As climate change ramps up, people are going to see more and more power outages. Because of that reality, it’s crucial to be prepared for both short-term and long-term blackouts.
In this article we provide creative hacks to help you get through an outage. These tips can be a lifesaver when you’re left without power for days.
These tips are easy to follow and implement. They’re meant to be a resource for people to successfully navigate power emergencies in practical, inventive ways.
What are the causes of power outages?
- Severe weather, including thunderstorms, hurricanes, or snowstorms.
- Trees and Vegetation: Overgrown trees can fall on power lines during storms or high winds.
- Human error, including car accidents, unsafe digging and vandalism.
- Equipment failures, such as transformer or generator malfunctions.
Types of Power Outages
Type | Description |
---|---|
Blackout | Complete loss of power |
Brownout | Temporary drop in voltage |
Rolling blackout | Scheduled power outages to manage demand |
How to prepare for a power outage?
Build an Emergency Kit
- Build an emergency kit or blackout bag with food, water, first aid supplies, flashlights, warm clothing and batteries.
- Have a first-aid kit readily available in both your home and car.
- Keep a battery-powered or hand-crank radio to stay updated on the latest news and emergency alerts.
- Have flashlights for every household member.
Make a plan
- Family & friends: Make a plan for communicating with family and friends.
- Automobile: Keep your car’s gas tank at least half full.
- Shelter: Know the location of your nearest emergency shelter.
- Evacuation: Keep a spare set of car keys in case you need to leave quickly.
- Utilities: Know how to shut off your utilities and water in case of an emergency, such as a gas leak.
- Pets: If you have pets, make sure to include them in your emergency preparedness plan.
Have alternate power sources
- Invest in a portable power station as a power source when the power goes out.
- Stock up batteries of all size, from triple AAA to D batteries.
- Get backup power for medical devices that need electricity.
Backup Power Options Comparison
Backup Option | Power Capacity | Runtime | Cost | Ideal Use Case |
---|---|---|---|---|
Portable Generator | 2,000-10,000 W | 8-12 hours | $$$ | Powering multiple appliances |
UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) | 500-1,500 W | 15-30 minutes | $$ | Short-term power for electronics |
Solar Charger | 20-100 W | Varies | $-$$$ | Charging small devices |
Power Bank | 10,000-30,000 mAh | Varies | $ | Charging phones and tablets |
Appliance Power Requirements and Run Times
Stock up on water
- Keep a 3-day supply of drinking water per person in your home, which should be at least one gallon per person per day. Store additional water for cooking, cleaning, and personal hygiene.
- Have enough water available to last a couple of days. Water for non-potable uses, such as flushing toilets, can be met with water from rain catchment.
What should go in an emergency kit / blackout bag?
- Blackout bag: A backpack, tote bag, or plastic container would work fine.
- First aid kit: Include bandages, antiseptic, gauze, and other basic medical supplies.
- Non-prescription medications: Keep a supply of pain relievers and allergy medicine.
- Prescription medications: Keep a supply on hand and up-to-date.
- Water: Plan to have at least one gallon of water per person per day for drinking and hygiene.
- Non-perishable food: Stock up on canned goods, dry goods, and other non-perishable foods that can be eaten without cooking.
- Lights: Flashlights, lanterns, and glow sticks are all great options. Make sure you have extra batteries.
- Emergency candles: Candles specifically designed for emergency use during power outages,
- Waterproof matches: Matches that can withstand moisture and damp conditions.
- Headlamp: A hands-free lighting option that is great for activities like cooking or reading.
- Emergency glow sticks: Inexpensive and safe lighting options that are perfect for use around children.
- Emergency radio: A device that can receive weather and news updates during power outages.
- Baby supplies: Keep a supply of baby formula and diapers.
- Personal hygiene items: Include items such as toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and wet wipes.
- Multi-purpose tool: A tool such as a Swiss Army knife or a Leatherman can be useful for a variety of tasks.
- Cash: Have some cash on hand in case ATMs and credit card machines are not functioning.
- Important documents: Keep items such as passports, birth certificates, and insurance policies in a waterproof container.
- Warm clothing and blankets: If the power is out in cold weather, you need to make sure you can stay warm
- Entertainment: Books and games can help pass the time during a prolonged outage.
Power Outage Tips and Tricks
Stay away from windows
- Keep items away from windows to minimize damage from downed power lines.
Keep the refrigerator temp at 40 degrees Fahrenheit
- A full freezer can keep food cold for about 48 hours if the door remains closed. Store food and water at a temperature below 40 degrees to maintain freshness.
Food Storage Guidelines During a Power Outage
Know Your Circuit Breaker
- Get familiar with your circuit breaker or fuse box and how to reset it
Fill Your Gas Tank
- If you have a vehicle, keep the gas tank filled up. Gas stations may be closed or inaccessible during outages.
Use Solar-Powered Garden Lights as Flashlights
- Bring solar-powered garden lights inside your home when it gets dark.
- The lights don’t need batteries and can provide instant light during a power outage.
Create an Emergency Cooler with Your Washing Machine
- Fill your washing machine with ice and store your perishable items, such as milk, eggs, cheese, and anything else that needs to be cold.
- The airtight seal of the washing machine will keep the items fresh for a period of time.
- When the ice melts, the water will drain out of the washer as it usually does.
Keep Makeshift Ice Packs in the Freezer
- Fill ziplock baggies with water.
- Keep these in the freezer.
- Use these as ice packs during a power outage, in case of injuries or illness.
Avoid Open Fire
- Traditional candles can pose big fire hazards. Choose a battery-operated candle instead to reduce risks.
Avoid Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
- Never use gas stoves or charcoal grills indoors for heating or cooking.
Power Outage Tips for Your Refrigerator
- Keep the Refrigerator and Freezer Closed: Keep the doors closed as much as possible. An unopened refrigerator can keep food cold for about four hours, while a full freezer can maintain its temperature for up to 48 hours (24 hours if half full) if the door remains closed.
- Add Ice: If you anticipate a long outage, consider placing blocks of ice in the refrigerator or freezer to help keep the temperature down.
- Use a Thermometer to Monitor Food: Keep an appliance thermometer in both the refrigerator and freezer. After the power is restored, check the temperatures:
- Follow the Two-Hour Rule and Throw Away Unsafe Food: Perishable food that has been above 40°F for more than two hours should be discarded to prevent foodborne illness. If the power is out for more than 24 hours, throw away perishables like meat, dairy, and leftovers.
- Put Perishables in Coolers: For outages lasting longer than a few hours, consider transferring perishable items to a cooler filled with ice to keep them cold.
- Inspect Food When the Power Comes Back On: Once power is restored, check all food for signs of spoilage, such as off smells, unusual textures, or discoloration. When in doubt, throw it out to avoid health risks.
Food Storage Guidelines During a Power Outage
Food Type | Safe Time in Fridge (Without Power) | Safe Time in Freezer (Without Power) |
---|---|---|
Fresh Meat & Poultry | 4 hours | 48 hours |
Dairy Products | 4 hours | 48 hours |
Leftovers | 4 hours | 48 hours |
Frozen Vegetables | N/A | 48 hours |
Canned Goods (opened) | 4 hours | N/A |
Power Outage Tip for Home Appliances
- Unplug Sensitive Devices: Disconnect sensitive electronics such as computers, televisions, game consoles, and microwaves. This helps prevent damage from potential power surges when electricity is restored.
- Turn Off Appliances: Turn off and unplug smaller appliances, while larger appliances like refrigerators should remain plugged in but turned off to avoid overload when power returns.
- Use Surge Protectors: For devices that cannot be unplugged, use surge protectors to help shield them from voltage spikes that can occur when power is restored.
Emergency preparedness resources:
- Ready.gov – Power Outage Preparedness: This page from the United States government’s emergency preparedness website offers tips on preparing for a power outage, including making an emergency kit, identifying a backup power source, and developing a family communication plan.
- The American Red Cross – Power Outage Safety
- National Safety Council – Power Outage Preparedness
- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) – Power Outage Resources
- Consumer Reports – How to Prepare for a Power Outage
- National Grid – Power Outage Safety
- Duke Energy – Power Outage Safety & Preparedness
- Dominion Energy – Power Outage Safety
- The Spruce – How to Prepare for a Power Outage
- Edison Electric Institute – Preparing for Power Outage
FAQ:
How often should I update my emergency kit / blackout bag?
It’s a good idea to update your blackout bag every six months to ensure that all the equipment and supplies are up to date.
Can I use regular candles during a power outage?
Yes, you can use regular candles during an outage, but it’s important to be cautious as they pose a fire hazard.
Can I use a generator indoors during a power outage?
No, generators should never be used indoors due to the risk of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning.
What should I unplug before power outage?
You should unplug sensitive electronics before a power outage to prevent damage when the power comes back on. This includes computers, laptops, large appliances like refrigerators and freezers, and kitchen appliances like microwaves.