Being ready for crises is a wise move that we should all make. Emergencies that call for pre-planning a pack might arise from a variety of situations, including natural disasters, severe weather, or power outages. It is necessary to have a supply kit with all of your necessities in one location to survive any unforeseen emergency.
Depending on how long it lasts, a sudden power outage can be either a small annoyance or a significant issue. But whether a power outage lasts for a few minutes, several hours, or several days, it is still wise to be ready. A power outage kit can make both long- and short-term outages safer and less stressful. Additionally, it can mean the difference between feeling uneasy and having peace of mind during a power outage.
- Water: It could or might not be safe to use your home’s plumbing during a power outage. This is particularly true during prolonged outages, but it is also a good idea to have a supply of water on hand for emergencies. Make sure your short-term power outage kit includes at least one gallon of water per person. You should also set aside adequate water for your pets if you have any.
- Flashlight: Your list of preparedness items for a power outage should start with flashlights. Even though it might seem obvious, you should make sure you have a flashlight with long battery life. Maintain one excellent flashlight in your kit for each family member. To light up the main room or other room in your house, you could also want to keep one or two battery-operated camping lanterns in your kit. A headlamp may be useful to have on hand in case you need to fix something or use both hands to complete a task.
- Medicine: If anyone in your household uses prescription medication, they should make every effort to keep their supply full. In case you don’t have access to a pharmacy when the power goes out, make sure you always keep at least three days’ supply of each drug on hand.
- Easy to Prepare Food Supply: As long as it stays cool, the food in your refrigerator will be okay to eat for four hours after the electricity is out. You won’t have to throw out any of the perishables in your refrigerator as long as the electricity is restored in less than four hours. For your freezer, the same guidelines apply, but your frozen food will be safe for 48 hours if it is full or 24 hours if it is halfway full. In the event of a power outage, it is advised to have some ready-to-eat food on hand. These consist of shelf-stable snacks like protein bars and non-heated canned items. Additionally, you could choose to add instant coffee or tea packets.
- Off-Grid Cooking Equipment: Before the power goes out, practice making a meal without electricity. Make sure you regularly practice cooking without power so that you are prepared and have the necessary tools. Grills outside function nicely when the weather is favorable. Depending on your space and family size, keep extra bags of charcoal on hand. Think about keeping extra gas tanks on hand as well. Keep in mind to prepare or grill any foods that may expire first. When the electricity goes off, indoor natural gas stoves might or might not operate. Although many gas stoves feature an electric ignition, it’s possible to light the burners with a match or lighter.
- Cash: Nearby businesses and services won’t likely be able to accept credit cards or checks during a power outage. Additionally, nearby ATMs might not be working. You might pay in cash to avoid having to go further to get needs like food, water, and shelter from high conditions. In case a retailer runs out of change, it is recommended to keep little bills on hand.
- Coolers: You might wish to get some ice from a nearby shop if you need to keep something cold, such as food or medicine. Make sure the contents of one or two coolers are shielded from water and fill them with ice. Additionally, you can add ice to your freezer and refrigerator to further preserve perishable foods.
- Non-Perishable Food: You must have non-perishable foods and pantry staples because you shouldn’t be accessing your refrigerator or freezer. In this manner, you can extend the amount of time that food remains fresh. There is no need for you to have a few eating selections. Grab your preferred soups, crackers, granola bars, and canned fruits. These dishes can also be prepared without utilizing electricity.
- First-Aid Kit: Whether there is a power outage or not, you should keep a first aid package close by. To have adequate bandages and other first aid supplies on hand, if you already have one in your home, make sure to refresh it periodically. Adding batteries for flashlights and matches to light candles are two more little necessities you may want to keep in your first aid kit.
- Battery Powered or Crank Radio: Wi-Fi and cable television are not available without power. So, it’s possible that you won’t know exactly what’s happening. You may wish to keep a battery-powered or crank AM/FM radio on hand to stay in touch with the outside world from inside your home.
- Power banks: Even if the Wi-Fi is down, nobody wants to be without the ability to utilize their gadgets. The extent of the power outage may still allow surrounding cell phone towers to function. You will therefore continue to have access to the internet and your cell phone data. To keep your electronics functional, you should keep a few (charged) power banks in your power outage kit. To assist with charging your electronics, you can also have one or two power adaptors in your vehicle. But be aware that you will need to utilize the car’s gas to prevent the battery from dying. Some automobile power adaptors even convert the charging ports in your car into regular outlets, so you can connect things that don’t have USB connections.
- Portable Generator: If you can afford it, think about getting a portable generator. Keep in mind that you must learn how to utilize it and that you should test it frequently.
- Personal Documents: Make a designated location for your crucial documents if you don’t already have one. Important documents, such as insurance policies, leases, birth certificates, and medical records, should be copied. Keep duplicates of these vital documents in your power outage emergency kit. Along with these documents, you should include a list of emergency contacts.
- Candles: Having all of the necessary materials on hand in the case of a crisis is critical for your safety and the safety of others. Candles are a wonderful choice if you have lost electricity or do not have access to heat or light. Emergency candles provide light and heat for an extended period, allowing for survival.
- Portable Fan: It might be aggravating when the weather is hot and you don’t have a fan. You can purchase the best portable fan you can find. Having a couple of battery-powered fans on standby during a summer outage will come in handy later.
Power outages typically occur without warning. It is wise to have these necessary power outage supplies on hand because of this.