Depending on the season, you may be used to losing power in your area whenever severe weather hits. Going even an hour without electricity can make you anxious about the food in your fridge, electronic devices with dwindling batteries, and tripping hazards in your home you cannot see.
Preparation is key to overcoming the many challenges and inconveniences power outages spark. When severe weather’s in the forecast or you think your home may lose electricity, use these tips to prepare and maintain your sanity.
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Get Plenty of Light Sources
Stock up on light sources like inexpensive candles, glowsticks, and flashlights. It’s good to have two to four light sources for power outages, and it’s even better to have specific lights for specific activities, like task lighting. That way, you always have the perfect amount of light for whatever you’re doing.
If you need a new flashlight, check out lights with features that come in handy during power outages. For example, some modern rechargeable lights have charging ports that turn the light into a power bank. Even if you don’t charge other devices with the light, having a rechargeable flashlight with a USB-C charging port can help you keep the light charged with another power bank.
Charge All Your Devices
Charge your phone, laptop, power bank, rechargeable batteries, and emergency radio before a power outage. These devices are essential for vital tasks and communication. You can also charge sources of entertainment, such as tablet computers, e-readers, and handheld gaming consoles.
Charge everything you think you may need before the storm. Charging devices during bad weather is dangerous because lightning strikes may ruin them by sending power surges through them. Once you have all your necessities charged, turn them off or unplug them to protect them and conserve power.
Have Ready-To-Eat Food on Hand
Just because the power’s out doesn’t mean you have to go without good food. Stock up on non-perishable foods like peanut butter, canned tuna, fruit cups, crackers, trail mix, and canned goods. Double-check that you have a manual can opener because electric can openers become inoperable during power outages.
While stocking up on food, think about the season. During winter power outages, it may be cold enough to store some items outside rather than in your fridge. In the summer, you can cook some items on the grill or an open flame rather than on the stove or in the oven.
Get a Small Propane Stove
If you don’t have a grill or firepit and need to prepare meals when you don’t have electricity, a small propane camping stove can do the trick. Camping stoves are easy to light with a match or lighter, cook food evenly, and let you change the amount of heat and gas you use. Buy plenty of propane canisters, and check them before cooking so you know you have enough fuel to prepare a meal.
Keep Cool
Summer power outages can turn your home into a sauna. Stay cool by changing into loose clothing, using battery-powered fans, and drinking plenty of water. If your house has a basement, spend the power outage in the lower levels to beat the heat.
You also want to keep food in the refrigerator cool. The best way to do this is by keeping the fridge door closed as much as possible. According to the USDA, food in the fridge stays good for four hours during power outages. If your home loses power for over four hours, throw out leftovers, eggs, meat, and poultry. If you’re ever in doubt about whether a food’s safe to eat, throw it out.
You can’t control whether you lose power, but you can prepare for it. With a few tips, power outages don’t have to steal your light or enjoyment.
