Power outages are unfortunately part of living with electricity, but thankfully they are usually short-lived. Here are some tips to prepare for a power outage and how to make it somewhat more manageable for your household.
Stock Up on Food to Prepare for a Power Outage
When it comes to food, there are plenty of options available to you, but during a power outage, you want to keep food prep simple. Stock up on nutritious non-perishable items that don’t require heating. Things like peanut butter, canned tuna, dried fruits, and protein bars are excellent choices. Make sure that you have a variety of options to last several days and that your food is within its expiration date.
Water is a Necessity During a Power Outage
If you have advanced notice of a scheduled power outage, fill up the bathtub with water. This will give you enough water to fill and flush the toilet. You also need to store drinking water. Buy enough so that each member of your family has 1 gallon of water per day. Put aside extra water for cleaning and bathing. When stocking water, be sure to plan for your pets as well.
Emergency Power
For many homeowners, their cell phone is important to stay up-to-date on the news involving the outage and to call for help in the event of an emergency. There are many solar-powered phone chargers on the market that can be purchased for less than $50.
Having a light source is important too and, while candles are an easy solution, they can be dangerous. A battery-powered or hand-crank lantern is the safer choice. Keep extra batteries stored with your food and water so you’ll have them ready.
Be prepared with a way to cook your food. Purchase a small propane-powered burner at any camping or outdoor store. Keep the stove, a fuel bottle, and a lighter stored with your other emergency supplies.
Fortunately, most power outages last only a short while. However, if you realize the power outage you are experiencing will last longer than your resources, take shelter with friends, family, or in a community shelter that has power.
JW Goad Home Inspections offers inspection services in Clarksville, TN, and the surrounding areas. Contact us to schedule an appointment.