In response to a request for a few tips to be ready for a power outage, I’ve put together this quick list.
In Texas, no power in the summer means no air conditioner. What to do?
- Battery-operated personal fans. Here’s one for under $10. I also have a fan with a USB connection, which uses my laptop battery for power, like this one.
- Don’t open the windows right away. Trap the cool air inside until the temperature starts to rise.
- Close window coverings. This will keep additional heat out. The north side of your house is the coolest.
Water. As it warms up, you’ll want to drink plenty of water. In some areas, there may be no water service if the power is out. What to do?
- Keep bottles of water on hand for such emergencies.
- Don’t flush toilets unless absolutely necessary. We keep a five-gallon bottle of water in the house for such emergencies.
Light. When the power goes out at night, all of immediately look for some light. What to do?
- Do you know where your flashlight is? Does it have good batteries? We keep flashlights next to our chairs and on each bedside table.
- Glow sticks make handy emergency lights. If there are children in the house, glow sticks will calm any fears of the dark.
- Many of us also have flashlight options on our smartphones.
Speaking of smartphones. Not only are these handy for telephone calls to report outages, they also allow to connect to the internet for other information. Data service does use a lot of battery power. Have and keep charged a USB power bank for your phone. They come in a variety of styles and sizes.
For those who rely on medical equipment, backup power may be necessary. A portable generator may be an option. But these aren’t automatic. If you choose this for your emergency power source, please contact a qualified electrician for help.
It’s also possible to use an RV solar system to charge batteries for backup power. These are small system and relatively easy to install. Electrical equipment can often be plugged directly into a full system. These small power units are not designed to power the whole house. You will need to make decisions before the emergency of what you need it for.
More emergency preparation information, along with my book Family Preparedness in the City and Suburbia, can be found in the Prepper Bundle.
Affiliate links are used in this information. Please see my Disclosure Statement.