C.J. Braden • 2 Minute Read
How to Cope During Power Outages
It is one of those things that we regret we didn't prepare for sooner when it comes up. When the power goes out, this is when chaos can ensue, but this is why preparing for a power outage is so important. How do we do this? Let's “shed some light” on the situation.
1- Get an Emergency Kit Together
Keep an emergency kit in case of a power outage
An emergency kit should have everything you need in one simple container. A typical emergency kit for a blackout would include a flashlight, but you also need to have spare batteries. If you're trying to find the best batteries that last longer, it's always good to opt for rechargeable batteries like the 18650 rechargeable battery.
When you put together an emergency kit, you should have one flashlight for each member of the family. This may seem like too much, but each member of the family having their own light and enough spare batteries can make everybody feel a lot safer.
2- Check the Time of the Power Cut
If the power will be out for long, watch your perishable food items closely
These days we’ve all got smartphones so we should check the time of the power cut because you can get a better idea of how long it will go on, especially when it comes to reporting the power outage. Additionally, when the power goes out, keeping track of the time means you know how long you've got until the food in your fridge is unusable.
Food will keep for up to 4 hours in the fridge and freezer. When the power goes out, rather than opening the fridge doors constantly, do your best to keep everything secure in the fridge. This means that it could potentially last a bit longer.
If you love this article, we know you’ll love this one too: How to Make Your Hot Home More Comfortable
3- Report the Power Outage
Some power outages have to reported via apps
Many people make the assumption that neighbors have informed the utility company, but the more people report an outage, the better the chance the utility service can identify the root cause of the problem. It's always a good idea to know what your local utilities offer in terms of resources and tools. The sooner you report the power outage, the quicker they can get to work on it. It's important to remember that if this is a widespread power outage your house is not going to be a priority; hospitals and airports are the first port of call.
Living on an island that is in a hurricane zone, my husband keep many emergency items on hand. We love these rechargeable lights and keep them by our bedside. They are a great backup light option during storms and power outages. We also love our Orca cooler as it keeps perishable foods cold for numerous days.
4- Occupy Your Mind
Knitting is a good way to occupy a bored mind
It's also important to remember that when a power outage occurs, a lot of the things you rely on are gone in a flash. Nobody wants to be without their phones or television for long, but there is a lot to be said for occupying your mental well-being and ensuring you don't get anxious.
Having a collection of great family board games will make a big difference so everybody can stay focused on the game rather than the blackout.
Get creative during a power outage! Here’s my DIY No Sew Bow Headwrap tutorial that needs zero electricity to make! Watch it below or via my YouTube channel, Carolyn Braden.
5- Light Up the Darkness
Keep an eye on lit candles during a power outage
Of course, it's important to make sure that there's enough light on the situation in the form of candles, however, having too many candles can increase concerns of fire hazards, so when it comes to occupying your mind, you have got to do everything you can to ensure that everybody feels more secure. Power outages never last for long, so you should be able to ride it out.
What are some ways you deal with power outages? Share your ideas in the comments section below!
C.J. (Carolyn) Braden is a regular contributor and editor for Carolyn’s Blooming Creations. She has been featured in numerous media publications such as InStyle Magazine, on HGTV, on Bustle.com, and more. She is the author of the books Georgia McMasters in Amethyst Lake Cemetery, How To Be Yourself: 3 Ways To Help You Being You, and the illustrator for the children’s book Bridging Connections. She is a former classroom teacher that now dedicates her life to educating others on how to live their most healthy, creative and happy life. Learn more about her visiting our About Us page.
This is a collaborative post and may contain affiliate links. All opinions and ideas expressed in this post, however, are based on my personal point of view.