Things To Do Now To Prepare for a Power Outage at Home

Power outages happen everywhere; it’s no stranger to the east, west, or far northwest coast of the United States. However, how each homeowner prepares may vary. Here are the things to do now to prepare for a power outage at home.

Stock Up on Essentials

One of the first things to do when faced with natural disasters is stock up on essentials. You will need water, easy-to-prep meals, and medications. You never know what could happen in a power outage, so stay stocked up on essentials. Make sure to also assemble an emergency preparedness kit with a first-aid kit, flashlights, matches, and a second set of keys in case you misplace the first.

Charge Your Devices and Fuel Your Car

During a power outage, you won’t be able to power up stationary devices or charge portable ones. When a power surge happens, ensure that your emergency pack includes fully-charged portable packs—don’t use these until you absolutely need to. Keep your devices charged and only use them to communicate with friends and family when needed.

Also, keep your car fueled. It’s critical to keep the gas tank full and not drive anywhere unless necessary.

Prepare for Cold Weather

Blackouts even happen during cold weather, which could be one of the hardest to prep for. The best way to stay safe during a power outage in cold weather is to prepare accordingly. Make sure to have blankets made from thick materials, like cotton fleece and wool—these materials are enough to keep the entire family warm until the power turns back on.

Get a Backup Generator To Keep Essential Appliances Running

Here’s something you may not have thought of: a backup generator. One of the reasons every home needs a backup generator is to keep essential appliances running, such as medical equipment.

This is only a taste of what to do now to prepare your home for a power outage. After reading this list, what you do is up to you, but make sure you prep wisely. These ideas will put you on the right track.