How should one prepare for a power outage?

Question

I was caught unprepared last night. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

Living in SoCal, power outages are a common occurrence every time the grid becomes challenged. Since we never know how long the power will be off, we have a little routine we follow. Our computer has a back up battery and is plugged into a surge protector. The battery gives us enough time to save and log off without damaging the computer or our data. We have candles, in every room with a lighter nearby. We keep an aim and flame lighter near the stove because the ignitor works on electricity, but the gas burner can still be lit with the long lighters (same for the gas BBQ grill). We empty out our icemaker and any water in the tray because if the power is off for long, it has melted and made a mess in the freezer. We ususally put the ice in the washer because if the power is off for a long time, it can become a great place to store food from the fridge and keeps it pretty cold. We make sure that the backup batteries on our smoke detectors and alarm system kicked on when the power went off (both are hardwired). We go out to the garage and engage the garage doors to operate manually rather than with the electric garage door openers and lock them manually. Since our phones plug into the wall and use electricity, we plug in a phone that works without it so we don't lose phone service. We always keep a supply of bottled water and canned and dry foods on hand as well. And, we have a little transistor radio and batteries on hand so we can listen to the radio station that broadcasts news during the emergency because they usually tell you how long the power will be off. After the power outage, we re-set all of the digital clocks in the house, check the fridge and freezer for food damage, re-set the garage door openers, check the hot water heater re-ignited, re-set the alarm system power failure code to normal operation and make sure the phones are all recharging their batteries.

Answer 2

When my power goes out the first thing I do is call the electric company to make them aware of the outage. If the power goes out in the dark hours, the first thing I want is a source of light, and candles don't cut it! I keep small flashlights in the bedrooms and in the basement of my home. After that I go for the big flashlight that is kept in the kitchen. I always have a few extra batteries around just in case, along with enough food to last for several days. In my area, power outages are easier to deal with in the winter than in the summer months. I want communication when the power is out and a battery operated radio, or a hand cranked radio is great.

Answer 3

After learning the hard way, I always keep a stock of tea candles and matches in a place that is easy to find in the dark. These candles are cheap, you don't really need holders for them, they don't take up a lot of space and give off a good light. Flashlights are great but you can wear out the batteries fast. Also keep bottled water in case the water goes with your power. BBQ's are a great alternative way to cook with no power, just make sure you keep your tank or charcoal full. If you don't have one, think about getting a camping stove, they don't take up a lot of room but work great using a small propane tank. Try not to open your fridge or freezer too much as this will let out the cold air. They will maintain their coldness for quite awhile if not opened. Keep blankets stored somewhere easy to reach for winter time.

Answer 4

I just have several tea candles in a fixed place (pantry) where I can easily find them, some are even scattered around my living room and I know where they are, so I can just have some light quickly when I need it. I also have a flashlight in the pantry but don't really use it a lot, only when I need A LOT of light for a particular purpose. Fortunately my power outages are usually short.....

Answer 5

Buy some big bottles of water, some batteries, candles, matches, and some ice for the ice chest. Also buy a camp stove and some food to cook, or go out some where for your meals.

Answer 6

I keep several guns and a few thousand rounds of ammunition around. When the power goes out we all get on the roof with the guns and wait for the looters to come. I fire a few rounds over their heads before I start dropping them.

Answer 7

I love to stock up on candles and those wind up flashlights,,