I’ve gone through power outages lasting well over a week! Without some prep though I would survive, it was nice not having to worry. Here are some things you should consider stocking up on for this winter, as well as any time of year in case of power outage.
Let’s start this list off with some- Patience and Understanding.
Though it’s not something materialist, it is something we need to keep in mind. When on edge we tend to lash out unintentionally, and a bad attitude seems to always make everything feel worse than what it could be.
Camp Stove and canned food.
For those with electric stoves, a camp stove would be a good investment! If you have a grill that would work too, so long as you have something to prepare your meals. Something simple like canned soup is a good thing to have on hand in a time of need!
Battery powered radio and corded telephone.
With power out, unless you have a fully charged smart-phone , you’re going to want to listen to local radio for weather updates, news alerts, and to be honest- entertainment. A corded household phone though “outdated” to some is good to have. Let’s face it that cell phone battery isn’t going to last you in a really bad situation, a corded phone is the next best option if you really need to stay in close contact with loved ones, or work! Kids will get a kick out of them too, seeing that they’re use to caller ID and the freedom to move around with a cordless phone!
Flashlight, candles, lanterns.
I’m pretty sure these are common sense to have. For lanterns make sure you’ve got enough kerosene to last. And as for the flashlights, make sure to have extra batteries on hand. Spare batteries would also be a good thing for the radio! Don’t forget those matches/ or lighters for candles, lanterns, ect!
Kerosene heater and generator.
In winter depending on where you live, you’re going to want heat! Heat that no matter how many blankets, you just can’t seem to get enough of! Though it’s not recommended , we’ve cooked over our kerosene heater, it’s also good to set a pot of water on there to use as a humidifier and put moisture back into the air. Generators are also a good thing to have, for your refrigerator , and to keep the cell phones charged (unless you’re enjoying that corded phone from the 90’s and beyond)
Water.
In advance if you have a freezer filled with lots of goods, place a few gallons of water in there. If you do lose power the frozen water will be there to hopefully save your food, for a few days at least! Water is also good for cleaning, flushing toilets (might wanna only do that as needed if you know what I mean) and you’re going to need it for food and drinking.
With all of those being mentioned, look at this power outage as a blessing in disguise . You get to spend time with your family, and with yourself. Board games seem like a thing of the past, bring them up from the basement, and have fun!