September if National Preparedness Month. The Good Folks from Prepared Bloggers are focusing upon many important issues. My thanks to Blue Yonder Farms who wrote this post to give you things to consider in the event of Power Outage. LRH
ARE YOU READY FOR A POWER OUTAGE?
Living in Arizona, power outages are a common occurrence during the summer monsoon season. Just earlier today the sky was booming, and our power flickered threatening to go out, but thankfully nothing came of it. But what do you do if your power goes out, are you ready?
Are You Prepared For A Power Outage?
PREPARING FOR A POWER OUTAGE
The most basic preparations for a power outage is to have an alternate source of light. I have read that each person should have their own flashlight, it makes sense that everyone will want to see where they are going without having to take turns using the same light.
Usually, most power outages here in Arizona, while they happen quite frequently during the summer months are short-lived and do not require much more than having a flashlight handy. But what happens when we find ourselves with no power for days?
NEEDS OF EXTENDED POWER OUTAGES
Keeping Cool – Living in the desert keeping cool would be an important consideration, most of our power outages happen during the hottest part of the year. Here are some ways to keep cool.
- Drink Plenty of Water to Stay Hydrated
- Dress in Cool Light Weight Clothing
- Close Drapes to Keep the Heat Out
- Consider Buying a Battery Operated Fan
- Stay in the Coolest Area of Your Home
- Consider Going to an Air-conditioned Public Place
Food Preparation – Pretend that you are camping and cook your food outdoors, it is safer and will help to keep the heat outside. Some things to have on hand for cooking food.
- Barbecue Grill – Gas or Charcoal
- Camp Stove – Gas
- Matches or a Fire Starter
- Sun Oven – Be Sure to Learn How to Use it Before You Need it
Food Storage
- Keep Refrigerator & Freezer Doors Closed
- Use Foods That Will Perish the Fastest First
- Have One or More 5 Day Coolers Ready to Fill With Ice When the Refrigerator gets warm
PREPARING FOR A WINTER OUTAGE
I realize that not everyone lives in a hot climate like Arizona. So what are the needs for those living in cold, climates when a power outage hits? Many of our needs are the same, the biggest difference that I can think of is keeping warm in the cold.
WINTER POWER OUTAGES
Keeping Warm – If an outage takes place in the winter you might need to consider how you will stay warm.
- Drink Plenty of Water to Stay Hydrated
- Keep Well Fed Have High Caloric Snacks Stored That You Don’t Have to Cook
- Wear Extra Clothes To Conserve Body Heat
- Stay In Bed – Your Bed may be the warmest place in your house, cuddle up with children and spouses for added warmth
- Store Extra Blankets or Sleeping Bags Rated for cold climates
- Close Off Rooms That You Are Not Using
- Close Drapes To Keep Cold Out
- Go Outside During The Day If It Is Sunny To Warm Up
HOW DO YOU PREPARE FOR A POWER OUTAGE?
Please let us know what you do to prepare for a power outage in the comments below.
For the colder climates such as mine, don't forget to stock up on those activating heat pads. Those are great for hands and feet. When it gets cold, your body will try to keep your "core" warm and that means taking heat away from your extremities to do so. Also, wear a knit hat, you'd be surprised how much heat escapes from your head when its cold.
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