Power outages aren’t anything new and have existed ever since electricity started flowing into homes, and if you haven’tt invested in an emergency kit or a Miller Bobcat generator, you could be facing life-threatening conditions. In the year 2020, more than 1.3 billion hours of power outages affected people all over the United States, proving that this is an issue that everyone will be affected by at one point or another.
A power outage is no joke and needs to be understood and taken seriously, which is why heat pump installation and maintenance checks should be performed throughout the year and during the warmer months. Heat outages, especially during cold weather may be a stressful and difficult scenario.
However, being ready and understanding what to do might help lessen some of the agony and inconvenience. Instead of feeling stressed out, anxious, and unsure of what to do, you can be productive and healthy during a power outage.
Pre-Outage Preparation
There are certain things that you can do before a power outage ever occurs that will make the entire experience much easier and less stressful for you and your friends and family.
Emergency Kit
Before an outage happens, an emergency pack should be readily available. This pack should contain flashlights, batteries, candles, matches, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, blankets, non-perishable food, and water.
Backup Power Source
Think about purchasing a backup power source, such as a generator. This can supply temporary power to critical appliances and gadgets during an outage. Ensure that the generator is properly and safely mounted and that you have enough supply of fuel.
Insulation and Weatherproofing
To keep heat in your home during a power outage, properly insulate it and plug any drafts. This may involve insulating windows and doors, utilizing draft stoppers, and installing weatherstripping.
Communication Plan
Create a communication strategy with family members or neighbors in the event of a lengthy outage. Ensure that everyone understands where to meet and how to contact one another if required.
Immediate Actions When Power Goes Out
When the time comes that the power is out, there are several things that you need to tend to as soon as possible, to keep your comfort and safety levels high throughout your outage.
Check for Safety
When the electricity goes out, the first concern is safety. Check to make sure everyone in your home is safe and accounted for. If required, use flashlights instead of candles to avoid fire dangers.
Report the Outage
Immediately contact your utility provider to report the outage. This allows them to determine the scope of the problem and estimate the time required for restoration.
Preserve Heat
If the outage happens during cold weather, first focus on keeping the heat in your home. To preserve heat, close the drapes or blinds custom window blinds that fit the space perfectly are best and gather everyone into one central area to keep them warm.
Use Alternative Heat Sources
If available, utilize portable gas heaters, kerosene heaters, or heated blankets. When utilizing these devices, use caution and observe all safety guidelines to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning or fire threats.
Activities to Stay Occupied
If a power outage goes on for some time, you might get a little bored. Without television or internet, you might not be sure how to stay occupied. But the good news is that there are many options for you if you want to remain entertained.
Board Games and Card Games
Gather your family or housemates to play classic board or card games. These activities not only provide entertainment but also promote connection and bonding with other people.
Read Books or Listen to Audiobooks
Make good use of this downtime to catch up on your reading list. Whether you like physical books, e-books, or audiobooks, getting lost in a good novel may help you pass the time without power.
Crafts and DIY Projects
Take part in creative hobbies like crafts, knitting, or DIY projects. Take advantage of this opportunity to complete long-standing tasks or experiment with new hobbies.
Storytelling
Share stories and reminisce with family members. This can be a great way to pass the time while creating lasting memories and strengthening familial bonds.
Puzzle Solving
Challenge yourself with puzzles such as jigsaw puzzles, crossword puzzles, or Sudoku. Not only are these activities enjoyable, but they also help keep your mind sharp.
Exercise Indoors
Stay active by engaging in indoor exercises such as yoga, stretching routines, or bodyweight exercises. This will help you and your family maintain physical health while also warding off boredom.
Journaling or Reflection
Take some time for introspection by journaling or reflecting on your thoughts and experiences. Use this opportunity for self-discovery and personal growth.
Plan for Future Emergencies
Take the downtime as a chance to evaluate and update your emergency preparation strategies. Discuss evacuation routes, emergency contact information, and plans for all sorts of situations with your family members.
Safety Precautions During Outage
Safety is always your top concern and that is true during an outage. Some several risks and dangers pop up more often when a power outage occurs and you need to be on the lookout for them.
Carbon Monoxide Detection
If you use alternative heat sources like gas-powered generators or heaters, be sure you have functional carbon monoxide alarms. Carbon monoxide is odorless and lethal, making early detection critical for safety.
Ventilation
When utilizing those other heat sources or cooking appliances, ensure that there is also enough ventilation. Open the windows regularly to allow fresh air to flow and prevent pollutants from building up within.
Food Safety
Refrigerators and freezers should be kept as closed as possible to keep the temperature low. Consume perishable goods first and avoid opening the refrigerator unless necessary to protect food quality and safety.
Water Supply
Make sure you have an appropriate supply of drinkable water for drinking, cooking, and hygiene needs. Fill water containers ahead of time to provide a reserve supply.
Stay Informed
It is also very vital that you stay informed about the outage status and any updates from your utility provider or local authorities.
To do this, you can use a battery-powered radio to receive the latest news and emergency broadcasts.
Final Thoughts
Experiencing a power outage can disrupt your daily routines and pose a number of specific and scary challenges, especially when heat is also affected.
However, with proper preparation and a proactive approach, you can mitigate the impact of outages and ensure the safety and comfort of your household.
