You've probably experienced a power outage or blackout at some point in your life. How well did you prepare for it? What was the duration of the power outage? What would you have done if it had gone on for several hours instead of some minutes? When there is a power outage, it is usually resolved within a few hours at the most. But how prepared are you if it lasts longer than a day, or even a week?
Most people take energy for granted, unaware that the entire electrical power grid in the United States is an outdated piece of technology, with minor pieces of it frequently going out and resulting in a brief power outage. What should you do if a greater portion of the grid fails, resulting in a long-term blackout?
Power outages can be found in almost every part of the country. Some outages last a few minutes, some a few hours, and others can last several days. If the forecast calls for severe winds, heavy rains, snow, or ice, you may receive a warning of a potential power outage. However, there's a chance you won't get any notice at all.
Your power lines might be knocked out by anything from a playful squirrel to a falling tree. You should be prepared for a power loss in your home, regardless of the cause. Here are the steps you must take to become ready.
How To Take Adequate Measures To Be Prepared For A Power Outage.
Get a Flashlight
When people think of a power outage, the first two things that come to mind are having flashlights and worrying about the food in their refrigerator deteriorating. Let's take a look at these two concerns, as well as how to cook meals in the refrigerator if your microwave and electric stove aren't working.
During a power outage, most people think of using flashlights to illuminate their homes. Candles are acceptable, but they pose a fire threat, especially if you have small children or pets that could knock them over.
Having torches and batteries on hand, as well as some table lamps, is an excellent first step. Oil lamps are also attractive and safer than completely open-flame candles, although battery-operated lanterns are ideal.
Get Backup Electricity
Even if the grid goes down and the energy goes out, your home does not have to be complete without power. Two possibilities for keeping your home operating are backup generators and solar energy stored in batteries. Back-up generators will be the less expensive choice, costing a few hundred to a few thousand dollars at a big-box or hardware shop.
Furthermore, many generators are easily transportable to different sites. They are, however, reliant on an external fuel source, such as natural gas or propane. Fuel may be scarce in a catastrophe situation as people stockpile supplies to run their generators. Furthermore, because generators often emit dangerous gases, they must be placed outside or in a well-ventilated environment.
Installing a solar storage system in addition to your solar energy system is another alternative. Your battery system will store the excess electricity generated by your solar system. Once the power goes down, your house will begin to draw on the electricity that has been saved. While this solution will be more expensive than a generator, it will use sunlight as its fuel, which should be considerably easier to come by than gasses.
Keep in mind that even with a generator and solar batteries, you won't be able to completely power your home as you would if the power was restored. These solutions are designed to power a few essential objects like medical equipment, a few household appliances, space heaters, lights, or gadgets.
In the event of an extended power outage, you'll need to decide what electronic equipment is most critical to you and choose a generator or solar energy storage system that meets your demands.
Engage In Activities
The first concern during a power loss is for everyone's safety. Once that's done, boredom can set in, making everyone feel a little less at ease. This is especially true if the power loss is triggered by a common thunderstorm or one that could last for days. Include some simple, engaging activities to pass the time in addition to the emergency supplies you've prepared. This could include activities such as word games and puzzles, as well as books and publications. Keeping everyone active will keep them occupied, especially if you have younger children.
Snuggling with a stuffed animal may be enjoyable for children. Having something routine to focus on will make everyone feel more secure. The time before the light's return will pass much more quickly, and the experience will not appear as frightening.
Preserve Your Freezer
If your power is off for more than four hours, you'll most likely have to throw out the majority of your refrigerator's contents. You'll want to get rid of any perishables from your fridge (like meat or dairy), but you might be able to save certain goods (like juice or jams) by storing them in a cold, dry place like your garage.
The contents of your freezer, on the other hand, are likely to remain intact if you follow one easy rule: don't open it. Your freezer can keep its temperature for up to 48 hours if it is left unopened. If your power loss lasts more than 48 hours, remove the contents of your freezer and put them in an ice-filled cooler (or snow, if available).
Prepare an Emergency Kit
To begin, think about the most prevalent natural disasters in your area and prepare a list of needed emergency goods to deal with the crisis. Gather and store these products in a convenient location so they're there when you need them. candles, Flashlights, batteries, lighter, or matches should all be included in this emergency supply bag.
A battery-operated radio is also a useful addition to this set. Throughout the tragedy, it will be the most convenient way to get important news and weather updates. Things like first-aid kits, prescriptions, and personal hygiene goods should not be overlooked. You never know when these materials will come in handy, and it will be much safer for you if everything is in one place and can be simply carried to your safe room in the event of a tragedy.
Multi-tools, cash, and blankets are other valuable additions to your stash. If at all feasible, keep a battery bank on hand to charge your phone or other tiny electronic gadgets. Don't forget to bring any items your pets might require. Make sure you have everything you need to make them feel at ease and relaxed, from food to distracting toys to a leash.
Stay Connected
You'll want to keep connected with the outside world as much as possible if you lose electricity for a lengthy time. Bring it back to the days of old with a battery-operated radio that will keep you informed. At least once a year, test your radio and make sure you have fresh batteries.
Don’t Go Hungry
It's not enough to raid your local store and stock up on bread and milk like it's the end of the world to avoid hunger during a power outage. Because three days on a sardine and raisin diet may get boring quickly.
Make sure you have a manual can opener on hand, because no matter how much you adore your electric can opener, you'll be staring at a lifeless plug as your stomach grumbles. Learning to cook over an open fire, whether with charcoal or wood, is also a good idea. The hot food will keep you warm while also boosting your mood.
Conclusion
This is especially true if the power loss is triggered by a common thunderstorm or one that could last for days. Include some simple, engaging activities to pass the time in addition to the emergency supplies you've prepared. This could include activities such as word games and puzzles, as well as books and publications. Keeping everyone active will keep them occupied, especially if you have younger children.