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