Top Ten Tips - Handling Blackouts And Power Outages
By Tip Diva | Jul 10, 2008
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Hot summers and hurricane season means a higher chance of power outages and rolling blackouts. Here’s how to prepare so you’re better able to cope when your electricity goes out:
- Make a “Blackout” Box - Include candles, matches, flashlights, batteries, water, food and some money - remember that ATMs do not work when the power is out! Keep the box in a strategic place that can easily be accessed in a blackout. Keep a working flashlight in every room in the house.
- Be Careful With Candles - If you use candles, make sure you have no children or pets that could knock the candles over. They’re a fire hazard, so avoid them if you can and use flashlights instead.
- Buy A Portable Radio - Buy a battery-powered or hand-cranked radio - the latter is the best for blackout and emergency situations, as many of them also include an emergency light and siren. Tip Diva likes the Grundig FR200 Emergency Radio.
- Have A Cell Phone Or Standard Telephone - Phones that have to be plugged into an electrical outlet - usual those with answering machines or cordless headsets - won’t work in a blackout. Have a standard telephone (one that doesn’t need to be plugged in) or a cell phone in case you need to contact anyone. Do not call 911 unless it is a true emergency; your local electric company likely knows about the blackout.
- Have A Generator If You Have Any Vital Appliances - If your health relies on electricity - for instance, a life-support system - make sure you have an emergency generator and that your electric company knows that you have special electricity needs. Remember: the generator should always be UL Certified and should always be run outside - never in the house or garage.
- Turn Off And Disconnect Appliances And Electronics That Were On Before Power Went Out - Turn off all electronics and appliances you were using before the lights went out and unplug them, including the TV and computer. Keep one light on so you know when your power is back.
- Know What To Do If Traffic Lights Go Out - Driving is much different in a blackout, so try to keep off the roads. If you must drive, treat all intersections like a four-way stop. If you’re a pedestrian or biker, be extra aware, and get off the street as soon as possible.
- Limit Time In The Refrigerator And Freezer - Keep your fridge and freezer closed as much as possible, and make sure to follow AmericanFamilySafety.com’s tips for power outage food safety.
- If Your Area Is Prone To Blackouts, Freeze Ice Packs And Water Bottles - If you have blackouts often, consider freezing bottles of water if you have space. The frozen bottles (Tip Diva uses old soda bottles) can keep refrigerated and frozen foods colder longer and can cool down people and pets who are susceptible to heat.
- Pay Attention To The Weather - Make sure you have a way of staying cool if it’s hot - for instance, going to a public building that didn’t lose power to cool off - and staying warm when it’s cold by wearing layers and using blankets.
Other Tips To Check Out:
I’m a big fan of those emergency flashlights that plug in the wall and function like nightlights. Then, when the power goes out, you have a bit of light to start with, and you can unplug it and carry it around.
Search amazon.com for “emergency light”.
Good post, good tips…thanks.
save money tips’s Last Blog Post: find ATM machines with no surcharge … don’t pay that ATM withdrawal fee
I have photovoltaics, that produce my own power. An accumulator saves some of the energy for the night, so I#m completely self-sufficient.