Power outages are an unavoidable reality. Knowing how to prepare for and navigate them is crucial for safety and peace of mind. This guide provides comprehensive tips for surviving a blackout, covering everything from preparation to recovery.
Understanding Seasonal Power Outages
Power outages can occur year-round, with different causes depending on the season.
Summer Blackouts
Summer heat leads to increased air conditioning use, straining power grids. Overloaded transformers can overheat and shut down, causing blackouts. Summer storms, tornadoes, and hurricanes also damage power lines. Wildfires can lead to both planned (Public Safety Power Shutoffs or PSPS) and unplanned outages. PSPS are preventative measures during high wildfire risk.
Winter Blackouts
Cold weather strains electrical systems, making them prone to failure. Ice and high winds damage power lines. States unaccustomed to winter weather are particularly vulnerable. The Texas winter storm in 2021 caused widespread power outages.
14 Essential Tips for Surviving a Power Outage
Here’s how to prepare in advance for a blackout:
1. Invest in a Generator
A generator provides backup power. Determine the right size generator for your needs, considering which appliances you want to power. Choose a generator with slightly more capacity than you think you need. Have a professional install whole-house generators, as they often use natural gas.
Never use a generator indoors due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide poisoning leads to numerous deaths and hospitalizations each year. Know the symptoms of CO poisoning.
2. Stock Up on Non-Perishable Food
Keep a supply of non-perishable foods like canned goods and freeze-dried meals. Aim for at least a 3-day supply per person (including pets), but a week’s supply is recommended for long-term outages.
Use your refrigerator and freezer food wisely. A fridge without power will keep food cold for about 4 hours, while a full freezer will keep food cold for up to 48 hours. A deep freezer provides even longer protection.
3. Prepare an Emergency Kit
An emergency preparedness kit is essential for surviving a power outage and other natural disasters. Include tools for sustaining yourself without electricity or clean water. Pack an at-home kit and a go-bag for potential evacuation.
4. Stay Informed with a Radio
Emergency radio channels broadcast crucial safety information during power outages and disasters. Know the channel for your area and have a battery-powered or hand-crank radio accessible.
Bookmark official government websites for emergency alerts. Have a portable phone charger and ensure you can access the internet via cell service. A radio is a reliable backup.
5. Plan Your Escape Route
Power outages can signal larger emergencies requiring evacuation. Create a plan for when you will evacuate, considering factors like length of the outage, wind speed, or severe weather warnings. Designate a meeting place for family members who may not be home. Prepare lists of friends’ addresses, nearby shelters, and safe locations.
6. Store Water
Prepare for potential water access disruptions by keeping a 3-day supply of drinking water per person. One gallon per person per day is the minimum. A week’s supply is recommended. Store water in bottled water or refillable five-gallon jugs.
7. Cook with Gas
If you have a gas stove, you can continue cooking during a power outage. If you have an electric stove, consider a gas-powered barbecue grill. Always use grills outdoors to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Keep your gas tank at least half full.
8. Keep Your Car’s Tank Full
Keep your car’s gas tank at least half full in case of evacuation. Aim for enough gas to drive 200-300 miles without stopping. Fill up your tank when there is a storm warning.
9. Stock Up on Batteries
Check the battery types needed for flashlights and radios. Store extra batteries in an easily accessible place. Have enough batteries for at least two full replacements for each device. Consider a portable solar phone charger for a renewable power source.
10. Get a Solid Source of Light
Lanterns are ideal light sources during power outages, providing dispersed light. Solar-powered lanterns, like LuminAID’s Power Lanterns, recharge in daylight and can also charge phones.
11. Protect Your Pipes
Insulate pipes exposed to external temperatures to prevent bursting during winter power outages. Seal doors leading outside to trap heat. If worried about freezing, drip faucets. In extreme cold, shut off the main water valve and drain faucets and toilets.
12. Know Your Medical Needs
If you or a family member rely on refrigerated medication or electronic medical equipment, have a backup plan. This includes a backup cooling plan or power source. Consult with a medical professional for advice. Be mindful of the effect of extreme heat on vulnerable individuals, especially those with chronic conditions or who are older adults.
13. Monitor Carbon Monoxide Levels
Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning by using camp stoves, generators, and grills only outdoors. Install a carbon monoxide detector in any area where CO buildup is possible. Battery-powered detectors will work even during an outage. Always change the batteries in your CO detector.
14. Keep Your Kids Busy
Keep kids entertained with books, art supplies, puzzles, and games that don’t require electricity. A solar lantern with colored lights can be used for fun activities like shadow puppets.
6 Things NOT to Do During a Power Outage
1. Don’t Run A/C Lower Than 78 Degrees
Setting your A/C too low strains the electrical system. Set your A/C at 78 degrees or higher. Raise the temperature further when you leave the house.
2. Don’t Open Your Fridge Too Much in Hot Weather
Minimize opening the refrigerator to conserve energy and maintain its temperature.
3. Use Short Cycles for Heavy Duty Appliances
Use short cycles for washing machines and dishwashers, and only run full loads.
4. Don’t Make Phone Calls During Outages, Text Instead
Keep phone lines open for emergencies by texting instead of calling. If you must call, keep it brief.
5. Stay Away From Downed Power Lines
Stay at least 35 feet away from downed power lines. Report the outage to the local electrical company. If someone makes contact with a downed line, call 911 immediately.
6. Don’t Eat the Food if in Doubt
If you’re unsure if your fridge has kept food cold enough during an outage, err on the side of caution and discard it. Use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of fridge items. If it’s 40 degrees Fahrenheit or warmer, toss it.
Conclusion
Preparing for power outages is essential for safety and comfort. Following these tips ensures a stress-free and safe experience during the next blackout. Moreover, by adopting energy-saving habits, you contribute to reducing the likelihood of outages and lowering your energy bills.
