiber and cable phone service will not work.

Quick take

The article's view is that an inexpensive inverter or the correct cable can stand in for a pricey power station. It also warns that vent-free fireplaces call for a battery-powered carbon monoxide detector, and that a gas smell or a yellow flame means shutting the valve.

Read the full story at Ask A Prepper.