How to Prepare for a Power Outage

Power failures can happen when you least expect them. Some friends of mine recently lost their electricity for six days due to a monster storm in California. After talking to them, I came up with a list of ways to minimize the disastrous effects that losing electricity can cause.

Preparation One...

Make sure you have another source of heat other than electricity. Natural gas, propane, wood stove, fireplace, something. Make sure it is in good working condition and ready to use at a moments notice. Make sure you have plenty of whatever fuel it requires.

Preparation Two...

Be sure you have plenty of canned food and dry packaged foods, too. Either food that can be eaten cold or only requires warming would be the best. Make sure there's enough for at least a week.

Preparation Three...

Extra blankets are always a good idea, as well as warm clothes.

Preparation Four...

Be sure you have a battery powered radio or television. News and information can be the most important thing in a power failure. A regular "land line" telephone can be a life saver, too. Hand-held telephones tend to lose their charge quickly when the base has no electricity going to it. If nothing else, be ready to spend some time every day, sitting in your car to listen to the radio. If you do, though, run the engine so the battery doesn't die and be careful to have plenty of ventilation . Don't run the car in a closed garage!

Preparation Five...

Investing in a small generator is always a good idea. Be sure it's set up properly and that you have plenty of fuel for it. At least you'll be able to keep your frozen food from defrosting, the refrigerator going, and a few other modern necessities available.

Preparation Six...

Camp stoves are very handy if you have no other way to cook. Remember to use them outdoors! Patios and porches are best for shelter and ventilation both.

Preparation Seven...

If you use well water, your electric pump will be a casualty in a power failure. It's a good idea to have several gallons of bottled water for drinking, of course. But what about flushing? If there's a major storm coming that could cause a power outage, a full bathtub can be a wonderful thing! If the electricity goes out, you can still flush the toilet, wash dishes, and keep yourself fairly clean with a tub-full of water. Another way to keep your water supply from vanishing completely is to have several buckets strategically placed outdoors to catch rain water. If snow is the culprit, you can fill the buckets with it and melt it with the camp stoves.

Preparation Eight...

Candles and hurricane lamps are always handy, whether the power is off for days or only hours. Be sure you have plenty of lamp oil, or batteries. Flashlights are better for lighting the way if you have to go outside in the dark, but candles can work well indoors.

Being prepared for trouble is the best way to get through it. A little planning can mean the difference between freezing and staying safe.