How to keep your home prepared for power outages

Power outages can strike at any time. It can range from minor inconveniences to significant disruptions to daily life. While it’s impossible to predict an outage, you can take steps to ensure that your home is ready if it happens. That way, you can keep your electronics safe and have everything within reach. 

Whether a power outage is announced or spontaneous, you must prepare your home for such scenarios. Lack of preparation can damage your appliance, affect your comfort, and cause an emergency. To keep yourself comfortable, below are some ways to keep your home prepared for a power outage:

Find out your home's credit score

Check your home condition score to find out!

Check it out

Install a generator

Since almost everything runs on electricity, a power outage makes your home uncomfortable. You won’t have anything to keep you cool or warm, along with running your household appliances. With that, it’s best to enjoy your home still and use every ounce of electricity as much as possible. 

Luckily, a whole home generator is available to keep you at ease. A generator can provide your home with a limited power supply. You can run your generator using gas or propane. With gas, you can have enough energy for 6 to 12 hours. For well-managed propane, your generator can run for about 150 to 200 hours (about six to eight days). Ideally, you should install your generator to accommodate your entire home. That way, you can have electricity in every part of your home, making yourself comfortable.

Prepare an emergency kit

You should always equip your home with an emergency kit for any sudden situation. An emergency kit should include everything you need to help you survive. You can create an emergency kit focusing on power outages to help you through the day. Moreover, an emergency kit should include the following:

First aid kit

You should always have a first aid kit inside your home. A first aid kit can help to keep you safe from further infections or injuries. You can include a bandage, tape, thermometer, antiseptic, tweezers, and medicines inside your first aid kit. Or you can buy a kit that already has everything you might need. You can add your medication for added safety. Just ensure you frequently check for expiration dates and replace them when needed. Ideally, your first aid kit should be enough to accommodate every family member.

Flashlight

A flashlight helps to get you through the dark. You can bring your flashlight when you need to go to your basement or explore different parts of your home. It’s best to carry extra batteries, just in case. You can also use solar flashlights to charge them during the day.

Cash

Most people pay through e-wallets or online banking. It might be hard for you to pay during a power outage, especially if your phone is already running low on battery. With cash inside your emergency kit, you can conveniently pay for food or medicines.

Whistle

You can never predict what danger power outages hold. Keeping a whistle can keep everyone heard and safe in emergencies or accidents. You can easily blow your whistle and let people know where you are. It’ll be more convenient and easier than screaming for help.

Phone charger

Your phone is an essential item, especially during emergencies. To keep your batteries full, you must always have a phone charger with you. Ideally, you should have a car phone charger to charge your phone through your vehicle. You can also add a power bank to help you charge your devices.

Tool kit

Your tool kit should have everything to help you work with physical barriers. It could be a hammer, screwdriver, wrench, or pliers. You can also add some nails and rope if you need to build or fix something. While this isn’t something you must have, it’ll surely come in handy in emergencies.

Candle 

Power outages can end quickly or in days. If the power outage extends into nighttime, having something to light up your home will be helpful. A candle can give your home light without worrying about energy or batteries. Just ensure that you practice proper precautions when you’re lighting up a candle.

Stock up on non-perishable food

If you’re using an induction or electric stove, you may be unable to cook meals during a power outage. It’s best to stock up on non-perishable foods to keep your stomach full during this time. Ideally, you should keep enough supplies for three days for the entire family. You can also add some protein bars to give yourselves energy.

Keep enough water

Along with your food, you should also stock up on enough water for power outages. While your municipality is less likely to cut the water supply, it can still happen. Ideally, you should stock up on clean water for everyone for at least three days. It should include water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning. You must also maintain your water well to keep them safe for consumption.

Keep electronics charged

If you anticipate a power outage, you must charge all your devices. You should charge your phones, tablets, and power banks. Try to preserve your batteries as much as possible and only use them when it’s essential.

Arrange for cold or hot temperatures

You can’t control your home’s temperature during a power outage. It’s best to prepare for extreme temperatures to keep yourself comfortable. You can stock up on blankets, socks, mittens, and jackets. You can also prepare some fans, hair ties, and sleeveless tank tops during summer.

Protect your appliances

When the power is out of your home, you need to unplug all your electronics immediately. A sudden power shortage can affect your appliance and ruin its circuits. It can also negatively affect the appliance if the electricity suddenly goes back on. Alternatively, you can plug your appliances into an AVR. It protects your devices as it regulates the energy your device receives.

Keep ice chest ready

If you’re taking regular medication, you must prepare an ice chest for proper storage. You can just place gel ice packs or ice blocks inside the ice chest when the electricity runs out.

Save emergency contact number

Your home should have a list of emergency contact numbers. It should include the authorities, plumbing, electrical, and nearest hospital. You can also include the contact numbers of your nearby friends or relatives.

Develop emergency plan

You can never anticipate what could happen during a power outage. In case of a power outage, you should develop an emergency plan for your family. Every family member should know what to do if you all fall apart. You could plan a meeting place or arrange proper accommodation for your children and pets.

Prepare entertainment

A power outage can get boring. To keep everyone occupied, you should prepare enough entertainment for everyone’s use. It could be board games, arts and crafts, or music. Ideally, it should be something new so you can still find excitement in the activity.

Takeaway

A power outage can cause inconvenience and discomfort. By preparing your home, you can keep everyone safe and sound. You can install a generator or prepare emergency kits for your entire family. Keeping your home organized should make you feel comfortable even if you’re not expecting a power outage.

Written by Billy Guteng. May 15, 2023

Billy was born in France, and has lived in multiple cities around the world ever since. He loves art, design and architecture and he supports the KUKUN team as a content provider.