It never hurts to be prepare for natural disasters, even something such as a power outage. There are times when people have a heads up on what is coming at them. But there's also times in which they don't and it catches them off guard. Either way, chances are that anything can happen and its better to be ready, in any way you can. It will make a difference, no matter how big or small it'll be.
Some of the basic items you need to have on hand to get through a power outage are quite simple, because you are most likely to have them already in your home.
Flashlights - LED flashlights last a long time on a single charge. There's also hand-crank models available when batteries are a issue for you.
Batteries - It's good to have some stored away.
Candles - Get the emergency candles because they can last for days. They are unscented, non-toxic and are virtually smokeless and odorless. It's also advisable to get the ones that come in a glass jar because it's wind resistant, easy to carry and protects from spills if it's tipped over. It's also important that any candle isn't left unattended when in use.
Matches - Get the waterproof and windproof kind and store them in a ziplock bag.
Blankets - Get the emergency thermal blankets combine with a wool blend blanket to help keep you warm.
First Aid Kit - Always have a up-to-date first aid kit in your home and in your car.
Now for a extended power outage that'll take days, maybe even weeks you'll need to be a little more prepared, especially in the food department. You'll need to get items that require very little to no heating up or cooking.
Canned Foods - Canned Tuna, Canned Meats, Canned Soups, Canned Vegetables and Canned Fruits. Don't forget the can opener.
Ramen Noodles
Cold cereals
Peanut butter
Salt-free Crackers
Water
Beef Jerky
Nuts/Trail Mix
Instant coffee
Tea
Dried Fruits
Rice
Beans
Pasta
The problem with not having electricity is that it runs a lot of things. So it is not surprising that a lot of people will feel completely lost without power. Being without power does not only effects families at homes but everywhere else as well. Gas stations rely on power to pump the gas stations, stores' refrigerators rely on it, ATMs will be down, so do those little machines that read your credit cards, etc.
Cash - Make sure to have cash, small bills on hand. With a huge blackout, it's not surprising that making purchases with plastic will be nearly impossible.
Battery operated radio (or hand crank radio) - Having a radio will help you
Solar battery charger - Which is good for recharging cell phones, digital cameras, mp3, mp4, pda, etc.
Chemical light sticks (glowsticks) - Another form of emergency lighting when you need it.
You're going to be bored and it helps to have something that will entertain you or keep you amuse.
Playing cards
Board games
Books
Exercise
Nap
Clean
Organize
Work
Fix something
Write Stories
Draw
Talk
 DamnBlackHeart · Sat Dec 22, 2012 @ 07:01pm · 0 Comments |
