How to Prepare for Major Power Outages

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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Prepare for Major Power Outages

Natural disasters and other major events have the potential to cause problems with the supply of electricity to your home. Here's how you can prepare for power disruption.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Cooking and Lighting

Step 1

Stock extra candles, flashlights and extra batteries, lighters and matches.
Step 2

For extra security, get a camping lantern with extra fuel and mantels and a camping stove.
Step 3

If you have a fireplace or wood stove, consider getting a small metal rack, such as those used over campfires for cooking.
Step 4

Stock up on paper plates, cups and plastic utensils to eliminate wasting water on dishwashing.

Keeping Warm

Step 1

Make sure you have warm clothes appropriate for nighttime temperatures in your region. Dress in layers and remove layers when you are physically active. Sweat can soak your clothing and ruin insulating properties.
Step 2

Stock extra blankets and/or sleeping bags for every member of your household.
Step 3

Stock up on extra wood if you have a fireplace or wood stove.
Step 4

If the power stays out for an extended period, close off unneeded sections of your home and gather the members of your household in a central area.
Step 5

Hang blankets over windows and use towels to block drafts under doors. Hang other blankets around sleeping areas. You are at a higher risk of freezing when you are sleeping and inactive.

Comments

Gitaagami said

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on 7/21/2008 Will done, makes you think of even more actions for preparedness.

on 7/20/2008 the story was a good reminder that tomorrow may be different when you wake up. Loved the links to Berkey water purifiers, and the pleasant hil emergency food suppliers. good info to have,.....just in case.

MexicoKaren said

on 7/15/2008 We have frequent power outages where I live in Mexico. One important point to remember is NOT to open your refrigerator and/or freezer any more than absolutely necessary. They are insulated, and will stay fairly cold of you leave them alone. Have a thermometer in each one. If the fridge goes above 40F, you will need to discard the food. If your food thaws in the freezer, either cook it immediately or prepare to discard it.