Are you worried about the power being out? Read this article to learn how to prepare for a power outage so you can rest easy.
Momentary power outages cost the U.S. economy around $52 billion each year. Unfortunately for most people, expenses related to a power outage aren’t covered under a homeowners’ insurance policy.
It’s important to learn how to prepare for a power outage to avoid the disappointment of unpaid homeowners’ insurance claims. Here are a few easy ways to prepare for a power outage.
How To Prepare For A Power Outage
Preparing for a power outage begins with creating a plan that can be customized to fit both your professional and personal life. Discuss plans to adjust your emergency power outage plan based on how long the power outage lasts.
Create an emergency outage kit containing the following:
- Bottled water
- Battery-powered radio
- Shelf-stable food and snacks
- Flashlights with batteries
- Candles
- Can opener
- Portable heater (oil or gas)
- First aid kit
Personal items like toys for children can also be included if you plan to take your family to a hotel in the event of a power outage.
Utility Provider
One of the first things you need to do when your power goes out is to notify your electric company. The electric company may not be aware of the outage in your area right away.
The sooner you alert them, the sooner they can repair the problem in your area. If the outage is specific only to your home, they might be able to troubleshoot by phone to help you get your power reconnected.
Medical
You’ll need an emergency plan to account for any medical needs your family members have. For example, if a member of your household uses a ventilator, you’ll need a quick way to resupply power or contact an ambulance to transport them to a hospital.
Having a solar-powered generator like the ones provided here https://PoweredPortableSolar.com can be the difference in saving a family member’s life.
Planning Meals
Depending on how long your power is out, the food in your refrigerator and freezer might go bad. You can prepare for this by keeping an emergency supply of shelf-stable food in your home.
Canned meats, like tuna, and crackers provide you with a quick and simple meal while you wait for the electricity to come back on. The second option is dining out or takeout, which can quickly get expensive if you have a large family.
Stocking your own food gives you control of how much you spend.
Professional
Power outages aren’t just expensive when it comes to restocking supplies. If you’re a freelancer, working from your computer might be your primary source of income.
Power surges to your computer can cause permanent damage. In the event your computer won’t turn on again, you’ll lose any unsaved information on your machine.
The best way to prepare in advance is by regularly backing up your information to an external hard drive and a cloud storage service. By using two backup methods, you give yourself the option of accessing your data from anywhere.
Power Outage Tips
Knowing how to prepare for a power outage can save you from making impulsive financial decisions when you lose power. Because you’ve already thought of what works best for you, you can react quickly to prevent medical emergencies and keep your family safe.
For more information and lifestyle tips, check our blog for updates.
