Everything You Should Do Now to Plan for a Winter Power Outage
It can be quite frustrating when the power goes out, but when it’s due to ice or snow, it can be downright dangerous. Basic emergency preparedness is a good first step , but there are some things to keep in mind when preparing for a possible power outage in the winter— before the storm hits—to keep you safe and warm. Plan now for alternatives to heating and backup power, and learn how to prepare your car and home for bad weather.
Consider heating and lighting alternatives
Finding alternative heating options that don’t require electricity isn’t easy – a wood-burning stove or fireplace can help in some cases, but not everyone has those options. A portable heater using denatured alcohol or propane as a fuel source can be a good option in case of an emergency. Both propane and alcohol heaters provide heat for a certain amount of square feet, so be sure to check the label for what space they can handle and plan accordingly. If you cannot heat the whole house, you can choose one room to heat in case of an emergency. It is also important to follow all safety recommendations both when using heaters and when storing fuel for them.
Having a reliable light source is obviously also important. In addition to battery-operated work lights, a flashlight, candles, or LED alternative light can make power outages less stressful. Keep a flashlight near your bed and in several places around the house so it’s easier to find if the power goes out in the middle of the night.
You should also keep a supply of non-perishable, ready-to-eat foods on hand at all times, as well as bottled water in case of a power outage at any time of the year. You can use a camping stove for cooking, but remember that you will also need fuel.
Have a backup power supply
Redundant power supplies for cell phones and other devices are also an important element in the event of a power outage. A charged portable power bank can give you a few extra hours of battery life, or you can invest in a hand crank/solar emergency charger that will charge your phone with solar (or elbow) power. This is a good option because it will work for days or even weeks after a power outage.
You should also have a car charger for your most important devices so you can use your car’s battery as an emergency power source. It may also be worth getting a wired phone that connects to a landline phone. In the event of a power outage, regular phone lines may continue to work, while a landline phone can help you access emergency services or contact family and friends.
Get your car ready, even if you don’t plan to drive
You should always fill up your car before the storm hits. In addition to being an alternative source of energy and heat in the event of a storm, waiting in long lines for fuel can be a problem if you need to evacuate. Power outages can also affect gas stations, making it difficult to get fuel near your home if your power goes out, and storms can also affect supply chains, preventing fuel trucks from delivering their goods.
You may also want to consider covering your car with a tarp before a storm; the tarpaulin facilitates access in case of heavy snow or ice.
Prepare your home
There are several things you can do to prepare your home for a possible power outage. First, if there’s a chance you’re going to lose power, raise the temperature a couple of degrees higher than usual to keep the house warmer a little longer. Second, lower your freezer and refrigerator temperatures by a few degrees to buy a little more time for perishables. Thirdly, if it is very cold, before going to bed, open the faucets to a trickle and open the cabinets where the water pipes run to the faucets so that the pipes do not freeze .
Assume you won’t have internet access
And finally, remember that the Internet also doesn’t work during a power outage, so it’s a good idea to download some movies or shows to a device with a backup power supply. Cellular service can also be interrupted, so a working radio can help you get emergency updates and information if you lose access to other devices.