Power outages don’t just occur during lightning storms; they can occur for a variety of reasons. Fallen trees, equipment failures, and even extreme heat can cause your power to cut out. Nobody likes getting stuck in the dark without warning, so it's crucial to stay prepared. Since you never know when your electricity may shut off, you need to keep a few essentials on hand. Here's what you need at home in case of a power outage.
A Portable Backup Generator
If you have children, elderly relatives, or people who require medical equipment in your home, it’s crucial that you get your power back as quickly as possible. You should consider investing in a quality portable backup generator that will allow you to keep your lights on even during a power outage. These generators use fuel sources such as gasoline or propane to provide power. As a result, you should keep a considerable amount of fuel around for your generator. If your power is out for a couple of hours, you'll need quite a bit of fuel to keep the lights on.
Candles and Flashlights
If you want to be able to see at least a foot in front of your face, you'll need a light source. Your smartphone will have a flashlight, but using it will quickly diminish your already dying battery. That's why keeping candles and flashlights nearby is a good rule of thumb.
Also, don't forget to keep batteries on hand for your flashlights. Nothing is worse than seeing your flashlight burn out in a power outage with no backup batteries!
Bottled Water
For many areas, water is the next thing to go after the power. It's a good idea to have some extra bottled water at your home just in case your water runs out. Some areas may also be subject to mandatory water boils during power outages. In such instances, you will not only need this bottled water to drink but also bathe and clean dishes or laundry.
Canned Food and Can Opener
When the power goes out, it's a race against the clock for the food in your fridge. If the power stays off for more than a few hours, your food will spoil. Having some canned food on hand at all times is a great way to ensure you can stay fed without needing to use your fridge. Also, don't forget an excellent old-fashioned can opener! Make sure you have one that is manual and not electric.
First Aid Kit
Being in the dark increases your risk of trips and falls. You don't want you or your family members to suffer from a cut or bruise without the proper aid available. That's why you need a first aid kit in emergencies such as these.
As long as you have these essentials, you'll be prepared for power outages no matter when they occur.
