Be Ready for Any Power Outage

A power outage can be very disruptive if you aren’t ready for it. With a little planning you can be prepared, not scared. It might help you get organized if you think of your home in terms of systems: heat, food, light and water.

Heat

If you live in a cold climate, a lack of heat might make it necessary to go to an alternative location, especially if you’re caring for a fragile elder or an infant. The best long-term heating option is a wood-burning cooking or heating stove, especially if you have access to free firewood.

Lights

Lights are important for both safety and morale. If the power goes out, you must navigate until you get a lamp lit. Candles are good for the atmosphere but not great to rely on for your only light source. Hurricane lanterns are much better and very reasonably priced. Get some extra fuel and be sure you have wooden matches.

TIPS

• Never leave a lamp lit in a room without an adult present.
• Putting an oil lamp in front of a mirror will throw off much more light.
• Aladdin lamps put out enough heat to warm a small room.

Water

You either have water without power or you don’t. If you don’t, you need to plan ahead and store some. You can also invest in a water filtering system – one that is so powerful that it can turn coffee back into water and remove harmful bacteria that can make you sick.

You will always need more water than you have. Plan on consumption of at least a gallon a day per person.

Food

Food can include canned meats or meals like soups or stews. If you store dried food, remember to store enough water to rehydrate it. Also, remember to use a manual can opener if your food supply is canned.

BONUS TIPS

Don’t let yourself get too low on necessary medications.

Stock up on some non-electronic entertainment like board games, puzzles and books.

Keep contact information, such as relatives' and neighbors’ phone numbers, in a non-electric form (paper).

AcreageLife Tip: Honey is one food that never expires and can be used to sweeten drinks and meals.