Did you know that power outages for homeowners can range anywhere from $25 to $25,000? That is a very wide margin, and it shows that power outages can cause a lot of problems that can then lead to a lot of lost money, big headaches, and more problems. If you don’t have adequate equipment, such as the Miller Bobcat generator or other power-maintaining equipment, you can risk footing additional costs, such as replacing spoiled groceries or running up your gas bill to stay warm.
When the power goes out unexpectedly, it can disrupt your daily routine and pose some serious challenges for you. This is even more true for business owners, who can quite literally see their entire companies go under because of a power outage.
To get through any power problems effectively, having the right supplies ready for you is crucial. These various supplies will help you ensure safety, comfort, and ability to handle the outage. Without these supplies, any sort of power outage will be far more stressful and can lead to much bigger problems.
Emergency Lighting
A power outage means that you and your home will not have electricity. But that doesn’t mean that you have to be without any sort of light for the entire power outage.
One of the biggest challenges during a power outage is the darkness that comes with it. But this can be avoided with the right supplies.
Flashlights, lanterns, and headlamps are essential to navigating your home safely during a power outage. You should ensure that they have new batteries that are fully charged and should also consider energy-efficient LED lights to prolong battery life.
Batteries
Batteries are also essential for any items that do not need to be plugged into a wall to operate.
Before any power outage, your home should stock up on various sizes of batteries to power your flashlights, radios, and other devices operated by batteries. Rechargeable batteries, along with a hand-crank charger, can be great options for longer outages.
Portable Generators
For extended power outages, a portable generator can be a lifesaver.
These generators provide brief electricity that can keep essential appliances running, such as refrigerators or medical equipment. When you are setting up a portable generator, be sure to use one that is in a well-ventilated area to prevent any amount of carbon monoxide buildup.
Non-Perishable Food
Eating is important every day, of course, but access to food might be limited during a power outage. However, this doesn’t mean that meals are impossible.
To get through a power outage, all homes need to have a supply of canned goods, dry fruits, nuts, granola bars, and other non-perishable items that don’t require a refrigerator.
You need to be posited that you have a manual can opener, too, in case your canned goods don’t have to pull tabs. This will allow you to open non-perishable foods.
Water Supply
Water is perhaps the most important item that you should have plenty of during a power outage.
Storing a large supply of water is critical. Any home should aim for at least one gallon per person per day for drinking and also for bathing as well. Everyone should consider tablets that can provide water purification or perhaps a portable water filter in case your water supply is contaminated.
First Aid Kit
Accidents and injuries often skyrocket during power outages, and that is why it’s vital that every home has a suitable and well-stocked first aid kit.
This kit has many purposes and should also hold various medical items that can be used in case of emergency or even just a slight injury. Included in the first aid kit should be bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, prescription medications, and any specific medical supplies your family may need.
Warmth and Shelter
Comfortable warmth and sleep are vital during a power outage, but they require some planning and certain items.
Blankets, sleeping bags, and warm clothing are very important, especially in colder parts of the country. If the heating system relies solely on electricity, a homeowner would be wise to find alternative heating sources like a portable heater or a fireplace, which doesn’t need any sort of electricity.
Communication Devices
Communication is also key during a power outage, and it can keep you connected to friends, family, or local authorities.
Because of that, it’s important to keep a battery-powered or hand-crank emergency radio to stay informed about weather updates and any emergency broadcasts from the media. These days, a power bank is also wise as it can keep your mobile phone fully charged and ready to be used.
Hygiene Supplies
Some people believe that bathing is a luxury during a power outage, but it doesn’t have to be as long as certain supplies are prepared.
Anyone can maintain personal hygiene with items such as wet wipes, hand sanitizer, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and feminine hygiene products.
Entertainment and Comfort
Supplies shouldn’t only be about staying clean and healthy. Instead, there is a level of entertainment and comfort that should be achieved during a power outage.
Morale can be kept healthy and high by relying on games, books, and other forms of entertainment. Many types of entertainment don’t require any form of electricity and can provide hours of fun.
A deck of cards or board games, for example, can be a great way to pass the time during an outage.
Cash
Money is still important during a power outage, even though it may be harder to come by.
ATMs will not function because they need electricity. Therefore, holding onto a small amount of cash is very wise for emergency purchases.
Chargers and Power Banks
Another smart idea is to keep a number of chargers for your electronic devices. Solar-powered chargers and power banks can help keep your critical devices charged when traditional power isn’t available.
Final Thoughts
Being prepared for a power outage involves knowing all of the basic needs and potential challenges that could arise.
Preparation is key to getting through any sort of power outage, no matter how long it may be. Most of the supplies needed during this sort of event are not hard to come back, but it’s vital that all homeowners make sure their storage of supplies stays up to date and well-stocked at all times.
