Your How-to Guide for Handling a Power Outage
Do you have a plan for the next time a blackout happens? Are your three main bases covered—power, food, and water?
Recent events have underscored the importance of preparedness. Hurricane Hilary, in August 2023, brought unprecedented tropical storm conditions to Southern California, leading to significant flooding and infrastructure damage. Similarly, in August 2024, extreme rainfall in the Northeast resulted in catastrophic flooding, with areas in Connecticut recording up to 14.83 inches of rain in 24 hours. Additionally, heatwaves in the South have strained power grids, prompting officials in Texas to urge residents to reduce energy consumption during peak heat.
Without adequate supplies and a well-thought-out plan, you might face significant challenges during such events.
Know What to Do
As with many aspects of life, preparation is key. Being ready for an outage can make a substantial difference for you and your family. Here's a refresher on steps to take before, during, and after a power outage. Consider printing this out for easy reference during emergencies.
Your 3 Main Bases
Before diving into specific tips, let's revisit the three essential areas:
- Power: Having backup power is crucial. A portable, solar-powered generator can keep lights on and power essential appliances. If you use a gas-powered generator, ensure it's operated outdoors and away from living spaces to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Power banks are useful for charging smaller devices, and keeping tactical flashlights in accessible locations around your home is advisable.
- Food: Stock up on non-perishable items with a long shelf life. Ensure your emergency food supply offers sufficient nutrition and variety to prevent menu fatigue, especially during extended outages. Choose foods that your family is accustomed to and enjoys.
- Water: Aim to store at least 1.5 gallons of water per person per day—one gallon for drinking and half a gallon for hygiene and cleaning. It's also wise to have a home water purification system and portable water filters for situations where your stored water runs low.
Before a Blackout
Preparation enhances your ability to manage a blackout effectively. Here's what to do in advance:
- Emergency Supplies: Assemble a supply of emergency food and water sufficient for your family. Start with a 72-hour supply and gradually expand it.
- Emergency Kit: Create a kit or bug-out bag containing essentials like medications, first-aid supplies, important documents, and basic tools. Store it in an easily accessible location, and ensure all household members know its contents and location. Consider having an additional kit at your workplace.
- Family Communication Plan: Develop and discuss a communication strategy with your family. Regularly practice it to ensure everyone knows what to do during an emergency.
- Energy Conservation: Adopt energy-saving habits to reduce electricity usage, which can help prevent rolling blackouts.
- Water Storage: Fill clean containers with water and place them in your refrigerator and freezer, leaving space for expansion as water freezes. This can help keep food cold during power outages.
- Medication Management: Many refrigerated medications can remain stable in a closed fridge for several hours. Consult your healthcare provider for specific guidance.
- Vehicle Preparedness: Keep your vehicle's fuel tank as full as possible, as gas stations rely on electricity to operate pumps. Your car can serve as emergency transportation and a charging source for devices.
- Garage Access: Familiarize yourself with the manual release of your electric garage door opener, as power outages can render it inoperable.
- Home Access: Carry a physical key to your home in case electronic entry methods fail.
- Cash Reserve: Maintain a supply of cash, as ATMs and electronic payment systems may be unavailable during outages.
During a Blackout
When the power goes out, consider the following:
- Lighting: Use flashlights instead of candles to reduce fire hazards.
- Generator Use: If using a generator, operate it in well-ventilated outdoor areas to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.
- Food Preservation: Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed to maintain cold temperatures.
- Appliance Safety: Unplug sensitive electronics to protect them from power surges when electricity is restored.
- Power Restoration Indicator: Leave one light on to signal when power returns.
- Emergency Services: Reserve 911 calls for life-threatening situations.
- Temperature Management: In hot weather, stay on lower floors, wear lightweight clothing, and drink plenty of water. In cold weather, layer clothing and avoid using ovens for heating.
- Pet Care: Ensure pets have access to fresh water and necessary supplies.
- Water Collection: Fill bathtubs and other large containers with water for hygiene and sanitation needs.
After a Blackout
Once power is restored:
- Food Safety: Discard perishable foods that have been above 40°F (4°C) for over two hours or show signs of spoilage.
- Appliance Restart: Gradually reconnect appliances to prevent overloading the system.
- Water Safety: Run taps for a few minutes before use and consult local advisories to ensure water safety.
Being Prepared Equals Self-Reliance
Those unprepared for emergencies may struggle during blackouts. In contrast, proper preparation can transform a potential crisis into a manageable inconvenience. By securing your power, food, and water needs, you enhance your resilience against unforeseen events.