Getting Through a Power Outage

After a storm, such as an ice storm or a hurricane, the transmission lines may be down.  It takes time to build a pole line.  First, the streets need to be cleared of trees in order for the power company to get to the locations requiring new poles.  Then, the wires need to be attached.  If there are miles of work to be done before the power to your location can be restored it could take a week or longer.

Your first concern is the refrigerator.  If the outage is to last a long time, you will need to eat, and if the food in your refrigerator goes bad you may have problems getting to a store.  In severe cases restaurants cannot operate, so going out is not an alternative.  But, the refrigerator takes power.

You could use a generator, or a battery.  I have a large battery that should get me through the night, then can be recharged by isolating my solar power from the power grid, a safety requirement, and using my solar power to recharge my battery while the sun is up, and while I am not running the battery down because it is connected to my power source.  You can buy a battery, and a small, portable solar panel, and at least get some recharging of your battery.  Look at the life of the battery for continuous usage, and get two if you need to.  These special batteries convert direct current to alternating current.

Inexpensive LED lights can use very little power, and can be used for a long time without recharging the batteries.  Have several LED lights handy, and place one in the room where the family will be gathered, and another one in a bathroom.  Yes, they are inexpensive enough to allow you to buy even more than two.  Just keep them charged.  The one I have has a rechargeable battery.  Unfortunately, my large battery is not recommended for any item with its own batteries.

Heat and humidity often occur in a closed up house, so buy one or more small battery operated fans.  They can get air circulating.  No, they will not feel like an air conditioner, but the can move some air around.

If it is a localized power outage, and your place of employment is operating, you need a battery operated alarm clock.  If you are like most people you can use your cell phone or iPad.  This device can be recharged in your car if necessary, as can some other small batteries.  

A battery operated radio can keep you tuned into news from the outside world, and this is important.  But, a small battery operated television can be used for entertainment.  I recommend having one.

Cooking will be outdoors.  I suggest a grill or hibachi, and keep coals or cans of gas stored safely where you can get them.  However, do not become a victim of being unable to open a can.  Keep a small hand operated can opener where you can easily find it.  And do have some way to light the fire, such as a match or a lighter.

It could be a short term outage.  In such cases you would like the LED lights, the small fan, and the small television.  Fine, you could do without the television if the budget is tight.

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