How to survive a blackout – Power Outage Tips

The importance on knowing how to survive a blackout becomes more important depending on where you live.

In some 3rd world countries, power outages, or blackouts as they are often called, can happen regularly.

Sometimes these blackouts take place multiple times during the same day.

When they do, you learn a few tricks to get you through those hours when the power is off.

Those same tricks can be applied to those times when your power is off for several days or weeks.

You just have to adapt them to your situation.

In western countries, a majority of homes are not prepared or designed to handle blackouts longer than 4 hours.

It will pay to implement some of the following tips so you know how to survive a blackout in your area.

How to Survive a Blackout: Top Power Outage Tips

Technology has come a long way since your grandparents’ and great-grandparents’ day.

There are a lot of items that do not need to be attached to the grid to work.

Taking advantage of those technological improvements is a smart way to prepare for a long blackout.

Here are a few of those upgraded items.

#1. Solar lights

These run off the sun and are great when a power outage happens at night.

You and your family can see what you are doing.

Then these solar lights can be recharged the next morning when the sun comes up.

Having these lights help persuade thieves from entering your home as your yard will be lit up like normal.

Without doubt one of the best tips when it comes to how to survive a blackout.

#2. Buy a generator

These are very handy and will power limited items.

You should be able to have some lights on and power your fridge so your food does not spoil.

How much power you get will depend on the size you buy.

When you are powering items at home, you will want it large enough to power a variety of electrical devices.

The drawback with generators is that you need a good supply of diesel fuel or gas and oil.

Plus, they work best at 25 to 50% of load.

If you overload the generator then it will be of no use to you until you reset it and reduce the load.

#3. Have some water stored up

Sometimes the water supply to your neighborhood depends on electrical power.

When the power goes, so does your water.

You can either store up extra jugs of water in your garage or basement.

Or you can find an alternative water source you can turn to when your main option is not working.

Then if you have time before the water stops flowing, fill your bathtub, buckets, and other containers with water so you and your family have enough.

You can also use large barrels and place them under your downspouts in case it is raining during the blackout.

#4. Buy a UPS or some Power Banks

These give you some extra power so you can remain in communication for a short time after the power goes out.

A UPS is an unlimited power supply and the more watts the longer time you get.

However, the drawback to this option is that they are not good for the long term unless you have a solar-powered charger on hand.

That would be a good device to have as well.

You need communication tools to stay powered at all times, and this is a good option to use.

#5. Report to the authorities all special health equipment

Not everyone is going to be healthy when a blackout occurs.

Their homes may be filled with special equipment that needs electrical power.

Let the authorities know about the special equipment you have in your home.

This should make your home a power priority and get you the needed emergency power to keep a loved one from becoming worse health-wise.

Of course, you should have a generator on hand to make sure you can power those pieces of equipment while you wait for the emergency power to kick in.

#6. Have the right tools on hand

When it comes to how to survive a blackout, then having the necessary tools is key.

This is important as you will need manual back up tools to do the job that power tools can’t do during this time.

A hand siphon is a must when you want to transfer water from the bathtub or jug to a smaller container.

Make sure you have plenty of batteries stored in the proper place.

Rotate them so they will have power when the blackout occurs.

Have extra flashlights on hand as well.

Of course, many of these emergency blackout tools come with the ability to be charged through solar panels.

Pick and choose which items will be best for your situation.

Don’t forget to have a camp stove or some other alternative cooking stove in storage as well.

Being able to cook is essential during a blackout.

Freezers and fridges should remain closed for as long as possible.

You have 24 hours before they run out of cold air.

#7. Have an emergency plan

This is vital especially when your family has a full schedule of independent events.

Make sure to pick an emergency meeting place so if you get separated everyone knows where to go.

Also, decide who will be an emergency contact so you can all stay in touch and let everyone know you are safe.

There are other items in your plan that should tell your family how to stay warm at night.

Even summer days can get cold at night and exposure is a quick killer.

Teach your family how to survive in tough conditions.

#8. Have battery or hand crank radios on hand

You will want these items so you can stay connected and informed.

Knowing what is happening is key to your survival.

Also, make sure everyone has a charged cell phone so they can make emergency calls if they get separated from you or need to call the authorities.

#9. Prepare a first-aid kit

Someone may get hurt moving about in the dark or glass may get broken and so on.

Be prepared for basic medical emergencies and stock a good first aid kit.

Make sure you have the needed medications for all health issues your family has, bandages, antiseptics, and more.

A good first aid kit will be your friend as you never know what will happen during a blackout.

#10. Misc. Tips

One of the things you need to do when a blackout occurs is to disconnect electrical devices and appliances from the grid.

Sometimes power surges take place and those can ruin computers or more modern appliances.

Have some coolers and extra ice on hand to help keep perishable food cold longer.

These little items can make sure you have something to eat during a long blackout.

If the power goes out in the winter, make sure to put on more layers of clothing to stay warm.

Or wrap yourself in a blanket or two.

If it goes out in the summer you can open windows on the cool side of the home and shut the blinds on the sunny side.

This will help keep your home cooler and you from overheating.

• Don’t forget to stay hydrated during this time.
• Don’t forget to cook food that will spoil soon.

Once cooked those food items will last longer and keep you healthier.

One more things when it come to how to survive a blackout.

Do not take unnecessary risks.

Never Take Chances in a Blackout

While you want to make sure your family is safe, do not take foolish chances.

There have been too many news stories where parents go out in a storm or the freezing weather to protect a spouse or their children.

They never return.

Play it safe and do not take those chances that will harm you as you will not be any good to your family if you do not survive.

Plus, you do not know who is roaming outside when there is a full-scale and long-term blackout happening.

Take precautions and be cautious if you have to go out or even move about in your home.

Falling down stairs can be deadly when you miss a step.

Know what you are doing at all times and make sure your family members do not take chances either.

The blackouts will not last forever nor will the night.

If at all possible remain in place till the sun comes up and you can see what you are doing and what is going on.

There are too many dangers during a blackout that you may not see at night.

Some Final Words

Blackouts generally do not last that long.

The short ones are easy to survive as your home has the right appliances, etc., to make it short-term.

All you have to do is be patient till the power comes back on.

Use your hand-powered or solar powered radios to see how long the power outage will last.

Then form your plan of action and make sure you and your family are safe.

The time to prepare for a blackout is before they take place.

Make sure to be prepared before they happen.

Let us know if you have any other tips on how to survive a blackout.

Sources: https://www.atyourbusiness.com/blog/7-blackout-tips-for-surviving-an-extended-power-outage/

Originally posted 2022-11-09 12:45:14.