Preparing for a power outage involves a lot of things. Funnily, we barely know this until we are without power. As they say, “you don’t know what you have until it’s gone.” Nearly 80% of us are unprepared for a power outage. To make sure you aren’t transfixed or clueless when this happens, like a deer caught in headlights, we look at several ways to prepare ahead.
In our previous post, we looked at ways to get water, cook, and store foods in the absence of power. In this conclusion, we’ll discuss other ways to manage effectively without power. Here we go.
Preparing For A Power Outage: Keeping Warm
Hypothermia is real; I’m sure you know that. In fact, over a thousand people die from the ailment every year in our country, and this is even when there’s power on, how much more when there’s an outage. Knowing that temperature can be dangerously low when there’s no power, here are simple ways to keep the temperature ideal when it happens.
Layer Up Clothing
Thick socks, gloves, and underwear are compulsory when you start feeling cold. Putting them on will keep your internal organ, hands, and feet warm. Should you still feel cold after wearing these items, quickly throw on some sweats and jackets.
Shut All Openings
Warm air escapes a room quickly when the openings are left ajar. As such, keep in mind to close the doors and windows as soon as you start to feel cold. Shut all doors within the house, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how effective such a little step is. Note that this involves drawing all blind and curtains as well.
Gather In A Small Room
It is advisable to get everyone together in a small room, preferably the smallest when there’s a power outage. Gathering in a little room with the door shut will leave no room for warm air to escape. Also, with many of you in the room, your bodies will produce sufficient heat to keep everybody warm.
Use A Solar Heater
Solar heaters are cost-prohibitive, no doubt, but they can be effective in keeping warm when there’s an outage. Ideally, you’re advised to buy a single solar panel to use in a single room as it can hardly power the whole apartment. However, despite its costliness, a solar heater is dependent on the climate, so you may have to skip it if you live in a rainy region.
Install A Fireplace
A fireplace is a lovely feature to have at home. I mean, I can’t count the number of great romantic movies that have featured the fireplace. In addition to the beauty it offers, a fireplace can be useful when you’re cold. You can easily start a fire and sit close to it, although the latter part isn’t vital.
Preparing For A Power Outage: Keeping Cold
Sometimes, the struggle isn’t against the cold; it’s against the heat. A power outage during summer is sure to inundate you with heat. Extreme weather may deprive you of sleep, thus robbing you of adequate rest and a sharp mental state. Below are easy ways to banish the heat when SHTF.
Keep The Blinds Shut During The Day
By keeping the blinds and curtains drawn during the day, you stop warm air from getting into the house. When night comes, you can then open the curtains so as to let in cold air. However, it may be hard to endure the heat during the day, so you may have to spend some time outdoors.
Plant Trees Now
You can see the urgency attached to planting trees. That’s because it wouldn’t be a practical solution if you’re waiting until there is an outage before doing so. Trees offer shade from the sun and ensure better circulation of air. So, it’s a worthy cause.
Get A Fan That Runs On Batteries
Fans that work on batteries are thankfully cheap and effective. With one or two, you’d rarely have a sleepless night. These batteries, however, have to be replaced after a week, so make sure you’re stocked up ahead.
Move Downstairs
If you live upstairs, you may have to move downstairs when the heat is unbearable. This is because heat travels upward. However, at midnight, when it becomes cool, you can return upstairs as it gets more breeze.
Preparing For A Power Outage: Keeping The Rooms Bright
Sometimes, a power outage may be a result of a natural disaster that will necessitate going into your underground shelter. However, even if you don’t go into the basement, you’d need to keep the lights on at night. Here are easy ways to do so.
Stockpile Flashlights
Flashlights are the first go-to in the absence of power, but what if they aren’t available or recharged when SHTF? Hence, you have to ensure that your flashlights are regularly charged. I’d suggest that you go for battery-powered torches, as they don’t need power to function. Just get batteries.
Headlights
Some tasks or activities may require using both hands, so a headlight is an advisable supply. Also, it would be useful if you or the kids have to use the toilet in the dark. Ensure you buy high-standard headlights, preferably battery-powered options.
Kerosene Lamps
A lantern offers a more atmospheric, stable source of light that you will appreciate in the evenings. You have to be careful when using it, however, as it uses an open flame. Supervise children, especially before lighting a lantern.
Additionally, kerosene lamps release carbon dioxide, so they should only be used in well-aerated rooms. Keep in mind that you need to have a rich store of oil and wicks to keep your lantern functional when SHTF.
Conclusion On Preparing For A Power Outage
Preparing for a power outage is necessary so as to be a step ahead if it ever happens. If you live in areas with heavy wind or rainfall, there’s an even higher risk of a power outage. Keep in mind that a power outage will ground several services, so the best way going forward is to prepare ahead.