How to Prepare for a Power Outage: Seven Steps to Surviving Electrical Failure

In recent years our country has seen more natural disasters than is usual, and many people have lived through power outages that lasted anywhere from a few minutes to several weeks. In spite of advances in technology, if winds, floods or other disasters knock down power lines or disable a power plant, people continue to experience power failures in their homes.

Weather factors that might cause power loss include: high winds blowing branches down or even the power poles; ice weighting down power lines or causing branches to break and fall into cords; power brownouts or blackouts due to excessive usage in extremely hot or cold weather; and natural disasters like floods, tornadoes. and hurricanes. Besides weather conditions, many other factors can cause the power to go out in a house, on a street, in a neighborhood or even a city.

What can you do to prepare your home and family for a power outage or electrical failure?

7 Simple Ways to Prepare for Power Loss

• 1. Outside Power Cords: Keep tree limbs and branches cut back from any power cords and wires leading to your house.
• 2. Emergency Lighting: Keep a supply of flashlights and batteries on hand where you can easily reach them as well as some alternative lighting in your home: candles, oil and/or kerosene lamps, matches, solar lights, etc.
• 3. Non-Electrical Appliances: Invest in a few back-up gadgets that don't require electricity in case of power failure. There are numerous appliances that don't require electricity including battery-operated, hand-crank and solar-powered appliances.
• 4. Emergency Heat: Keep some instant hand warmers, extra blankets, and warm clothes on hand for temporary emergency heat during cold-weather power loss. Wood-burning stoves, camping stoves, kerosene heaters and fireplaces can provide additional sources of heat, light and/or cooking. Battery-operated fans can help in the heat.
• 5. Emergency Power: A second source of power available for emergencies such as an emergency power system or back-up generator is a good idea, especially if you live in an area prone to frequent power outages or If someone in your household needs power for medical equipment.
• 6. Food & Water: Keep a supply of food and water on hand at all times that will not require electricity to store or prepare.
• 7. Emergency Kit: Survival kits are not just for survivalists. It makes sense to have a supply of emergency items on hand, including some in the list above, stored in a handy place in case of emergency. Other survival items, besides the basic food, water, light, and heat, might include multi-purpose tools and even some form of protection (pepper spray, taser, or other weapon).

These seven steps should help you cover the basics in case of a power outage or electrical loss in your area. Using these tips has made a lengthy power outage situation bearable for me on more than one occasion. Some of these tips would also be good for the office or place of business in case of power failure.