Have Peace of Mind with a Power Outage Plan

Prepare in Advance and Stay Level Headed

• Alternative power, if possible + heavy duty extension cords.
  It is understood that many will not have the means or logistical ability to run a generator. Develop a plan with family, friends, or neighbors if you will not have access to power and cannot tolerate your living arrangements due to heat or lack of resources. Do this now!

• Flashlights, LED lanterns, candles, lighters
  Make sure you know where the flashlights are and they are charged and/or you have extra batteries. Keep one in your nightstand, at the very least. I use these Etekcity LED lanterns. Affordable and bright! I also have this candle lantern. The candles burn for a very long time and it's practical being able to hang it where needed.

• Camping stove + spare fuel canisters
  Being able to heat up food and boil water will be a little luxury you'll appreciate.

  • Coleman 2 Burner Propane Camp Stove

  • Coleman Bottle Top Propane Camp Stove

  • Coleman Tabletop 2-in-1 Camp Grill

• AeroPress for coffee
  Also perfect for travel. The AeroPress makes a great cup of coffee. Easy to clean, and a little home comfort that you will not regret buying. 

• Battery powered fan
  Keep a fan blowing across the main living area. This will prevent stuffiness, and will make it a little more tolerable in the heat. I use a Milwaukee M18 fan with a handful of spare batteries that I also use in my weed eater and some power tools.

• Things to do
  Books, games, knitting, art etc., can be therapeutic ways to keep occupied.

• Be vigilant
  Folks who want what you have will use the cover of darkness. Keep your doors locked. Listen. Know where your firearms or alternative self-defense items are, and know how to use them.

• Stay calm
  This can be easier said that done for some. Practice managing your responses to situations with breath work, meditation/prayer.  Keeping a cool head in challenging situations will serve you, and those around you, well. 

• Keep devices charged
  Try not to let cell phone batteries get too low - even when you have power. Remember to use the power saving mode, if needed.

• Emergency Radio
  For news and weather. I like this Esky hand crank radio that also has LED lights and a phone charging bank capability. And super affordable! You will be able to listen to the NOAA weather station at the very least.

• Storage
  Keep your emergency supplies in one place, preferably in a tote or some other storage that you could grab quickly and take with you in an emergency.

• Entertainment
  Without power and Internet, many will be lost. Keeping books, games, puzzle books, playing cards etc., will be sure to help you pass the time. (And connect with your family. 😉)

• Check on friends and family
  Reach out to people who may be vulnerable or not prepared for a power outage.

• Wash Dishes
  You can probably run the dishwasher if you have a generator, but that is really a waste of resources. You will likely have less dishes to clean, which can easily be done the old school way with a drying rack.
  Be sure to empty your dishwasher of dirty plates and wipe it out if the power is out for an extended time. You do not want maggots in there. Trust me on this.

• Stay Organized
  Keeping clean and tidy will help create a calm and better atmosphere to dwell in. It is a well known fact that clutter can create stress and distraction. Make your bed in the morning. Keep counters clutter free. Sweep the floors. Keep a clean kitchen sink. This is a great ethic to have at any time. Keeping this habit will make for an easier time when we have to switch to survival mode.