Long power outages are common in situations of natural disasters or whenever there is extensive repair work going on. And electricity being such an inherent part of our daily life, there is bound to be some obstruction in the smooth functioning of our routine. While a power outage situation can be inconvenient, it can be slightly easier with the right preparation. In this article, we have curated a list of must-know emergency preparedness tips and dos and don’ts to make it easier for you to navigate the power outage situation.
See also: How to stay prepared for a flood emergency?
How to stay prepared for a power outage?
While long power outages might often be unpredictable, here are few things you can do beforehand to prepare for it:
Create an emergency kit
The most important thing to have in your emergency kit for a power outage is flashlights and extra batteries. Go for LED flashlights that are long-lasting and provide powerful illumination, preferably an individual one for each family member, and with extra batteries for each stored in a waterproof container. Additionally, also keep fully-charged portable power banks handy to keep your phones charged all the time for constant access to information.
It might be difficult to navigate much during a power outage, so it is advisable to keep extra packs of any regular medication you or your family members might be on. Last but not the least, make sure you have enough cash for essential supplies, preferably in small denominations, as e-payment systems might be down.
Stockpile non-perishable food and water
As electronic water filters might not work, keeping food-grade containers with potable water or pre-packaged water bottles ready beforehand is a good idea if you are expecting a long power outage. Alongside this, stocking ready-to-eat canned food and other packaged foods, like nuts, crackers, energy bars and more should keep you going for a while in the absence of perishable, cooked meals. Make sure to pay special attention to the dietary needs of infants and pets and have ample stock formula and pet food to last you several hours.
Prepare alternative power sources
Investing in a portable generator to support essential appliances like refrigerators, medical devices and lighting can make it way easier for you. Keep its fuel stored safely and test the generator periodically to ensure that it does not give up in times of need. There are small solar panels available that can be used to charge phones, tablets and battery-operated lights, especially useful for extended outages. Getting LED lanterns with rechargeable batteries can provide a sustainable light source in such a situation.
Stay warm or cool without power
Some arrangements are necessary to avoid the seasonal issues that might arise in the absence of electric heating or cooling. To retain heat during winters, you can insulate windows with blankets or plastic. Similarly, in summers, you can use reflective materials to block sunlight. Also make sure to keep stock thermal blankets and extra layers of clothing handy. Battery-powered fans, cooling towels and optimal hydration can be your lifesavers in summers.
Plan for communication and safety
It is recommended to have important contact numbers written down somewhere in case your phone dies. For individuals reliant on electric medical equipment, promptly notify your supply company and have a backup power plan or alternate location readily available.
Prepare your home
There are some things you can do to better prepare your home from the impact of a long power outage. Plug your electronics into surge protectors to prevent causing them damage when the power is restored. Fill your refrigerator with bottles of frozen water as they can serve the dual purpose of keeping the refrigerator cool for longer and providing drinking water as they thaw.Â
Dos and don’ts during a power outage
| Dos | Don’ts |
| Stay informed: Keep your phone fully charged and connected to mobile internet for uninterrupted access to useful information without the need for a Wifi connection. | Don’t use candles: While commonly believed to be a handy emergency light source, candles can pose a safety hazard as they tip over easily. |
| Conserve resources: Use flashlights with energy-efficient bulbs only when required; preserve stored food by not opening the refrigerator frequently and minimising the open time if unavoidable. | Don’t consume spoiled food: If your refrigerator has not been operational for more than 4 hours, it is advisable to throw away any perishable items, especially eggs, meat and dairy as they spoil quickly in warm temperatures. |
| Use safe heating and cooking methods: Any cooking appliances should be used outdoors or in a place with proper ventilation; consider using space heaters with automatic shut-off features, wrap yourself in thermal blankets and close off unused rooms and block drafts to concentrate the warmth more effectively. | Don’t run generators indoors: Generators produce carbon monoxide (CO) that can quickly build up in enclosed spaces, leading to fatal consequences; always operate it at least 20 feet away from the house keeping the exhaust away from doors, windows and vents. |
| Stay warm or cool: In winters, layer clothes well to retain body heat, block drafts using thick materials, and consider chemical hand warmers for extra warmth; in summers, block sunlight by keeping blinds closed, use wet towels and cooling cloths and drink plenty of water. | Don’t rely completely on your car battery: If considering using your car battery for electricity supply, ensure that the car is placed in an open area to prevent CO poisoning, do not run the car continuously and save fuel wherever possible. |
| Conserve phone battery: Reduce your phone’s battery usage by lowering screen brightness, turning off any running background apps and preferring texting over calling to consume less power. | Don’t overload electrical outlets: Once the power is restored, do not turn on all appliances at once to avoid surges; it is better to turn them on gradually. |
| Check on neighbours: Elderly or disabled neighbours may need extra help and it is advisable to check on them to ensure they have access to necessary medication, water and warmth. | Don’t panic: Having a plan and staying calm will help you make more informed decisions during any emergency situation; focus on the need in hand and take it step by step to avoid overwhelming yourself. |
FAQs
How much water should I store for a power outage?
It is recommended to store 1 gallon of water per person per day, with a little extra for other needs like cooking and cleaning, during emergency situations.
What foods are best to keep on hand for an outage?
Go for non-perishable items like canned and packaged foods, especially nuts, crackers and energy bars. Avoid foods that require refrigeration at all costs.
Is it safe to use my gas stove or grill indoors during an outage?
Gas stoves and grills pose the risk of CO poisoning when used indoors. Use outdoor propane or charcoal grills instead in well-ventilated areas.
How do I keep my phone charged during a long power outage?
Use portable power banks with a capacity of 10,000 mAh or more and reduce battery consumption as much as possible by lowering brightness and turning off background apps.
What should I do with perishable foods during a power outage?
Keep your refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible, use a cooler with ice packs to increase efficiency, and get rid of food that has been left in the refrigerator without power for more than 4 hours.
What are the biggest safety hazards during a power outage?
Fire hazards caused due to candles, CO poisoning from generators or grills and falls and injuries due to the absence of lighting are some common hazards.
How do I plan for medical needs during a power outage?
Have a backup plan for electrical-dependent devices and notify your supplier for priority restoration.
| Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com |
