Strong storms often cause power blackouts – Image by born1945
We live a relatively easy life these days, with modern electricity in every home, but it hasn’t always been like this. Just a few decades ago, many homes still had no electricity. Today, we have live powered-up lives, and rely on it so much many of us don’t think much about living without electricity. There are times, however, when there is no electricity and we should all think about our needs during those times when blackouts occur.
Electrical blackouts do still happen occasionally – remember the Washington D.C. blackout earlier this year? Winter’s snowy storms can cause the electricity to be out for days, or worse, weeks, and hurricanes can devastate the delicate infrastructure, so necessary to generating and distributing electrical current. Hurricanes can also damage homes to the extent that costly repair has to be done before a working electrical system can hook up to it again. Personally, I remember that 1993′s snowstorm that kept me without power for over a week – it was not easy but it taught me to be better prepared. Never again would I be caught without a manual can opener!
Prepare for a Coming Blackout
What do you do when the forecasters tell you a severe storm is coming? If a heavy snowstorm is on the way, or a fierce hurricane is headed straight for you, it may be a little late to get really prepared, so get started now!
- Generator – One thing I recommend any well-prepped family to have in their possession is a generator with plenty of fuel. Having one means you can keep a refrigerator cold and your freezer maintained, you can cook, and have some lights. You won’t be able to do all these things at the same time, unless you have a bigger capacity generator, and these are pretty expensive. A small, affordable one will do the job – but you will have to rotate what is plugged in. Get the temperature in the freezer low, unplug it and plug in the refrigerator to cool it down, then unplug to cook, and so on. You get the picture. It can be done, and is a big, big plus to be able to generate your own electricity in an emergency situation. Just be sure to keep enough fuel to drive the generator on hand, and rotate the stock of stored fuel, so the gas or diesel stays fresh.
- Flashlights - Keeping a supply of good flashlights is to your advantage every day, but especially during blackouts. The little LED headlights are the handiest thing I’ve ever had. The hands free light is perfect for working, reading, or just getting from one place to another when it’s totally dark. I love them and recommend one to everyone!
Keep reading for more emergency blackout tips!
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