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It’s better to be safe than sorry. Even if you don’t get blackouts often, being prepared for a power outage is a sensible thing. Read on to find out how.
While power outages where you live may be a rare occurrence, it still pays to be prepared for them. They’re a fact of life, even if you reside in a part of town where the electrical infrastructure is perfect. And, if you live in an area where the electrical grid is wonky by design due to a lack of local and federal funding, then it makes even more sense to be prepared for power outages. The following are a few things to keep in mind so that you can feel best prepared for the next power outage.
Prepare an Emergency Kit
The worst thing to happen when the electricity goes out is for you not to have an emergency kit full of the necessities within reach. Keep a duffle bag or box full of batteries, a flashlight or two, candles, and matches, fully charged phone battery banks, an emergency weather radio, and anything else you may need. Just be sure to keep it in a place that is easy to reach, especially in the dark, since the last thing you want to do is to bump into walls and rummage through random things just to make it to your emergency pack.
Purchase a Backup Generator
If blackouts or extreme weather are frequent occurrences in your area, then having a backup source of power is a smart investment. Take the time to scour the internet for the best generator brands, and don’t be afraid to purchase a portable one. These handy pieces of equipment will keep your electronics running long after you’ve lost your main sources of power, which is incredibly helpful if you’re hit by frequent storms.
According to Electrical Wholesalers, Inc., you don’t need to worry about getting a generator that is loud and bulky: many these days are quiet and are rather light, making them much more versatile than the machines of yore. These things will save you in the event that you are hit by a storm and a power outage that lasts weeks instead of just a few hours.
These units also help you when you are caught up under the snow or in some other inconvenient position. The people working at Generator Supercenter Heartland understand the dire need for electricity in certain situations for safety, comfort, and convenience. Having one at your disposal will help you during any unexpected power outage and provide much-needed peace of mind.
Get Your Pantry Ready
While you shouldn’t go into full-on hoarder mode, you should always have a part of your pantry dedicated to food supply when a major storm hits. Non-perishable food is important, as is having in your arsenal a few gallons of water, just in case. Canned goods like soup and fruit in syrup are great, as are cereal and dried fruit and nuts. In general, plan so that you have maybe two weeks of supplies for you and your family so that you can handle yourselves in an emergency.
Buy an Eco Stove
Similar to a hotplate, but without electricity, of course, an eco stove will allow you to heat up food when you have no power. These handy tools are usually used by people when camping and are solar-powered. But they’re incredibly helpful when dealing with a power outage, and you need to heat up some soup for your family till the lights come back on.
You don’t need a whole lot in order to be prepared for a power outage. Some people go into full-on survivalist mode and pack up far too much in supplies for their homes. But, if you plan carefully, the items listed above are all you need to keep you and your family safe.
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