How to Make a Preparedness Kit for a Blackout

The last thing that you want to do during a blackout or power outage is to have to find supplies you know are in your house. Even if you are using a flashlight, it is not all that easy to see where you are going. The easiest way to be prepared for a blackout is to make a preparedness kit before the blackout happens.

Instructions

How to Make a Preparedness Kit For A Blackout

1. Have a fresh pack of batteries handy for every item in your preparedness kit. Not only can you use these for flashlights but you can use them for other electrical items that normally plug in. Have backup batteries as well. Once you put an item in your preparedness kit, check to see what type of batteries the item takes. Have spare batteries for your laptop, cell phone, and Ipod. These batteries are incredibly inexpensive and they're small so they can easily be stored and they will help you stay entertained during the blackout.

2. Make sure to have one flashlight for every person in your house in your preparedness kit, along with three other flashlights as backups or in case someone needs an extra. Flashlights are the easiest way to get around during a blackout so having extra on hand always helps.

3. Have a spare battery-run radio in your preparedness kit. Since you won't be able to get any information via computer or television, you can get necessary information from the radio. Don't pack the radio with the batteries in it in case the batteries leak.

4. Have some board games and a pack of playing cards stored in your preparedness kit. You're going to have to entertain yourself and anyone else in your house somehow, so having some games on hand will help keep everyone entertained.

5. Have a few bottles of bottled water on hand. Should there suddenly be a warning against drinking the water in your area, you want to make sure that you have plenty of fluids to keep you hydrated until you can drink the water again.

6. Make sure to have several candles in jars handy. The candles in jars are better to have because they're thick and heavy and less likely to fall over or be knocked down and the wax won't fall over the side. It will just melt in the jar. Put these candles in an area where no one can accidentally bump into them and they won't catch anything on fire. Don't forget to blow these out before leaving the house or going to sleep! Also, don't leave them unattended.

7. Have foods on hand that don't require refrigeration. Make sure to have enough on hand for everyone in your household.

8. Since ATM's usually won't work during a blackout, it may be a good idea to keep some extra cash on hand. Put enough money in the kit for your family to tide you over for a few days.