Losing power in your home is nothing short of inconvenient. Suddenly, the food in your refrigerator is at risk, you can’t work from home on your computer, and your teenagers are in panic mode because they can’t charge their devices. You might even run out of hot water and end up stuck at home with a car that can’t exit the garage. Let’s look at some things to have on hand if the power goes out so that you can create your own checklist and have the necessities ready.
Candles and Flashlights
If the power goes out during daylight, you need to use that time to prepare for nightfall. It’s no fun to stroll through the house in the evening with no lighting. Keep a supply of candles and a lighter or battery-operated candles in your power outage kit or a safe place in your home. Also, put in a flashlight with fresh batteries. You’ll be thankful you can see in the dark if you lose electricity. You may want to consider a flashlight in each bedroom.
Food Supplies
This is often the last thing people think of when considering a possible power outage. However, what if an unexpected catastrophe leaves you with no refrigeration for days? Your pantry supplies can only go so far.
If you have coolers that you can fill with ice to salvage some foods during a power outage, that’s great. Still, you need to prepare for the worst in case you can’t even get ice.
Make a list of canned foods with a long shelf life that you can eat without heating, and consider investing in meal kits that offer dehydrated food that lasts for years. If you have young ones who love milk or don’t like to live without it yourself, you’re in luck. Dry milk is easy to reconstitute with water.
No matter what food supplies you choose, keep track of the dates so that they don’t expire, and store power outage food supplies in a special area away from your everyday food items.
Prescription Medications
If you or anyone in your household uses prescription medications regularly, you need to ensure they’re full, especially during storm season. Contact your physician or pharmacist to see if you can keep extras on hand in case of an emergency. There may also be services in your area that will deliver prescriptions if you end up stuck in the house, so keep those phone numbers nearby.
Prepare for Temperature Changes
Depending on what time of a year a power outage occurs, your home may need supplies for additional warmth or a way to cool down. The following is a list of things to keep with your power outage supplies should you need them:
- Batter operated fans
- Extra blankets
- Sleeping bags
- Stocking hats
- Warm socks and sweaters
Also, if a storm strikes in the heat of the summer and you lose power, open the windows at night if you can, then shut them in the morning to trap the cool night air inside.
As you gather things to have on hand if the power goes out, consider the personal needs of your family and the basic necessities everyone needs.
