9 Ways every Homeowner should prepare for a Power Outage

Due to weather conditions, accidents, aging power grids and so much more, power outages are becoming more common than they used to be.

Once the power goes out, you should use these tips to help you survive an electrical outage.

Turn your car into a generator

A power inverter, which turns DC current from your car into AC current for your electrical gadgets, is the next best thing to a generator when it comes to surviving a blackout. Small units can recharge your computer or phone. Larger ones can even power a fridge or power tools.

Conserve batteries

LED flashlights and lanterns have a huge advantage over incandescent models – they allow batteries to last much longer!

Purchase a backup power solution

When all the power is gone and you want to continue with your day to day activities it can be quite difficult. Off Grid has a wide range of backup power solutions, from power banks to UPS devices. If you don’t want to be inconvenienced a backup power solution is the way to go.

Save food with ice

A couple of hours without power can cost you an arm and a leg if your food in your fridge or freezer spoils. Fill freezer bags with water and keep them in the freezer to keep it colder for longer or transfer them to the fridge or a cooler.

Don’t wreck your TV

When the power comes back on, there will probably be power surges that could destroy electronics such as your TV, computer and other appliances. So the best thing to do is to unplug everything!

Don’t use candles

Flashlights produce more light and they won’t burn your house down.

Keep the fridge closed

The less you open your fridge and freezer doors, longer your food will stay cold.

Tap your geyser

It’s your built in emergency hot water supply. If you’re ever in need of hot water, open the drain valve at the bottom of the tank.

Get cash

In a power outage, it’s best to have cash on hand. Some stores may stay open, but they probably won’t be able to use their card machines. So keep emergency cash close by.

If the power goes out, sometimes you have to prepare for the worst – like not having power for a few hours. Why not plan ahead and make sure you’re prepared!

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.