Things You'll Need:
- Candles
- Gas fireplace
- Portable generator
- Flashlights
- Lighter
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Step 1
Keep a large flashlight readily accessible in the main rooms of your home including the kitchen, bathroom, living room and main entrance. Check the batteries periodically to ensure they will work when needed. This will allow instant light in case the blackout happens during those dark hours.
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Step 2
Keep votive candles and a lighter in one specific location so that you can get to them and make use of them immediately. They will last for hours so you can use them for light, and help preserve the battery power in the flashlights. Three candles can brighten one entire room.
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Step 3
Keep blankets on hand in the living room so that you can keep warm while waiting for the electricity to return.
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Step 4
Keep a standby portable generator powered up and ready for use during those unexpected blackouts.
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Step 5
Install a gas fireplace in your living room where everyone can gather together and keep warm. You will need to power it so use the standby generator to keep the fireplace going.
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Step 6
Gas appliances are useful during blackouts as meals and warm drinks can be made even though there is no electrical power. As well, the open oven can act as a temporary heater.
