A LIST OF MUST-HAVE GEAR DURING A POWER OUTAGE
A power outage is a widespread loss of power, usually caused by a failure in the electrical grid. It can be a major inconvenience, especially if it lasts for an extended period of time. During a power outage, it is important to be prepared by taking the necessary precautions and keeping essential gear on hand to ensure safety and comfort.
WHAT TO DO DURING A POWER OUTAGE
When the power outage hits, stay informed about any events by having reliable news sources readily available at all times and always stay connected with family and neighbours. Refrain from using any gas items inside the house or heating the house with a gas stove. If the house gets extremely cold, visit a relative or a friend for the time being. Take the necessary steps to remain safe during power outages.
Monitor Alerts
It is important to have a smart power outage monitoring device, such as Power Failure Alarm, that alerts about any power outage. Some of these devices send notifications when the power comes back.
The power outage monitoring device sends notifications through SMS, email or push notifications. These alerts are especially essential if kids are home alone.
Prevent Power Overloads and Fire Hazards
To avoid any power overloads or damage from potential power surges, unplug all appliances and electronics connected to the main circuit. Use surge protectors with circuit breakers, as these can help prevent electricity overload and potential fires in case high voltage tries to enter the circuit.
If there are any flickering lights, sparks or strange smells in the house, immediately turn off the main power switch at the circuit breaker. Consider using alternative energy sources such as portable power stations. They are great for powering various electronic devices and appliances that can be used during a blackout. For example, a portable power station of 1000Wh capacity can power a 200W refrigerator for five consecutive hours during a power outage.
Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon monoxide poisoning is a serious risk inside the house. To prevent this, install a carbon monoxide detector and make sure it is working correctly. Also, do not use any type of fuel-burning appliances such as gas grills or propane stoves inside the house or in any enclosed areas.
If there is a need for using these appliances during a power outage, ensure there is proper ventilation. Additionally, have the chimney of the house inspected and cleaned regularly to prevent a build-up of carbon monoxide within the house. In case of using generators, place them outside in a well-ventilated area away from any windows to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
Report to the Power Companies
In the event of a power outage, it is best to contact the power company and report the issue as soon as possible. They need to know when the service was interrupted.
The power company may not be able to restore the power to an area as quickly if the report is delayed. The company may need to investigate the outage and identify its source before it can begin working on restoring power.
Keep Your Phone Charged
A phone is a valuable communication and emergency tool during a power outage. If the power goes out for a long time, a phone will be required to stay in touch with family and friends, get information about the outage and find out when the power will be restored.
Turn off any unnecessary apps in the phone and enable the power saving mode to preserve the battery for an emergency. In case of being obsessed with frequently opening phone apps, make sure to keep a portable charging device that can later charge the phone.
ESSENTIAL GEAR & SUPPLIES CHECKLIST DURING A POWER OUTAGE EMERGENCY
A little preparation can go a long way when it comes to surviving a power outage. Stock up on emergency supplies including flashlights and spare batteries. Plan for alternative power sources such as portable chargers, power banks or portable power stations. Utilise renewable energy sources, such as portable wind turbines or solar panels, as they are safe and reliable.
Flashlights
Flashlights are an essential piece of equipment during a power outage to navigate around the house safely without stumbling upon anything that may harm anyone. They can be very useful to find things around the house.
Make sure to keep several flashlights in the house and ensure that the batteries are working fine; opt for one that lasts long. If there are kids at home sitting with their babysitter, ensure they know where the flashlights are in case of an emergency.
Non-Perishable Food
The most common non-perishable foods are canned goods. They have a long shelf life and do not require any refrigeration. Other non-perishable foods include crackers, boxed meals, granola bars, dried fruits and nuts. These items can be stored in a pantry or cupboard and do not need to be kept in a fridge or freezer.
First Aid Kit
Having a fully stocked first aid kit is crucial, regardless of whether or not there has been a power outage. The first aid kit needs to be checked every now and then, and anything that is running low should be replenished – like bandages and antiseptic wipes.
It should also include items like antibiotic ointment, cotton balls, safety pins and pain relief medication. These items can help care for any minor injuries that may occur during a blackout or other emergencies.
Portable Phone Charger
A portable phone charger is not only a convenience but a necessity during power outages. Whether it is to keep the phone running for updates regarding power outage situations or to use for work, having a portable charger can be invaluable. It is small enough to fit inside a pocket to not lose it during a blackout.
Portable phone chargers come in various capacities to charge a single device multiple times or to power multiple devices simultaneously, making them ideal for a power outage.
Portable Power Generators
Portable power generators are popular renewable energy sources as they can provide reliable, affordable energy solutions when the power goes out. They are lightweight, easy to set up and can be used to charge emergency devices like smartphones, headlamps and other rechargeable batteries.
Three main portable power generators can be considered to utilise during a power outage: portable wind turbines, portable solar panels and a USB hand crank.
A portable wind turbine such as Texenergy's Infinite Air 5T would be an excellent choice of charging source. It is a lightweight, 360-degree rotating head off-grid wind turbine that can generate up to 5V power and is designed to charge devices like smartphones, tablets, cameras and other emergency devices like rechargeable flashlights.
The Infinite Air 5T is also compatible with the Texenergy Infinite Solar 24 to create an even more powerful charging system connected via a USB splitter cable. This combination of Texenergy wind turbines and solar panels can be of great help for providing energy during a power outage.
Finally, a hand crank generator like the Texenergy Infinite Orbit is a great option for generating instant power to directly charge a device or a battery in case of emergency. The Infinite Orbit generator will begin charging the device soon as the cable is plugged into the device and the crank is rotating.
POWER OUTAGE EMERGENCY CHECKLIST
Lastly, a power outage can be a safety hazard and can cause significant disruption in life. Having a plan in place is essential for staying safe and minimising inconvenience if the power goes out for a long time.
To ensure safety and comfort during a power outage, it is important to have an emergency checklist handy:
- Monitor alerts for sudden outages
- Unplug all high-wattage appliances to prevent overloaded circuits
- Avoid using gas-powered appliances indoors
- Report to the local power company about the power outage
- Keep the phones charged for emergency communication
- Keep several flashlights, ensuring their batteries are working fine
- Store non-perishable food like canned goods, boxed meals, crackers, granola bars, dried fruits and nuts
- Keep first aid supplies on hand, including bandages, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment, cotton balls, safety pins and pain relief medication
- Have a portable charger to power the mobile phone in case the battery drains out
- Have additional renewable energy sources for backup power
Being prepared is your best strategy when dealing with a power outage. While it takes time, effort, and resources to put your emergency preparation gear in place, it will be well worth it when you do need it. Be safe.