A power outage occurs when the electrical power goes out. Some outages last shortly, others last a few hours, but sometimes, they can last several days or even weeks. Power outages can disrupt our daily lives by impacting our needs for lighting, heating, cooling, communication, food and medicine. You might get a warning when it is planned but there are times when it is unexpected especially when it is caused by weather disturbances. That’s why it’s important to plan and ensure you and your family are well-equipped for a power outage.
Here are the 3 Best Ways to Prepare for a Power Outage
Find a Backup Power Source
Preparing for a power outage means having an alternate power source that you can rely on when the power goes out. Fully charge all your electronic devices from power banks, rechargeable batteries, emergency lights, and other devices to maximize the amount of time you’ll be able to use them.
Keep a flashlight and candles handy in each room of your house in easy-to-find places for when you need them right away. Also, remember to stock up on matches and keep plenty of batteries on hand too. A glow stick can also come in handy since they don’t need batteries to function.
Stock Food and Water
Keep your pantry stocked with non-perishable food and water supplies for at least two weeks. Good options to include are canned goods, bread, peanut butter, nuts, powdered drink mixes, and chips and crackers. It is a great idea to buy in bulk but be mindful of the expiration date, remember you’re buying food that may need to be stored for a longer period.
Also, keep freezers and refrigerators closed at all times unless needed. This is to keep your food cold and preserve it. Refrigerators will keep food cold for about four hours, you can transfer your food to a cooler to extend food refrigeration.
Buy a generator
Generators are a great help when the power goes out, especially for a longer period. It is a great investment because it can support an entire house (depending on the type of generator) and will let you charge your devices. It doesn’t have to be pricey, just an option to run a fan or air conditioner for comfort will do.
Just make sure it is installed by a licensed electrician for safety purposes. Having a standby generator will give you peace of mind knowing your home is prepared for any situation.
These are just some of the many ways you can prepare your home for power outages.
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