One of the big problems in this day and age during a natural disaster is prolonged power outages. No matter where you live, or what kinds of emergencies you should expect to deal with, it’s a good idea to think about and plan for long periods of time when you have to function without power. Just ask the people in California right now. They are dealing with intended power outages that are somehow supposed to prevent wildfires. Some of these outages are lasting from several hours to several days.
Alternative Sources Of Power - If you can prepare for the power outage, start by making sure your phone and all mobile devices are fully charged. Now is also a good time to stock up on batteries, invest in a small battery-operated power bank, and consider buying a generator.
Candles and wood-burning stoves or fireplaces are another great alternative power source that will provide light, warmth, and in the case of a fireplace or stove a way to warm up and even cook food.
Having several flashlights and spare batteries is always a good idea. You should also keep a small, battery-powered radio on hand to keep up with news and weather forecasts throughout the power outage.
If you have a generator make sure you know how to use it, have plenty of fuel for the generator and always – ALWAYS – run it outside. Be sure to test your generator periodically, and perform preventative maintenance such as changing the oil and other fluids. Use gas stabilizer to keep the gasoline fresh.
Keeping And Preparing Food Without Electricity - If you are dealing with a power outage of only a few hours, simply keep your fridge closed and you should be fine. If it lasts longer than that, start eating perishable foods in the fridge first. Cook what you can on a grill or camping stove and toss the rest.
Keep your freezer completely closed and if possible insulate it further by throwing large blankets or comforters over the freezer. Start thawing, cooking, and consuming food from the freezer once you’re running out of fresh food options. Open the freezer as little as possible to keep cold air trapped inside and the food fresh for longer.
You can cook and grill outside with your charcoal or gas grill. If you have camping gear, get out the propane stove and cook on it. If neither one of those is an option, cooking over a small fire is always an option. Do all of your cooking outside to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning or causing an indoor fire.
Staying Warm or Cool Without Power - Keeping warm or cool without power can be a major concern in long power outages. Insulating your home ahead of time can make a big difference. Close shutters and curtains to trap in heat or cool air for as long as possible. Take advantage of the sunshine and outside temperatures during the day or night to regulate the temperature inside. Dress appropriately by either snuggling up under several warm layers and a big blanket or wearing as little as possible. Keeping a breeze going can help during hot weather.
Water in a Power Outage - In a mass power outage, such as a regional power outage, unless the city water supplies are on backup generators, there may not be running water for cooking needs, or even for flushing toilets. Make sure you have a good backup water supply so that you can get plenty of fluids for health needs, water for hygiene, and water for flushing toilets, or have an emergency toilet.
Power outages in a disaster situation are pretty much a given. But even in normal times, such as what is happening in California, people can end up without power suddenly and for undetermined amounts of time. Be prepared for these types of emergencies, and have plenty of options for alternative power sources.
Water in a Power Outage - In a mass power outage, such as a regional power outage, unless the city water supplies are on backup generators, there may not be running water for cooking needs, or even for flushing toilets. Make sure you have a good backup water supply so that you can get plenty of fluids for health needs, water for hygiene, and water for flushing toilets, or have an emergency toilet.
Power outages in a disaster situation are pretty much a given. But even in normal times, such as what is happening in California, people can end up without power suddenly and for undetermined amounts of time. Be prepared for these types of emergencies, and have plenty of options for alternative power sources.
