How to Prevent Boredom During Extended Power Outages

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By Katherine Williams
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Prevent Boredom During Extended Power Outages

If you live in a region of the country that's prone to hurricanes or storms, you are well aware of the intense boredom that ensues when the power goes kaput. When a few days without electricity turn into weeks it can be a challenge keeping yourself entertained. Here are some ways to prevent boredom during extended power outages; Although you may not consider these activities fun, it beats staring at a black t.v. or computer screen.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Listen to a battery powered radio -

Now this is something that you can do for hours. Listen to all genres of music stations, talk radio, as well as the weather report from The National Hurricane Center to track the hurricane. You can also tune into your local news radio channel so that you can find out when power will be restored in your area. If you get tired of hurricane talk, find a station playing a really annoying song with a repetitive hook and get it stuck in your head so that you will be humming it for hours on end. Talk about entertainment!
Step 2

Talk to your neighbors(finally!) -

Go outside and have a conversation with the people that have lived in front, and on both sides of you for years. You know the people that you give a head nod to or throw up a flimsy hand wave right before you pull into your garage and push the remote button. This is a great opportunity to really get to know them, and who knows, maybe you can help each other out with batteries, flashlights, candles, or maybe even their, ahhh Generator. Like I said, a great opportunity!
Step 3

Read out loud (or silently) by candlelight/flashlight -

Read to your children by candlelight or flashlight. It's probably best not to read any books about monsters at a time like this, with no lights and all. You don't need the added stress of screaming kids. This is also a good time for you to start or finish that book that you've been dying to read but just couldn't fit it into your busy schedule. In fact, this is a perfect time to read all sorts of literature - books, newspapers and magazines.
Step 4

Go for a drive -

This can be fun, but be careful of the non-working street lights if driving at night. If you were able to gas up the car before the storm, why not go for an extended drive to another town with electricity? The family will love this idea, especially if you stay a few nights at a hotel with cable and internet access.