14 things to do now that will save you during a power outage
Preparing for a power outage involves anticipating various needs and ensuring you have the necessary supplies and knowledge to handle the situation comfortably and safely. Here are 14 proactive steps you can take now to save yourself from trouble during a power outage:
1.Stock Up On Water: Store at least one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, to cover drinking and sanitation needs.
2.Maintain Non-perishable Food Supplies: Keep at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food that doesn’t require cooking.
3.Invest in Alternative Lighting: Purchase flashlights, solar-powered lamps, or emergency light sticks to ensure visibility.
4.Keep Portable Chargers Ready: Charge power banks and have solar chargers on hand to keep your mobile devices powered.
5.Buy Batteries: Maintain a stockpile of batteries appropriate for all necessary devices like radios and flashlights.
6.First Aid Kit: Ensure you have a well-equipped first aid kit to handle minor injuries that may occur when professional help may not be promptly available.
7.Portable Stove or Grill: Have a means to cook food outdoors if possible, like a portable camping stove or grill with extra fuel.
8.Preserve Temperature-sensitive Medications: If you rely on medications that need refrigeration, have a cooler and ice packs ready to go.
9.Plan for Pet Needs: Stock up on extra pet food and make sure your pets’ identification tags are up to date in case they get loose.
10.Personal Hygiene Items: Have extra personal hygiene supplies such as hand sanitizer, wet wipes, toilet paper, and garbage bags.
11.Blankets and Warm Clothing: Store extra blankets and warm clothing to keep warm without central heating during colder months.
12.Emergency Contact List: Compile a list of important phone numbers in case your cell phone dies or is inaccessible.
13.Safe Storage of Important Documents: Secure important documents like passports, insurance papers, and personal identification in waterproof containers.
14.Educate Yourself on Manual Overrides: Learn how to manually override electric garage doors or security gates so you won’t be stuck if there’s no power for electronic controls.
By taking these steps now, you can mitigate many of the inconveniences and discomforts brought about by a sudden power outage, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of yourself and your loved ones.