How to Plan for a Power Outage

We all would like to think that a power outage will never hit our area but if you live where there is a possibility of ice and snow you might as well make plans. Avid campers are probably the best equipped for the loss of power. If we are willing to be prepared it would be in our best interest to purchase a few pieces of equipment.

A camp stove that runs on propane is a must. The body benefits from warm food and drinks when the temperatures dip. A camp stove is compact, folds easliy for storage and is a real handy piece of equipment to have around. Make certain that you have bottles of propane on hand for when you need them.

A stove top coffee pot, the type where you put the coffee in the top and it percolates. Whether you drink coffee or use it to heat water it is a handy piece to have and takes up little space. A teapot works well also.

Several flashlights. Rechargeable, the wind up type, and the battery operated ones. You have to make certain you have batteries stocked up for those battery types. My friend has a wind up one and he loves it. Some brands are better then others. Candles are also helpful but can be dangerous. If it's a must, get unscented. A few days cooped up with scented candles makes for one big headache. The touch lights are good to put up around the house, they are a lifesaver in the bathroom. These can be picked up at retail stores. Pick up several packs and hang on the walls. Pickup extra batteries, the ones that come with the lights won't hold up for extended periods of time.

Lanterns. They come with batteries or fuel. Take your pick. They also sell Kerosene lamps which are a great source of light. Make certain you have wicks and oil if you are using lamps.

Ventless heater. These aren't available in some states but if they are available these are an asset to have if you are dependent on electric for your heat source. Central heat doesn't work without the electric, at least mine doesn't.

Jugs of water and bottled water. In the fall if you fill your milk jugs with water and place them in the freezer they may save your food during outages. Bottled water may also be needed for drinking if a boil order is on.

A phone that does not need electric to work. Many people have phones that won't work without electricity. Make certain you have one that will on hand. People need to be able to contact you, and you may need to check on others.

Torch lighters and matches.

Camp stoves, coffee pots, lanterns, flashlights and old phones can be found in good used condition and sometimes unused condition in flea markets or second hand shops. You don't have to spend a fortune on these items. I had my camp stove, purchased at a flea market for $25.00, for seven years before I ever had to use it. The propane bottles I had bought for it, seven years ago, came in a case of six and were still usable. The corningware coffee pot I used was purchased for $9.00 at a flea market. It was in unused condition.

Hopefully you won't have to use these items, but it's nice to have them if you ever need to.