Preparing for a Power Outage: Things You Might Consider and Others You May Not Have

When the power goes out in your home you need to be prepared. This is especially true if you have elders or small children in the home. The first thing you need to do is know what exactly will work and what will not work when your power goes out. If you live in the country, or in another setting that gives you well water, most likely your pump will not work and you will not have water. If you have a modern telephone that hooks up to a charger, you most likely will not have a landline telephone to use. Also know that even if you have a gas stove, it probably runs on electric as well, and it is not going to run. Do not turn on the gas burner while your electric is out, if this is the case.

Next you need to decide what type of alternative lighting you would like to have in your home to use during a power outage. If you decide to purchase a generator (a must for areas prone to power outages, such as those in hurricane or tornado paths), then you pretty much have everything all wrapped up. Just make sure to follow manufacturer’s instructions for storage and use of the product. If, however, you are looking for information for short-term power outages, then consider oil lamps, candles, lanterns, or battery-powered lighting. Know the risks of the alternative lighting you are using, and proceed with caution in using them.

Make sure that you know exactly where your items are stored and have the items necessary to operate them close at hand. For example, if you choose candles as your lighting choice, make sure to have matches, lighters, or candle lighters next to the candles so you are not fumbling around in the dark trying to find a way to light them. Likewise, keep other items needed for your lighting choice close at hand, such as batteries, or hurricane lamp oil.

Keep a transistor radio in storage with your alternative lighting sources, and a supply of fitting batteries as well. You may want to get updates on the power outage and can perhaps do so via this medium.

Keep flashlights close at hand and check batteries regularly to make sure they are working properly.

Invest in a backup battery system to keep your computer running for a designated amount of time during a power outage, so you don’t lose vital information you are working on, and back sure the battery in it is kept in working order.

Inform everyone in the house of where items are to be stored for such an occasion, and make sure they know these items are off limits unless said occasion arises. Nothing can be worse than fumbling around in a storage room for emergency supplies and finding someone has opened and used the batteries you needed. Stress the importance of having a backup plan and make the supplies off limits.

It is also a good rule of thumb to keep some non-perishable food items and bottled or jugs of water in the home for such an occurrence. Just be sure to regularly check the expiration dates on both.

Pretty much everyone has been through a power outage at one time or another, and chances are very high we all will be again. Just know what you will do when the time comes, have the supplies ready to do so, and make sure family members are informed as well. Just a few simple steps of preparation can give you peace of mind and save you from unnecessary aggravation. As with most things, a little planning goes a long way.