How To Prepare For Days Without Power

12/7/2022 (Permalink)

How To Prepare For Days Without Power

If you live in an area that experiences frequent power outages, storms, or other emergencies, you may know the feeling of waking up in the middle of the night and wondering if the power will come back on. Your mind races through all sorts of questions: Is my neighborhood affected? Will I need to evacuate? How long will it take for my home to be repaired? If you're someone who experiences these moments of panic caused by a lack of electricity, there are several things you can do now to prepare yourself so that when an outage occurs, your family won't find themselves without access to food and water. 

Put together an emergency kit.

An emergency kit is a must if you live in a place prone to natural disasters. It can also be useful if you live in an area that experiences regular power outages due to weather, or if you're someone who tends to lose electricity more often than most people. To avoid accidents and keep yourself safe, it's important that your emergency kit be easy to carry with you wherever your travels may take you. This means picking one that's lightweight and portable enough so as not to hinder your mobility should the need arise. 

Create a storm preparedness plan for your family.

You should plan to be without power for at least 72 hours. During this time, you’ll need to rely on your emergency kit and supplies as well as any items you have in your home. 

Keep in mind that while this list of items is meant to provide basic comfort, it is not intended as an exhaustive list of everything needed for disaster survival. As such, consider adding additional supplies based on the needs of members of your household who may have special requirements such as infants or elderly adults.

Charge cell phones BEFORE a power outage or storm.

It's important to charge your phone before the storm hits. While traditional outlets won't work during a power outage or natural disaster, there are other options available so that your device is ready when the lights come back.

One option is to use a power bank (or portable charger). These devices allow you to charge your phone on-the-go without having access to an outlet or laptop. However, they don't hold an endless supply of juice—so it's best if you have at least one full battery life left in case of emergency needs.

Have flashlights and extra batteries ready in case the power goes out.

If you plan to be without power for an extended period of time, it's important that you have flashlights and extra batteries ready. Flashlights are useful because they allow you to navigate in the dark and also save your phone battery so that it doesn't die. It's a good idea to keep at least one flashlight on hand with a long battery life, such as LED ones, as well as extra batteries. 

Have at least a three-day supply of nonperishable food available.

The most important thing you can do to prepare for a power outage is to keep your food and water supply on hand. In the event that you are home when the power goes out, having nonperishable food and bottled water will help ensure that your family has enough to live on until their power comes back. Make sure all of your stored foods are kept in a cool, dry place—the refrigerator or pantry—to prevent spoilage.

Keep in mind that canned goods are an excellent option because they won't spoil as quickly as other foods like milk or produce. Remember that you should have 3 days worth of food ready at all times; this includes canned goods as well!

There are plenty of things that you can do to prepare for a power outage. We hope these tips will help make your next storm a little less stressful!