HOW TO PREPARE FOR WINTER POWER OUTAGE

HOW TO PREPARE FOR WINTER POWER OUTAGE

Winter is around the corner! Aside from planning a holiday menu and partaking in the shopping spirit, have you given any thought about an emergency preparedness plan or backup plan for a winter power outage? The scary truth is that far more people are affected by unexpected disasters during the fall and winter seasons compared to any other time of the year. We may not be able to predict when extreme weather or natural disasters will strike, but it's never too late to be prepared for winter power outage! 

You're likely to encounter a possible power outage when you're stuck in your own home due to a snowstorm or heavy rains/winds that last for several days. There are four principles to remember: food, shelter, water, and fire/power to survive. These four basics will allow you to maintain and recover from hazardous events. Storms can knock out power and leave people freezing, so it’s important to have a backup power supply to keep warm. When extreme weather conditions hit, stay informed, make a survival plan, and have an emergency kit to help weather any unexpected incidents.

You'll need to keep the following items in your emergency kit:

l Enough food and water for at least 72 hours 

l Blankets to keep warm 

l Some basic tools such as a can opener, knife, and flashlight

l First aid kit

l Basic hygiene supplies

l A power supply

Non-perishable food items are the primary choice for supplies to store during emergencies and harsh weather conditions. Storing canned or dry food like nuts or grains in your pantry that lasts a minimum of three days, as well as keeping at minimum a gallon of water on hand for each person per day is essential to provide enough energy and nourishment.

Getting a head start and preparing these supplies preemptively will benefit you overall and ensure you’re prepared no matter the day or time. Never wait until you receive a weather warning to begin your preparations, as stores will be flooded with people, most likely leaving empty store shelves faster than you think. While prepping survival foods in advance is the best option, fresh, perishable foods can still provide you with energy. Keep in mind that you should consume perishable foods (such as eggs and fruits in the refrigerator) first, then move on to non-perishable foods as time passes.

In addition to adequate food and water, warmth is also necessary to keep you mentally and physically well. The utility power grid shuts off when temperatures outside plummets. Therefore, heating becomes a challenge. If you have a wood-burning fireplace, store enough wood in advance, and have your chimney cleaned and inspected annually. Remember to put your blankets, sleeping bags, and warm coats in places easy to find and grab in case you and your family need them.

It’s nearly impossible to live a modern-day lifestyle without basic electricity. Therefore, having a portable power station or backup power supply source will guarantee you have a safe and convenient source of power. During an emergency power outage, a backup power source will help you and your family stay powered on. Power generators can be used for space heaters, electric blankets, hot plates, or stoves. However, during winter, gas-powered generators and heaters are not safe enough, as they may increase the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Instead, solar power stations are much safer and are rapidly growing in popularity.

Solar power and solar generators can help you save a lot of money. Every household in the United States spends an average of $2,000 a year on electricity, and by choosing solar panel products, you can reduce that expense in the long run. Solar power generators are extremely sturdy, come with a long-term warranty, and are much more environmentally friendly and safer compared to traditional ones.

Apart from heating your home, solar generators can also power your electronic devices. Our electronics consume power faster in cold temperatures, so during catastrophic weather conditions, a portable power supply is highly recommended. This allows you to power your smartphone, computer, or even TV, so you can stay connected with the outside world.

Choosing the right power station or kit is an extremely important decision because it ensures your devices stay charged and your lights or appliances run safely during a storm. Check out Newpowa's residential/disaster-relief collection to get more power solutions.