Every year I sit and watch in amazement as millions of Americans are caught off guard by something that is highly predictable, power outages caused by storms.
Here is a quick reminder to get prepared for a power outage this winter. Check that your survival gear is ready and functioning and in a place you can find if the power goes out.
Published on Feb 21, 2013
Losing power for a night isn’t so bad, but what if we have a big winter storm that knocks out power for days in the Triad? Are you prepared?
It will take some time to assemble everything you need, so ask yourself the following:
- How will you stay warm in the winter without power? Blankets and even bubble wrap can be used to insulate windows. You should also have a plan for living in just one or two rooms during a long-term outage; this will minimize the area that has to be heated.
- How will you stay cool in the summer without air conditioning? (battery-powered fans are one option)
- How will you see in the dark? You’ll need several light sources, including flashlights, headlamps, and lanterns. Store extra batteries for anything that is battery-powered.
- How will you stay in touch with people and get necessary information? Invest in a good quality emergency radio that is battery powered. If it comes with a solar charger, that’s even better.
- Does a generator make sense in your circumstances? Or could it make you a target for thieves?
