Electricity- December 2022

 

Last month we added a 3-day supply of easy-to-prepare food into our 72-hour kits. This month we’ll focus on what to do when the lights go out.

Week #1—Got Power?

Electricity is the utility we use the most. However, it’s also the one we lose the most. You need to plan on how to get along without electricity for a few days.

Use surge protectors (not cheap power strips) on electronic devices to protect them from power spikes. Stay away from downed power lines. Know how to turn off the electricity to your home and to override your electric garage door opener.

Week #2—Flashlights and Radio

The first thing you’ll need when the lights go out is a flashlight. Keep some in your 72-hour kit and by your bed. It’s also wise to have candles, matches, and a battery powered radio. (Store the batteries with but not inside the flashlight to avoid damage from battery corrosion.)

Include enough batteries to last several days.

Week #3—Cash and Gas

Because credit card readers need electricity to work, keep $50 - $100 cash in your 72-hour kit. This allows you to buy groceries and supplies while the power is out. Smaller bills are best because stores may not be able or willing to give change.

Gas pumps need electricity to work, so keep your gas tank at least half full at all times. Since stop lights will be out, eliminate unnecessary travel.

Week #4—Cell Phone Considerations

Because you may be able to send text messages when you can’t make phone calls, a cell phone is vital for emergencies.

Conserve your cell phone battery by reducing the brightness of your screen, placing your phone in airplane mode, and closing apps you don’t need. Know how to use Power Saving mode and switch to it before your battery gets low.

Buy a car charger so you can charge your cell phone off your car battery. You can also buy spare batteries for some cell phones.

Cordless phones don’t work when electricity is out, so keep at least one corded phone in your home if you have a land line.

Extra Credit—Buy a Generator

If you can afford it, a generator can keep your house warm, food cold, kitchen working, and phones charged. However, it must be properly installed, maintained, and operated. Fuel must be rotated and there are fuel storage regulations. Read all the instructions and heed all the warnings. Improper use can cause property damage and even death. For a 3-minute video, click here.

A simple inexpensive alternative for short outages is an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS; $50 - $80). It can automatically keep your router (Internet) working and recharge cell phones for a few hours.

Contact: Amy Dennison amymorris@gmail.com onesteptoprep.blogspot.com

Food- November 2022

Last month we added 3 gallons of water per person into our 72-hour kit. This month we’ll add a 3-day supply of food.

 

Week #1—Got Food?

You need a 3-day supply of non-perishable easy-to-prepare food. The physical, mental, and emotional stress of the situation will make you very hungry. Store more food than you normally eat.

When your world is turned upside down, you will crave familiar food. Emergency stores sell entrees that last 20 years. However, they are often expensive, low calorie, high sugar, and high salt. You will save money and feel better if you store food you normally eat and rotate it by the expiration date.

If the power is off over 8 hours, the food in your fridge may spoil, even if you keep the door closed. When in doubt, throw it out.

Week #2—No Cook Food

Because your microwave and stove may not be available, store a variety of ready-to-eat food in an insulated waterproof container like an ice chest.

·      Ice chest

·      Nuts, trail mix, peanut butter, beef jerky

·      Energy bars, granola bars, fruit bars

·      Canned fruit, raisins, dry fruit, fruit juice

·      Cold cereal, granola cereal

·      Powdered milk, Morning Moo milk

·      Crackers, graham crackers, snacks, candy

·      Pet food, food bowl, water bowl

Week #3—Hot Water Food

If you don’t own a camp stove or grill, buy a folding stove for each person ($9 - $16 each) and 3 days of fuel ($3 a can). Do not store fuel in the house. Try it a few times to know how it works.

·      Camp stove, fuel, matches

·      Small pan to heat water

·      Instant oatmeal, dry soup, Ramen noodles

·      Hot chocolate, apple cider

·      Baby formula, baby bottles, baby food

Week #4—No Dish Cooking

Even though canned food can be eaten cold, it’s much nicer hot. To heat it in the can, remove the label and drain some liquid. Before it boils over, pick it up with pliers. Avoid dishes by using paper products.

·      Can opener (manual), pliers, garbage bags

·      Paper plates, cups, and bowls (large)

·      Plastic utensils (sturdy), paper towels

·      Canned meat, fish, soup, stew, chili

·      Canned vegetables

Extra Credit—Advanced Kitchen Supplies

If you would like to eat better or prepare for longer emergencies, store dishwashing supplies, extra water, cooking pans and tools, camp oven, foil, seasonings, etc.

 

Contact: Amy Dennison amymorris@gmail.com onesteptoprep.blogspot.com

 

Neighborhood Radio Net: Sunday, Nov 13, 4 pm: Participate in a GMRS Radio Net on the 2^nd Sunday at 4 pm. Eric & Amy Dennison will be available to answer questions about the GMRS radios. If you have a GMRS radio, we can do a test and help you get started using it.

Zoom link: https://byui.zoom.us/s/4366630502 (Join as attendee)