Learn what you should
have ready in case the lights go out for an extended period.
The majority of power
outages come in times of temperature stress, i.e., winter or summer, when
heating or cooling are drains on the system. They impact you in many ways, some
of which are hard to foresee. That’s the bad news. The good news is there
are a myriad of ways you can prepare if a massive outage strikes unexpectedly;
Preparation
Food: Have at least a week’s
worth of dry food rations stored away, especially high-energy foods, like
peanut butter, jelly, crackers, granola bars, and trail mix. Also include some
comfort/stress foods: cookies, hard candy, sweetened cereals, lollipops, instant
(or pre-ground) coffee, tea bags, and a supply of things like salt, pepper,
sugar, etc. Keep a good supply of paper or plastic plates and silverware, as
well as a roll or two of paper towels. Oh, and don’t forget a manual can
opener.
Water: Store at least 1 gallon
of bottled water per day per person, plus more for pets, and powdered foods.
When power goes out, water purification systems may not be functioning fully,
so don’t rely on tap water until the crisis has passed.
Gas: Make it a habit never to let your
vehicles’ gas tanks get below half. When a general power outage strikes, gas
pumps die because they run on electricity.
Cash: Keep at least a couple
hundred dollars in hard cash handy. Everyone selling you something will not
have power for cash registers, scanners, and that type of thing. You’ll be dead
in the water if all you have is plastic.
Medication: Ask
your pharmacist to keep you a month ahead on your prescriptions for this
emergency. If someone in your home is dependent on electric-powered, life-sustaining
equipment, remember to include backup power in your evacuation plan. If you are
on electrically operated life support systems or special equipment for heart or
kidney problems, be sure to notify your utility now, in advance of any outages.
They will put you on a list and make sure your power needs are provided for
first. Oh, and don’t forget the first-aid kit.
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