Day 3: What Happens When the Power Goes Out?
Living in the country, it’s not uncommon for the power to go out regularly, especially with stormy weather. Over the years, I’ve reached the point where it’s only a minor inconvenience.
Some of the steps I take immediately when the power goes out:
- Check to see if it’s only my place or the neighborhood.(If it’s the neighborhood, it will probably be out longer.)
- Turn my phone on low power.
- Grab my small lanterns so they are ready for when it becomes dark.
- Think through my meals and alter plans if needed.
- I have two types of solar ovens. I also have plenty of items I can open and eat without having to ‘cook.’ I also keep plenty of fruit and nuts on hand, along with nut butter and dried fruit.
- I keep stored water ready all the time anyway. So losing power does not affect my water access. In the past, I’ve stored empty canning jars with filtered water on utility shelves. I also kept several gallons of water stored, tucked in different spaces.
- I also have a personal water filter (LifeStraw) and a ceramic filter that holds 3 gallons.
After this, I have to determine whether I think the power outage will last longer than a day. I know sometimes it is hard to determine.
When the power goes out, the major concern of most people is the food in the freezer. Since I do not eat meat, this is not a big concern for me, but it can be for many.
Options for freezer foods:
- Can everything, if you have a non-electric method of cooking.
- Dry everything. (Would work only on certain foods.)
- Have a big party and cook it all up. LOL.
I remember reading about areas that would have a neighborhood block party when the power went out. This fed people, improved morale, and helped food not to be wasted. Of course, one would need some alternative ways to cook without power. Grills are a great way to manage this.
Another concern, depending on the time of year, would be staying cool enough or warm enough. It’s much easier to layer clothing to warm up. We can only strip down so far and remain too hot if not careful.
In the heat, please remember the importance of electrolytes.
In the winter, it’s usually best to bring everyone into one room. Some have put up a tent inside a room to help conserve body heat. If a heater is used, please make sure you have a carbon monoxide detector that is battery-powered. Some stoves are not designed to be used inside.
Another technique is to use blankets to block off other areas of the house, so the heat stays in one room/area.
Wearing a hoodie, layering clothing, and using those little heating packs go a long way to conserving body heat.
Be sure to educate yourself on the signs of both heat exhaustion and hypo/hyperthermia. (I have covered this in previous classes.) If it is very cold and you live up north, beware of signs of frostbite and how to counter it.
What would you add to the list? What areas do you need to work on to be ready for a power failure?
One small step at a time is how we become Living Ready.
One day. One step. One family better prepared.