Preparing for Winter Power Outages

Our climate has changed greatly over the years and so has our weather. There has been a greater frequency of hurricanes, tornadoes, and severe thunderstorms. With the onset of winter we can be sure of snow, ice, and blizzards becoming a major problem across the country and knocking out power to thousands of people. Making preparations now for the event of power outages is a wise and economically sound thing to do.

If you have a home generator, you can consider yourself fortunate. However most people, because of the area they live in, cannot have a home generator due to the noise they create and the costs. For those that do though, I recommend servicing your equipment before the winter and making sure you have a reserve can of gas ready as well as a full tank. Check your power cords and decide now what will be run and when from the generator.

Start stocking up on emergency candles now. You can purchase them very inexpensively at the dollar store along with candle holders as well. Think about what rooms you must have light in and figure out how many candles to purchase. Another idea for light would be to purchase hurricane lamps and spare oil. These are a much safer alternative to regular candles, plus they do give off light and a little heat. You can buy decorative ones that you can have out already that way you aren’t scrambling in the dark trying to find them.

Invest in a couple of portable kerosene heaters and at least 2 cans that you can put fuel in. Kerosene heaters are great for emergency heating situations. Read the directions carefully about the care of your heater as well as operating instructions. Having a couple of cans of fuel is a good idea because sometimes it takes hours before the power is restored. If possible huddle everyone into a central area and close off doors. Crack a window in the room you are in to let any fumes out that may come with burning kerosene. Closing off the interior doors will help keep the heat centralized to where everyone is at and use less fuel.

Put empty gallon milk jugs to good use. Begin by rinsing them out and filling them with water. When the electricity goes out sometimes you are not able to do something as simple as flush a toilet. Having these bottles of water, you can empty them into the main bowl and this way you are able to flush away waste. It’s not the perfect solution but it works especially if you have long power outages.

Purchase a small charcoal grill and accessories for just this occasion. You can grill outdoors even in cold weather. Have a bag of charcoal and lighter fluid on hand. You can purchase an inexpensive grill almost anywhere for under $15. Remember, this is for an emergency power outage.

Purchase a case of bottled water about every thirty days. If you don’t end up having to use it for a power outage then drink it for everyday use and purchase another case. This way you will have fresh water on hand should the power go out. You can also pick up inexpensive generic sodas and drinks as well. Just remember to rotate the home inventory.

Power outages in the winter are just plain inevitable. Preparing now will keep you and your family safe and warm without adding undue stress. Having the basics is all you need to get through any outage. Just remember to be safe in using different forms of heat and light and enjoy the extra time you have for conversation.