Power outages can take place no matter where you are located. There are some areas that suffer from power outages on a regular basis and other regions are not quite used to these types of problems.
Regardless of where you’re at, these are the 7 items you need during a power outage.
1. High Quality Surge Protectors
Your power strip is not going to function as a surge protector. It may provide a false sense of security, but it’s useless in actually protecting your devices. Invest in a high-quality surge protector for the best results.
2. Battery-Powered Light Sources
Candles may work just fine but they are not a perfect source of light and they can pose a fire risk. A battery-powered light source is sure to work better. Candles work in a pinch but they do not provide very much light when you are trying to navigate through dark corridors.
3. Crank Radio
These radios typically have USB ports, allowing you to charge your phone in a pinch. It’s not going to run any bigger appliances for you, but sometimes, all you need is a little charge for your phone.
4. Additional Emergency Power Sources
Yes, generators can be useful but they require a sizable amount of maintenance, they’re loud and they need lots of gasoline. Power packs are a great alternative and they are not as noisy. They are not the best long-term answer but they will do in a pinch. Personally, we love the HALO because it works for jumping cars, along with charging devices.
Solar power is another helpful alternative. The installation costs are high but the panels are going to pay for themselves over the course of their life span. Do your research before making a final decision.
5. A Wrench
Wrenches are crucial when it comes time to turn off water and/or gas supplies during a power outrage. Keep one handy.
6. Insulated Blankets For Freeze and Fridge
Thick, insulated blankets can keep the fridge and freezer cold during power outages. They are especially important if a power outage happens to take place during the summer months.
7. Basic Emergency Supplies
A first aid kit, food, and water should all be available. These are basic items that any household should have access to. A camp stove is also a good item to have on hand in case you need to cook food or boil water. A homemade cotton ball stove will do in a pinch.
