How will you charge your phone or devices during an emergency?

Updated June 2026 — including lessons from the Reno/Washoe County outage that left nearly 70,000 customers without power ... jump to update

Pre-planning is key to staying informed during an emergency, such as an extended power outage. Having a few essential items - like charged portable power banks and a power backup for your router can make all the difference.

I've been going through my emergency go-bags as part of my annual review of them, and the old handcrank flashlight/radio is sort of outdated. It still works and is worth keeping in the second go-bag, but it doesn't have the ability to charge devices and it can't charge itself via the sun. So, I found this nifty - and inexpensive - handcrank/solar charger for devices, which not only has a basic radio but offers a weather band that automatically tunes in to the National Weather Service. I got it from amazon.com, but there are many different types of these devices available.

Having a handcrank charging device in your go-bag can be a valuable addition for several reasons:

1. Emergency Power Generation: In a crisis situation, power sources may become scarce or unavailable. A handcrank charger allows you to generate electricity on-demand by manually turning the crank. This feature ensures that you can charge essential devices like smartphones, radios, flashlights, or GPS units even when conventional power outlets or batteries are inaccessible.

2. Off-Grid Capability: If you find yourself in a remote location or during an outdoor adventure where there is no access to electricity, a handcrank charger becomes particularly useful. It enables you to harness human power and convert it into electrical energy, providing you with a reliable means of charging your devices in off-grid scenarios. Of course, off-grid doesn't necessarily mean out in the middle of nowhere. It could mean hunkering down in your vehicle for a couple days until help arrives or you can get to a shelter.
   

1. Communication and Emergency Services: During emergencies, communication is crucial. With a handcrank charger, you can ensure that your communication devices, such as cell phones or two-way radios, remain operational. Being able to charge these devices can help you stay connected with loved ones, receive important updates, or reach out to emergency services if needed. And, by the way, have you looked at your local emergency services website lately? They offer a wealth of resources. You can find your local emergency services agencies starting here: https://www.usa.gov/state-emergency-management

1. Versatility and Portability: Handcrank chargers are usually compact, lightweight, and portable, making them ideal for inclusion in a go-bag or emergency kit. They are designed to be easily carried and can fit into small spaces. Their versatility allows you to charge multiple devices, as they often come with various charging adapters, USB ports, or even built-in batteries to store the generated power.

2. Sustainable and Renewable Energy: Handcrank chargers harness human power, which is a renewable energy source. Unlike traditional battery-powered devices, a handcrank charger does not rely on disposable batteries or access to electricity. By using it, you contribute to a more sustainable approach to power generation, reducing reliance on non-renewable resources.

3. Long-Term Power Outages: In situations where power outages persist for an extended period, having a handcrank charger can be a lifesaver. You can maintain communication, access important information, or use your electronic devices when traditional power sources are unavailable. This is especially relevant during natural disasters, blackouts, or other emergency situations.

Aside from being able to easily charge devices, I really like being able to tune-in the NOAA Weather Radio on this device. NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards (NWR) is a nationwide network of radio stations broadcasting continuous weather information directly from the nearest National Weather Service office. NWR broadcasts official Weather Service warnings, watches, forecasts and other hazard information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. When I received the handcrank radio, I cranked it for about 2 minutes, tops, and could immediately bring in current weather reports and information, having extended the handy antenna.

Remember to familiarize yourself with the specific handcrank charger you choose and test it periodically to ensure it functions as intended. Also, consider complementing it with other power alternatives, such as solar panels or portable battery packs, for a more comprehensive and reliable power solution in your go-bag.

Power Outage Reality Check: Lessons from the June 6, 2026 Reno Blackout

Last night's outage here in the Reno/Sparks area — affecting close to 70,000 NV Energy customers — was a good reminder that grid disruptions aren't just a "wilderness survival" scenario. They can happen right at home, on an ordinary evening. So let's talk through three things you should have in place before the lights go out.

Keep Your Phone Charged: The Case for a Power Bank

A handcrank or solar charger is great for a go-bag, but for an everyday home outage, a portable power bank is your best friend. Here's why:

• Instant power, no effort. Unlike a handcrank device, a power bank stores energy in advance. When the power goes out, you just plug in.

• Capacity matters. Look for a bank rated at 10,000–20,000 mAh. That's enough to fully charge most smartphones 2–4 times. For larger devices like tablets, go bigger — 20,000 mAh or more.

• Keep it charged! A power bank sitting in a drawer at 10% is no help in a crisis. Get in the habit of topping it off monthly — some people tie it to the first day of the month as a reminder.

• Consider a multi-port or PD (Power Delivery) bank. If you need to charge a phone, a tablet, and a pair of earbuds simultaneously, look for a bank with multiple USB-A ports and at least one USB-C PD port for faster charging.

• For longer outages or family households, a larger capacity "station" — sometimes marketed as a portable power station — can charge laptops and even run a CPAP machine or small fan for several hours.

  
  

Pro tip: Charge your phone to 100% as soon as you hear a storm or major wind event is forecast. Don't wait until you see the lights flicker.

Staying Informed: How to Track Your NV Energy Outage

When the power goes out, you want to know two things: Why? and When will it be back? Here's how to stay in the loop as an NV Energy customer.

1. The NV Energy Outage Map

The quickest way to see what's happening in your neighborhood is NV Energy's live outage map: nvenergy.com/outages It shows active outages across their service area with estimated restoration times as they become available. You can check it right from your phone's browser — no login required.

2. The NV Energy App

The NV Energy mobile app (available for both iOS and Android) lets you view outage status, report an outage at your address, and get estimated restoration times — all from your phone. You can also use it to report your outage if you're not sure it's been called in yet. Download it and log in now, while the power is on, so you're not trying to set up an account in the dark.

3. Set Up Outage Alerts in Your Account

This is the one most people skip — and shouldn't. Through your NV Energy MyAccount profile, you can set up text, email, or voice notifications for outages affecting your address. Log in at nvenergy.com, go to Profile & Preferences → Manage Alerts and Contacts, and add your mobile number to receive text or voice alerts. You can choose which types of notifications you want and on which channel.

4. Report Your Outage

Even if you assume NV Energy already knows, it helps to report your specific address. The more reports they receive from a neighborhood, the faster crews are dispatched. You can report via the app, via the website at nvenergy.com/outages-and-emergencies/view-current-outages, or by calling 1-800-331-3103 (their outage line is 24/7).

5. Third-Party Tracking Sites

Sites like poweroutage.us aggregate outage data from utilities in real time and can give a broader picture of how widespread an event is. During last night's outage, these sites showed the full Washoe County picture — useful context when you're trying to figure out if it's your street or the whole region.

Staying Connected: Getting WiFi During a Power Outage

Here's the catch: your phone has battery backup (especially if you followed the advice above!), but your home internet router does not. When your power goes out, your WiFi dies too. Here are your options:

Use Your Phone as a Hotspot

If you have a cellular plan with hotspot capability, this is your first move. Turn on your phone's personal hotspot (Settings → Personal Hotspot on iPhone; Settings → Network & Internet → Hotspot on Android) and connect your laptop or tablet to it. This uses your cellular data, so be mindful if you're on a limited plan — but for checking the outage map and getting updates, the data usage is minimal. I've had a mobile hotspot with my Consumer Cellular plan for years and it's really come in handy!

Your Car's Built-In WiFi

Many newer vehicles offer a built-in LTE hotspot through a carrier subscription. If yours does, your car can essentially serve as a WiFi router. Head out to the driveway (or garage with the door open — don't idle in an enclosed space! Well, unless, like me and you drive an electric car.) and connect your devices.

Battery Backup for Your Router

For people who work from home or have medical or security needs that require internet, a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) can keep your modem and router running for an hour or two during a brief outage. They're designed for computers but work beautifully for networking equipment since routers and modems draw very little power. A modest UPS unit (around $50–$80) can keep your internet alive through many typical short-duration outages. WireCutter recommends these.

Use Cell Data Directly

Don't overlook the obvious: for most outage-related needs — checking the NV Energy map, texting family, getting news updates — you don't need WiFi at all. Your phone's LTE or 5G connection works independently of your home power and internet. Save your hotspot data for devices that genuinely need it.

The Bottom Line: Prepare Before the Lights Go Out

Last night's outage was a reminder that preparedness isn't just about go-bags and extreme scenarios. It's about the everyday inconveniences that catch us off guard. Here's a quick checklist to keep somewhere handy:

•  Power bank charged and accessible (not buried in a drawer)

•  NV Energy app downloaded and logged in

•  Outage alerts set up in your NV Energy account (text or email)

•  Phone hotspot enabled and you know how to turn it on

•  NV Energy outage map bookmarked: nvenergy.com/outages

•  Outage report number saved: 1-800-331-3103

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A little preparation goes a long way — especially when your neighborhood is dark and you're trying to figure out what's happening at 10 PM on a Tuesday.

Stay safe, Reno!