How To Prep For Power Outages

Natural disasters and severe weather happen more and more often. Therefore, it is important to learn how to prep for power outages, before they happen.

Preparing for power outages will help you to stay calm. it could even help keep your family safe.

In this post, you will learn how to prep for power outages. You will also learn how to protect yourself and your family during a power outage as well.

Tips for Preparing for Power Outages

There are many ways you can start getting prepared for a power outage in your home whether it be short-term or long-term. The last thing you need is the stress of running around trying to find what you need after the lights go out.

Strong thunderstorms and downed power lines or severe storms like hurricanes can take our power supply away for hours, days, or even weeks. You have to be prepared and ready when they happen.

The following tips should help you become well-prepared for living without electricity.

Put Together an Emergency Kit to Prep for Power Outages

Assembling a small kit ahead of time is always a smart idea. Whether you use a duffle bag or a small tote, find a container to put all of your needed supplies in.

Your kit should contain things like candles, matches or lighters, lanterns, batteries, and flashlights. You can place enough of each item, flashlights for example, so everyone in the home has their own.

Place the emergency kit in a place that is easy to find when the power outage occurs. Remember, if the lights go out at night, you have to be able to get to your kit without tripping over things in search of it.

A common place may be under the kitchen sink or under a side table beside your couch. Just pick a place that is nearby where you and your family spend the most time.

Invest in a Good Quality Weather Radio

Do a search on Amazon for a solar powered or hand-cranked emergency weather radio. With this type of radio you won’t have to worry about batteries or having a generator to power it.

Another feature that make those type of weather radios perfect for a power failure is that they can be toted wherever you need to go. If you get an evacuation order, you can take it with you and follow what’s happening. Be sure to check out this emergency radio.

Stock Up On Non-Persishble Food

If you already prep for emergencies, chances are you may have a prepper pantry. If you haven’t started prepping, now is a great time to get started.

Stock up on things like tuna, canned chicken and soups, peanut butter, crackers and other foods that can be eaten without being heated or heated easily.

Make sure you allow one gallon of water per person per day also. You can always add powered drink mixes if you need a change in taste from plain water.

Be Completely Prepared to Cook

One of the most stressful parts of a power outage is trying to cook. If you want to prep for power outages correctly, always plan for a way to cook food without power.

This may mean on the grill or in a smoker. Make sure you stay stocked on propane or wood depending on which means you will use to cook with.

A solar oven is a great investment, but will take some time. You could even build a rocket oven right on your porch or patio if need be. Camp stoves make great meals.

Always be sure to keep a food thermometer on hand when preparing for power outage food inspection. Always make sure your food is at a safe temp if you are using food from a fridge during a power outage. No one needs to get sick from spoiled food.

Invest in a Portable Generator

When prepping for a power outage, the smartest investment for you and your family would be a portable generator. Depending on your budget, there are so many models to choose from.

Trust me when I tell you, having a generator to at least keep a fridge running or a few fans will be well-appreciated by everyone. Many are much quieter than the older ones and last much longer on gas too.

Keep the Gas Tanks Full

At the first sign of a severe storm threat, I would suggest you fill your gas tanks in your vehicles and any gasoline containers that you have. When word gets out, everyone will be rushing to the pumps. Many stores will run out, especially during a hurricane threat.

You’re better off being prepared by keeping your cars gas as close to full at all times if you live in an area prone to power outages. Especially if you live in a hurricane state, during hurricane season.

Even if you do not get evacuated, those gasoline containers will keep a generator running at least.

During the Power Outage

Knowing how to prep for a power outage is important. Knowing how to stay safe during one is just as important though.

These tips will help keep you and your family safe until the power is returned in your home.

Avoid Candles and Kerosene Lanterns

Always use flashlights, headlights or battery operated lights when in the home. These cannot catch fire. A candle or kerosene lamp can get tipped over or if left attended can cause a fire.

You can always bring in those single solar lights from your yard at night if nothing else is available. it is better to be safe than sorry.

Stay Out of the Fridge and Freezer as Much as Possible

Most food that requires refrigeration will stay good for about 4 hours during a power outage. The same rule applies to the freezer. A full freezer should stay frozen for about 48 hours. Remember, when in doubt, throw it out.

Unless you need to get food out and start cooking because you know the power outage will last more than than a few hours, leave those doors closed!

Try to Keep Everyone Cool

In most cases, during a longer power outage the house may become hot inside. Open some windows if it isn’t raining. If it is hot outside, consider lightweight clothing.

Try to stay at the lowest level in the home. A basement, if you have one, stays cooler because it is partially underground. You can also plug a fan into the generator.

Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated in the heat. This is especially important for small children, pets, and the elderly.

Turn Off or Disconnect Appliances and Electronics

When the power outage is over, there may be a power surge that runs through the electric lines into your home when the power returns. By unplugging everything the surge can’t damage your electronics or appliances.

You should install surge protectors on all electronics to prevent this anyway.

Keep the Generator Out of the Home

Do not ever operate a gas powered generator in side the home. It should be at least 20 feet from any window or door.

The gas fumes can cause you to get sick or worse. Don’t take the chance.

Final Thoughts on How To Prep for Power Outages

Knowing how to prep for power outages is so important to keep your family safe. Storms and natural disasters come when you least expect them.

By being prepared for a power outage ahead of time you can eliminate a lot of unnecessary stress for you and your family.