Weathering the Storm: A Guide to Power Outage Preparedness

lightning flash in the night sky

Living in regions prone to unpredictable weather or unpredictable happenings, we find ourselves on occasion facing the challenges of power outages. Whether it’s a winter blizzard, severe thunderstorm, or wind knocking over a tree onto your local powerline, being prepared for loss of electricity is important. In this article, we’ll explore practical tips on how to prepare for a power outage.

Emergency Kit Essentials:

Have one! Check out this previous post about 72 hour kits for some ideas on what to have in yours. Don’t forget a can opener!

electricity

Backup Power Sources:

  1. Generators:
    • Portable Generators: They are fueled by gasoline, propane, or diesel and should be operated outdoors for safety.
    • Standby Generators: Permanently installed and connected to your home’s electrical system. They automatically turn on when the power goes out and can provide uninterrupted power for your entire home. They run on natural gas or propane and are more expensive than portable generators.
  2. Power Inverters:
    • Power inverters convert DC (direct current) power from a battery into AC (alternating current) power that can be used to run household appliances and electronics. They are an excellent choice for keeping small devices and low-power appliances operational during an outage.
  3. Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS):
    • UPS devices are typically used to protect computers and sensitive electronics. They provide a short-term battery backup when the power goes out, allowing you to save your work and shut down your devices properly. They come in various sizes and can provide anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours of backup power.
  4. Solar Power Systems:
    • Solar panels combined with battery storage systems can provide a sustainable source of backup power. During normal conditions, solar panels generate electricity and store excess energy in batteries. During a power outage, this stored energy can be used to power your home.
  5. Power Banks and Portable Chargers:
    • Power banks, also known as portable chargers, are compact devices that store electrical energy. They are primarily used to charge smartphones, tablets, and other small electronic devices.
  6. Candles and Oil Lamps:
    • Ensure you have a supply of candles, matches, and oil or lamp fuel on hand for back up light. Always use them safely and keep an eye on open flames.

When choosing a backup power device, consider your specific needs, the duration of potential outages, and your budget. It’s also important to maintain and test your backup power sources regularly to ensure they are ready when needed. Having a combination of these devices can provide a comprehensive backup power solution for different situations and needs during a power outage.

Winter Power Outage Essentials:

Winters can be harsh here, and during outages, we sometimes rely on wood stoves or propane heaters to stay warm in our homes. Ensure you have a safe, and well stocked heating source and plenty of warm clothing and blankets. Keep doors and windows closed as often as possible to keep heat in.

Stay Connected and Informed:

When the power goes out, staying connected can be a lifeline. Have a communication plan in place with family and friends, know which websites or radio stations to look up or tune in to get up to date information. Or if necessary use your phone to call your local emergency services (eg: police or fire department). Charge your phones and devices when the power is on and consider investing in a backup power source for them.

Protect Your Perishables:

    • This would be a possible 72 Hour Kit or food storage moment.
    • Keep the Fridge and Freezer Closed:  A well-insulated fridge can keep food cold for about 4 hours if unopened, while a full freezer can maintain its temperature for about 48 hours, and a half-full freezer for about 24 hours.
    • Use Ice Packs: Placing ice packs in your refrigerator can help maintain temperatures.
    • Consider Cooler Storage: If you anticipate a prolonged power outage, consider transferring perishable items to a well-insulated cooler with ice packs or ice. This can help extend the freshness of these items until the power is restored.
    • Prioritize Consumption: Use perishable items that are at risk of spoiling first. Plan meals that incorporate these foods early in the power outage to reduce waste. Canned and non-perishable foods can be reserved for later use.
    • Be Cautious with Food: When in doubt, throw it out. If you are unsure about the safety of a particular food item, it’s better to discard it rather than risk food borne illness.
Conclusion

Power outages may be a temporary inconvenience, but with the right preparation and resilience, we can weather any storm that comes our way. Stay prepared, stay safe, and remember that we’re all in this together!

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