How To Be Prepared For Power Outages

Power outages can be frustrating and inconvenient, especially if you’re not prepared. In recent years, we’ve seen power outages occur more frequently due to extreme weather events and other factors. While having a backup generator can certainly help, it’s important to remember that generators aren’t a foolproof solution. In this article, we’ll explore some additional steps you can take to be fully prepared for a power outage, even if you already have a home backup generator.

Portable Battery Bank

One great option for powering small devices during a power outage is a portable battery bank. These devices are essentially large batteries that can be charged in advance and used to power things like smartphones, laptops, and even small appliances. By keeping a fully charged portable battery bank on hand, you can ensure that you’ll still have access to some power, even if your generator isn’t enough to power everything you need.

Non-Perishable Food and Water

Power outages can last anywhere from a few hours to several days, so it’s important to be prepared with plenty of non-perishable food and water. This can include canned goods, protein bars, and other long-lasting snacks. It’s also a good idea to keep several gallons of water on hand, as you may not have access to running water during a power outage.

Communication Plan

During a power outage, it’s important to have a way to communicate with family members and loved ones. Make sure everyone in your household knows where to find a charged phone or other device and agrees on a designated meeting spot. If you have neighbors who are also affected by the outage, consider setting up a neighborhood communication plan to check in on each other and share updates.

Stay Warm

If you live in a colder climate, a power outage can be more than just an inconvenience – it can be dangerous. Make sure you have plenty of warm clothing and blankets on hand to stay warm. You may also want to consider investing in a portable propane heater, which can provide heat without electricity.

Protect Your Electronics

Power outages can sometimes cause power surges or other electrical issues that can damage your electronics. Make sure you have surge protectors installed on all of your electronics, including your backup generator. You may also want to consider unplugging all of your electronics during a power outage to protect them from potential damage.

Generator Maintenance

If you have a backup generator, it’s important to keep it well-maintained so that it’s ready to go when you need it. This can include regular oil changes, filter replacements, and other routine maintenance tasks. You should also test your generator periodically to make sure it’s working properly.

Stay Informed

During a power outage, it’s important to stay informed about the situation. Make sure you have a battery-powered or hand-cranked radio on hand to listen to updates from local authorities. You can also check social media or local news websites for updates.

In conclusion, being fully prepared for a power outage is essential. While having a backup generator is helpful, it’s important to remember that generators are not a foolproof solution. By investing in a portable battery bank, stocking up on non-perishable food and water, creating a communication plan, staying warm, protecting your electronics, keeping your generator maintained, and staying informed, you can be fully prepared for a power outage, even if you already have a home backup generator.