No one enjoys experiencing a power outage. It can be inconvenient, especially since it can disrupt your daily routine. This is why it’s important to be prepared. This kind of event may also damage electronics like computers and laptops.
Keep reading for our tips on how to prepare for a power outage so you’re not left in the dark.
How to Prepare for a Power Outage
The power can go out at any time. One of the best ways to handle the situation is by knowing how to prepare for a power outage.
There are various reasons why power outages occur. It could be due to damaged power lines caused by weather conditions like strong winds and thunderstorms. Equipment failure could also happen, necessitating maintenance repairs.
Nonetheless, knowing what to do in the event of a power outage is very helpful.
For starters, it’d be good to know the difference between black & brownout, as that can help you prepare better. Blackouts are usually unpredictable, so there’s no way to know when it’ll happen or how long the power interruption will last.
On the other hand, brownouts are short-term and often scheduled by your service provider to reduce the voltage levels delivered to your home to manage demand. Regardless of the case, here are some ways you can prepare for a power outage:
Pack A Disaster Kit
One of the essential things you need to have on standby in case of a power outage is a disaster kit. Depending on the situation, having one can be a lifesaver.
As a good start, your disaster kit should have essential items such as a first aid kit, prescription medicines flashlight, cash, a battery-powered radio, extra batteries, a power bank for your mobile phone, a change of clothes, a whistle, and basic toiletries.
These items can help you go through and survive a power outage, especially if it’ll take hours or days before the power gets restored.
It’s also advisable to pack a disaster kit for every household member. This way, you can ensure there’s enough supply for everyone. Lastly, you should place your disaster kit somewhere easy to find and accessible for convenience and practicality.
Prepare A Cooler
When your power is off your refrigerators won’t have power either. This will result in food spoilage, especially if the power interruption lasts for hours.
But aside from food items or drinks, certain medicines may also require cold storage. This is where preparing a cooler or an ice box comes in handy.
Take note of scheduled power interruptions due to routine maintenance within your area. This way, you can unload your fridge of perishable goods or prepare a cooler before the scheduled power outage.
On the other hand, in the event of a sudden power outage, keeping your freezers closed can help contain the cool temperature for about four hours. This can go a long way in preserving food items in your fridge.
However, if the blackout is expected to last for days, use a cooler filled with ice to store perishable items like meat, egg, milk, or leftovers.
Stock Up On Water
Having a stock of water supply can help you keep hydrated during a power outage. Water is an essential commodity, so storing enough water that could last up to three days is advisable.
In addition, it can also be helpful to stock water for different purposes, such as drinking, cooking, personal hygiene, and even for your pets, if you have one.
You can directly buy water bottles or jugs from stores for potable water. There’s also the option to fill unused soda bottles or jugs with tap water.
However, ensure you disinfect the containers before use to guarantee safe consumption.
Buy Nonperishable Foods
Stocking your pantry with nonperishable foods can help you keep full during a power outage. Since your refrigerators won’t work during this time, shelf-stable foods can give you enough supply to sustain you and your family.
It’s also advisable to keep your pantry stocked with foods that don’t require cooking, especially since cooking appliances will not be usable. There may also be limited lighting, which can make food prep more difficult.
You can stock ready-to-eat foods and those that come with easy-to-open cans and pouches. This allows for an easier eating time as you don’t have to worry about looking for a pair of scissors or a can opener.
Keeping at least a week’s food supply is also advisable to ensure you have enough to sustain yourself and your family.
Pack For Cold Temperatures
If you’re wondering what to do when the power goes out in winter, then you’re probably already cold. It’s expected to experience cold temperatures when the power is out since your heating system won’t work during this situation.
With that in mind, it’s best to prepare and pack some items to help you keep warm.
If you live in places with severe winters, consider preparing some quality sleeping bags for you to use. These can come in handy in containing body heat when needed. But if not, it’s still advisable to prepare some blankets and comforters to help you stay warm throughout the blackout.
You can also prepare thick wool jackets, mittens, hats, scarves, socks, and ear muffs for your clothing. This should help keep you warm in case of severe cold temperatures.
As a good reference, consider what you usually pack when going on a winter adventure.
Charge Your Devices
If you’re expecting a power outage within your area, you should fully charge essential electronics and devices, such as your phone and laptop. These can be effective tools that’ll allow you to communicate with your family or get news updates about the power restoration.
However, try to minimize your phone usage only when you need to preserve your battery.
Additionally, getting power bank devices is advisable. You can use it to charge your phone once its battery starts to run low.
Prepare Extra Fuel
If your place has a generator, prepare extra fuel to power it. Doing so can allow you to use it for an extended period, especially when the power is out longer than expected.
However, ensure that your home’s generator operates outdoors and is away from openings like windows or doors to prevent carbon monoxide from entering your home.
If you have a car, it’s also advisable to fill the tank to at least half-level, in case any evacuations are needed.
You can also prepare extra fuel that you can use to cook meals during a power outage. However, ensure that you keep them in a safe location to avoid accidents. Keep them away from fire and within reach of pets and children.
Store Flashlights And Candles
During a power outage, it’s essential to have enough light sources. Flashlights and candles can help you provide light during these times.
While candles can be useful in illuminating your home during a blackout, they can also pose risks as they are fire hazards. So, to ensure your and your family’s safety, never leave a lit candle unattended.
A candle holder is also recommended to keep them in place and prevent them from tipping.
On the other hand, flashlights can be a safer alternative to illuminate your home. Just ensure you have extra batteries in stock.
Wrapping Up
Power outages can be an unpleasant and inconvenient experience. But knowing how to prepare for such situations goes a long way in ensuring your and your family’s comfort and safety.
This post has detailed the essentials you need to stock up on and things to do to ensure you’re prepared when the situation arises. Even when you’re not anticipating a power outage anytime soon, it can be helpful to have these supplies on hand in case of unexpected blackouts.
