It’s likely you’ll have heard about the government’s ‘Be Ready’ campaign – a guide to the essentials you might need in the event of an emergency.

Whilst this provides a useful checklist of key items such as water, dried goods and medicines, if you are caught in a situation where you’re without power for a prolonged period, you may want to give some thought to technology.

In our digitally connected age, being able to use everyday gadgets and devices in the event of a power cut, flood or cyber attack could be helpful, especially for those with children in the household.

We’ve put together this emergency tech guide to help you be prepared.

Invest in a portable power station
A portable power station is essentially a large rechargeable battery that can provide electricity when the mains supply is unavailable. They come in different sizes, with larger models capable of powering low-energy equipment over an extended period. Although larger models can be expensive, they provide a useful backup electricity supply during a prolonged power cut. Jackery has a range of options.

Keep phones and tablets fully charged
Power banks are one of the simplest and most affordable ways to prepare for a power cut. We’d advise keeping two or three charged and ready to use so family members can continue using their devices without relying entirely on a larger power station. To make batteries last longer, reduce screen brightness, switch on power-saving mode and turn devices off when they’re not needed. Anker has a range of power banks suitable for charging different types of smartphones and tablets.

Download films and programmes in advance
Keep a selection of films and programmes downloaded onto phones and tablets for offline viewing. Regularly check they can be accessed without an internet connection and that they are still valid, as downloads can expire. Alternatively, films and videos can be saved onto a laptop or external storage device. Consider investing in a small, energy-efficient monitor that can be connected to a laptop or media player and provide a useful alternative to a television. Both Lenovo and ASUS have a range of portable monitors available.

Consider additional lighting
A torch is one of the items included in the government’s guide, but it’s also worth considering rechargeable lanterns, which provide more substantial lighting. They offer an energy-efficient way of lighting a room and are ideal for non-tech-based entertainment, such as reading or playing board and card games.