6 Ways to Prepare for a Power Outage
No one likes to be without power, especially when the weather is hot or cold.
But, outages can happen unexpectedly due to severe weather, accidents, or even intentional attacks.
Here are 6 ways you can prepare for a power outage so that you and your family remain safe and comfortable until the electricity comes back on.
1 – Get a flashlight and keep it in an easily accessible place
Flashlights can be an invaluable tool in any number of unexpected or emergency situations.
Keeping on in an accessible place, ideally near wherever you would commonly need it – such as near the front door of your house – can help save time if you ever find yourself needing to get some kind of visual aid.
Whether it’s for jump-starting a car or simply seeing in the dark, a flashlight could be the difference between frustration and success.
Investing in a quality flashlight is worth its weight in gold, and putting it somewhere convenient is necessary to ensure that your investment doesn’t become useless when you need it most.
2 – Charge your cell phone or other devices in advance
Keeping your cell phone or other devices fully charged should be a regular part of your routine.
It’s not worth worrying about being caught with a dead battery when you’re out and about.
Plus, having a charged device means you never have to worry about losing important contacts, messages, and information that could be vital for personal or professional reasons.
Check out Amazon for solar chargers and radios as well. You can harness the power of the sun to charge your phones for you!
Knowing your phone is always ready to go can help set your mind at ease and offers peace of mind that all your important information is always safe.
3 – Know how to manually open your garage door
Knowing how to manually open a garage door can be an incredibly useful skill.
A malfunctioning remote or a power outage can lead to plenty of inconvenience and frustration if you don’t have the necessary knowledge in your repertoire.
Fortunately, if you learn the right steps, you can easily open a garage door without relying on electricity or automation. It’s important to know where your emergency disconnect cord is located, but after that all it takes is a few simple motions to get in and out of your garage with total ease.
Be sure to practice a few times so you are fully confident in knowing how manual door operation works!
4 – Fill up your car with gas in case you need to evacuate
Keeping a full tank of gas can be an important part of staying safe in an emergency situation.
If a natural disaster or other emergency occurs, you may need to evacuate at a moment’s notice.
Having your car filled with gas can help ensure you have the resources you need to leave quickly.
It’s easy to get into the habit of filling up your tank when it dips below half-full. That way, if something unexpected happens, you can hit the road without having to worry about running out of gasoline before reaching safety.
Staying prepared for any emergency is key to ensuring your safety and that of those around you.
5 – Keep cash on hand in case ATMs are down
It’s always important to be prepared for anything and having cash at the ready just in case ATMs are down is a great way to stay on top of any situation.
Not only can it help in everyday situations such as when you need small amounts of cash, but it could also save you if all the ATMs in your city are suddenly dysfunctional due to some unexpected technical issue.
Keeping a certain amount of cash on hand is a financially-sound decision that could potentially save you from getting stuck in an awkward mess with no way to access your money.
Make sure to always have enough cash readily available for when it’s needed the most!
6 – Have non-perishable food and water available
In times of need, having non-perishable food and water ready is essential.
Whether a natural disaster strikes or an unexpected event occurs, being prepared with essential items can make all the difference.
Not only will having these backup supplies help keep your family hydrated and nourished, but it can also allow you to spend less time worrying about groceries and other errands so you can focus on staying safe.
Consider stocking up with enough food and water for a few days in case of any potential disruptions or unexpected events. This simple precaution could be vital in helping you stay safe in unforeseen circumstances.
Final thoughts on preparing for an outage
Making sure you and your family are prepared for an emergency situation is of the utmost importance.
Having the right items on hand, such as a spare flashlight, charged phone, cash, and food can ensure you have what it takes to get by in a pinch or an unexpected blackout.
Taking the time now to locate these items and prepare for emergencies can provide relief later when you need it most. And if you’re ever stuck without power make sure to take safety precautions and never venture out in hazardous conditions.
Utilize common sense at all times and make sure to be courteous to those around you — particularly your neighbors who are likely experiencing the same issues.
Finally, if possible, enjoy some quality time with family – board games, cards or podcast listening never hurt anybody! Be safe out there!
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