Here’s how to always be prepared for when the power goes out

It may be difficult to imagine, but people actually got along without electric power for thousands of years. Some people still get along without it today! But in this day and age, not being able to switch on the lights or turn on your electrical devices is something we just aren’t prepared for…

Even so, things happen, like power outages and sometimes they can last a while. So, being prepared is a wise investment.

The definition of “prepared” will vary depending on where you live and the events surrounding the outage. But no matter the time or place, the general areas of preparation remain the same.

Here’s how to always be fully prepared for when the power goes out:

Light

There’s no substitute for investing in a few quality flashlights (Klarus Light) and fresh batteries. A battery operated lantern that offers general rather than focused illumination is also well worth it. Experts recommend not using candles because of the fire hazard.

Communications

Cordless telephones don't work when the power fails, and cell phones will run out of juice within a few hours. So, be sure you have at least one corded phone in your house. For your cell phones – buy a power bank from Off Grid or a charging adapter that plugs into the lighter in your car.

Heat

If you live in a cold climate, you'll need to figure out a method for keeping at least one room warm. If you already have gas logs, a wood-burning stove, or a fireplace, you should be in good shape.

Water

A secondary source of water is especially important if you have a well with an electric pump. Once the pump stops, the water stops, too. But even if you have city- or county-supplied water, your water could be affected if the power is out long enough.

Food/Cooking

Depending on your situation, you may be able to drive to the nearest eatery that still has power. But that isn't always possible. So keep food on hand that doesn't require cooking or refrigeration, such as crackers, peanut butter, snack bars, bread, and canned fruit.

This is one time that buying in bulk may not be a cost-saver — giant cans of food may go bad without refrigeration if you can't finish them in one sitting. If you can plan ahead and stock mostly items you'll eat eventually anyway, your emergency food pantry doesn't need to cost much extra. Just be sure to rotate the food periodically to keep it fresh.

Preparing for a power outage is an investment, but the peace of mind you and your family will receive from knowing you're prepared is an ongoing dividend. And if the power does eventually go out, the payoff will rapidly appreciate.

Here’s the most important things you need to know about Uninterruptible Power Supplies

An Uninterruptible Power Supply or UPS is the best thing to have for hooking up your computer system to the wall socket. Basically, a UPS is a power strip combined with a battery to keep your computer running when the power goes out.

The notion behind a UPS is not to keep computing while the power is out. Instead, the UPS is designed to keep your basic computer components (console and monitor) up and running just long enough for you to save your work and properly shut down the computer.

Keep the following points in mind:

- A UPS only gives you about five minutes of computer power. Be expedient and save your stuff to disk, and then shut down. You can print, scan or do other tasks when the power comes back on.

- Leave the UPS on all the time. You need to turn it off only when the power is out and the computer has been properly shut down.

- In addition to providing emergency power, a UPS provides higher levels of electrical protection for your equipment. Many models offer surge, spike and dip protection, which keeps your PC running smoothly despite any nasties the power company may throw your way.

Take a look at this video to understand how a UPS system works…

Take a moment to browse through Off Grid's website, there are a broad range of back up power solutions including UPS devices - all at an affordable price!

3 Cape Town activities to beat the boredom when the lights go out

Power cuts are something we have to live with, but luckily we live in the world’s most beautiful and awesome city! When the lights go out you don’t have to stop enjoying yourself, because there is always plenty to do in the Mother City.

Have a picnic:

Day or night, the city has a ton of spots to kick back, relax and enjoy a chilled picnic. Kirstenbosch Gardens, Gordon’s Bay Beach, Clifton Beach, a number of wine estates and so much more. These are just some of the top spots to enjoy the tranquility that comes without electricity.

Get back to nature:

Cape Town is beautiful, so enjoy it! Instead of moping around because you don’t have TV or the internet, get out and explore. Go for a run or a cycle on the Sea Point promenade, take a hike up Table Mountain or hit the waves at Muizenberg. The city is an adventure waiting to happen, so make it!

Take a stroll:

If you are looking to slow things down instead of speeding them up, take a leisurely stroll. The Company Gardens is perfect to soak in the city vibe and Kirstenbosch is a great place for the soul. There’s no harm in using the power outage to take a moment to just breathe again.

So there you have it, three cool and simple things to do in the city without lights. At the end of the day, you’ll be happy the lights went out!

If you really cannot live without power for a while, then Off Grid's back up solutions are perfect for you! From UPS devices to power banks, we have it all! 

Useful tips to keep in mind when buying a power bank

Your own personal requirements will determine what kind of charger you need to have. If you don’t carry too many devices when you travel, then you can buy a small and low capacity power bank just to charge your cell phone. If you need to charge a iPad, tablet, etc. then it is important to have one with a higher capacity.

1. Capacity

The main attribute associated to a power bank is its capacity. You cant exactly calculate how many times a specific power bank can charge your device, but keep this rule in mind – more mAH = more capacity.

If you have a cell phone with a 1500mAH battery, then ideally 1500mAH can fully charge your cell phone once. When you are buying a portable power bank, make sure it can charge the battery of a specific device. Why not buy yourself a power bank today, take a look at Off Grid’s website where there is a wide variety of power banks to choose from at an affordable price.

2. USB Charging

Most current power bank chargers have built-in USB charging capability. Some of the older models don’t have this feature. After you have fully charged your power bank at home, it is a simple matter to connect the device to your cellphone with an adapter and your phone will start charging instantly.

3. Price & Quality

Apart from battery strength, one other thing which can help decide which power bank charger is best for you is the price! However, you should never buy a portable power bank which either uses refurbished batteries or which doesn’t contain the basic features.

4. Portability

One of the main reasons to buy a power bank is the fact that it is portable. The ability to charge your devices on the move because you can simply take a charger with you is a huge plus!

Because of the large number of personal devices that we now have, such as smartphones, tablets, iPads, cameras, GPS and iPods to name a few, it is basically a necessity to have one if you want to make sure you never run out of battery power on your device.

5. Power Bank Recommendations

Off Grid can provide you with a wide range of different backup power solutions, one being power banks. Visit the website today and browse through some of the devices on offer, if you’re looking for a power bank that is both affordable and high quality then this is where you’ll find it.

A portable power bank charger can make a huge difference in the enjoyment of your devices. We need them in our everyday lives and a power bank makes it possible to keep our communications going after our device batteries have died.

10 helpful tricks and tips to use when the power goes out

Power outages are more than just sitting in the dark. The fridge stops running, everything starts to defrost, plus the AC and fans stop working. Out come the torches and you have to wait patiently for the power to return. When the power goes out at your home, make sure to remember these helpful tips and tricks…

  v  When the power does fail somehow and the lights go out, leaving you in pitch darkness, don’t jump up immediately to find your flashlight and candles. Take a minute or two to let your eyes adjust to the darkness. You will be surprised how much better you can see and you won’t be as likely to walk into a table, chair or door.

  v  Keep some board games like chess, dominos, puzzles or UNO handy to keep yourself busy. Think of ways in which people amused themselves before the invention of electricity.

 

  v  Make sure you have at least one charged cell phone in the house. Keep a car charger handy in case the battery runs low.

  v  If your computer is connected to a UPS device, save everything and shutdown your computer as soon as you can. Take a look at Off Grid’s website for a wide range of UPS devices and other products that supply back up power.

  v  Take out your book from the dusty corner or buy a few books beforehand. It will kill some time and keep you entertained without needing any electricity.

  v  Put lumo stickers on your flashlights and keep them in easy to see places, like the bookshelf, next to the TV, on the nightstand, etc. When the power goes out, your flashlight will be quick and easy to find!

 

  v  Candles, if used improperly, can cause fire. Make sure you light your candles away from anything flammable and in an area where they can’t be knocked over. If you can, just try use flashlights instead of candles.

  v  Never use a generator in your home, garage or other enclosed environment!

Write these helpful tricks and tips down and keep them close at hand, so next time the power goes out you are fully prepared.

For a wide range of backup power devices, ranging from power banks to UPS systems - Visit Off Grid's website today!

How to stay safe during a power outage, experts explain

Severe storms and power outages unfortunately do happen and they can devastate homes, properties and lives. How long it takes for your power to become restored depends on the amount of damage, number of outages and when it is safe for utility personnel to get to the damaged areas.

There are many steps in the assessment and restoration process, so always be sure to contact and report the outage immediately.

We want you to know how to put together a storm safety kit, here are the following things you should include in your kit:

- Drinking water
- Non-perishable foods
- Blankets, pillows and warm clothing
- Basic first aid supplies
- Any prescription medication
- Basic toiletries
- Flashlight
- Battery operated radio and clock
- Extra supply of batteries
- Cellphone
- Cash and credit cards
- all emergency numbers
- Important documents in a sealed container
- Toys, books and games
- Baby supplies (if needed)
- Pet supplies (if needed)

Always have a storm kit prepared. Keep it in a cool, dry, safe place and make sure all the members of the family know where it is. 

Make sure you are prepared if you are ever caught in the dark, take a look at Off Grid's load shedding solutions. From power banks to UPS and KVA systems - we have it all!

Stuck in the dark: Health dangers when the power goes out

No matter what caused the power outage, whether it be bad weather or a random power cut, living without power creates real and dangerous health risks that you may not be prepared for.

Exposure: Extreme temperatures, whether hot or cold, can take a toll on anyone. Those that are most at risk are young children, seniors and anyone who is already sick. In severe cases, exposure to extreme heat or cold can lead to serious health problems that may require hospitalization.

Food poisoning: Lack of refrigeration can quickly lead to food spoiling. Eating foods that have not been stored at proper temperatures can also cause food poisoning from salmonella and other bacteria.

Water hazards: One of the biggest dangers during a long power outage is contaminated water. Water treatment plants need power to run, and while they usually have backup generators, these may go out as well. Because of this, you could be exposed to toxins and illnesses.

Injury: During a power cut, you may have to do things you wouldn’t normally do, like operate a generator. If you get injured during a power cut it is more dangerous than usual because the medical system is already stretched thin.

Supply interruptions: You normally rely on regular trips to the grocery store for the supplies you need to maintain your health and hygiene. Power outages can lead to serious supply disruptions that could compromise any one of these areas.

Storms are only one of the causes of a power cut, load shedding could hit again when we are least expecting it. 

Make sure you are always prepared for the worst – invest in one of Off Grid’s load shedding solutions. Whether it be a power bank to charge your cellphone or a UPS system for your computer, Off Grid has the backup power devices that you need.