Guide to Preparing for a Long-Term Power Outage (2024)

Preparing for a long-term power outage is key to safety and comfort. In this post we will show you how to prepare for long-term power outage with the essentials and supplies. We cover emergency kits, backup power and more.

Long-Term Power Outage Causes

Long-term power outages are caused by aging infrastructure and extreme weather. The electrical grid we all rely on daily is aging and more prone to failure. High winds, ice storms and severe heatwaves are just a few of the extreme weather events that can cause extended outages and leave many without power. Most outages like the 2021 Texas power crisis are a wake up call to how severe these can be with millions without electricity.

Natural disasters like earthquakes, tornadoes and hurricanes cause widespread power outages. These events can damage power lines and other infrastructure and cause blackouts that can last days or weeks. Fallen trees during storms or collisions with utility poles are common causes of power disruptions.

Human error also plays a big role in causing power outages. The famous 1965 Northeast Blackout which left millions in the dark was caused by a simple human mistake. Knowing these common causes will help you prepare and mitigate the effects of a long-term power outage.

Emergency Supplies

Having emergency supplies will make a big difference during a power outage. Your emergency kit should have items that meet your basic needs, like water, food, medication, and other essentials. Flashlights, lanterns, and extra batteries are also must-haves, so you have light when the power goes out. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends having at least a week’s supply of prescription or over-the-counter drugs at home.

Your emergency kit should have:

• Water

• Food

• Medication

• Other essentials

Flashlights, lanterns and extra batteries are also must haves so you have light when the power goes out.

FEMA recommends having at least a week’s supply of prescription or over-the-counter drugs at home.

A fully stocked emergency kit should also have first aid materials, a hand crank radio and a backup cell phone. Check and restock your emergency supplies regularly so they are ready when needed.

Let’s get into the specific emergency supplies, starting with water.

Water

A water supply is key to health and safety during a power outage. Store at least one gallon of water per person per day. This will give everyone in your household water for drinking and basic hygiene needs.

Store water in clean food grade containers to keep it safe. Only use bottled water that has not been exposed to floodwaters for drinking and food preparation.

A safe water supply will alleviate one of the biggest concerns during a power outage.

Non-Perishable Food

Stock up on non-perishable food to avoid spoilage during a power outage. Canned meats, fruits, vegetables, fruit bars, granola and peanut butter are good options that don’t require refrigeration and have a long shelf life. These will give you the energy and nutrition you need during an outage.

Have at least 3 days worth of non-perishable food for each person in your household. This will allow you to still cook food and maintain your nutrition when the power is out.

First Aid Kit

A fully stocked first aid kit will address medical needs during a power outage. Must haves like bandages, gauze, antiseptic wipes and medications should be included. Having emergency contact numbers handy is also important in case you need to call for help.

Check and restock your first aid kit regularly to make sure everything is in working order. A full first aid kit will make a big difference in health emergencies during a power outage.

Backup Power

A backup power solution is crucial during a prolonged power outage. These power outage supplies will keep critical appliances running and some sense of normalcy in your household. There are several options available, portable generators, solar generators and battery packs with inverters.

Portable generators can power essential appliances like refrigerators, lights and security systems. Solar generators are a sustainable and maintenance free option that can recharge batteries using sunlight. Battery packs and inverters are a portable solution for small electronics.

Let’s get into each of these backup power solutions.

Portable Generators

Portable generators power appliances during a power outage. They will keep your refrigerator running, lights on and security systems working. But use them safely. Portable generators must be used outside to avoid carbon monoxide buildup inside.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and ventilate properly when using a portable generator. This will prevent carbon monoxide poisoning and keep your household safe during a prolonged power outage.

Solar Generators

Solar generators are a sustainable and eco friendly backup power option during outages. They require minimal maintenance and can provide continuous power as long as there is sunlight. Solar generators can recharge batteries so you don’t need fuel and minimize environmental impact.

Having solar powered chargersare especially useful during prolonged outages as they can keep your communication devices working. A solar generator is a reliable and renewable power source for your household.

Battery Packs and Inverters

Battery packs and inverters will keep small electronics working during a power outage. Battery packs can charge devices like cell phones and tablets so you stay connected. Inverters can convert and store energy so you have a backup power source for various electronics.

The combination of battery packs and inverters will allow you to keep functionality for essential devices even during a prolonged power outage. This is especially useful for those who live off the grid or during extended power outages.

Communication During an Outage

Staying connected with family and emergency services during a power outage is key. Communication helps share information and resources among affected individuals. There are several tools you can use to stay informed, battery operated radios, cell phone chargers and landline phones.

A battery operated radio will get you timely news and updates during an outage. Cell phone chargers will keep your phone working and landline phones will be a backup when cell networks fail. Let’s get into each of these communication tools.

Battery Operated Radio

A battery operated radio is a must have tool for getting emergency alerts and updates during a power outage. When mobile phones and internet fail, a battery powered radio will provide critical information. Add a battery operated radio to your emergency kit.

Having extra batteries for your radio will keep it working throughout the outage. This will be a lifeline to stay informed and connected to the outside world.

Cell Phone Chargers

Cell phone chargers will keep you connected during power outages. A charged cell phone will keep you in touch with family and emergency services. To conserve battery life switch your phone to power saving mode during an outage.

Solar powered chargers will keep your phone charged during extended power outages. A solar powered charger is a sustainable way to keep communication devices working.

Landline Phones

A landline phone is a backup communication option during power outages. Unlike cell phones that rely on battery power and cell towers, landline phones will usually work during power outages as they are powered through the phone lines.

A landline phone will keep you connected when mobile networks are down. This is a must have communication tool to stay in touch with family and emergency services during a prolonged power outage.

Alternative Light and Heat

During a power outage having alternative light and heat sources is key to safety and comfort. Flashlights, lanterns, emergency candles and oil lamps are recommended lighting options. Wood stoves and fireplaces can provide warmth during cold weather blackouts.

Having multiple light sources and extra batteries will keep you lit throughout the outage. Let’s get into each of the alternatives for light and heat.

Flashlights and Lanterns

Hand crank or battery operated flashlights and lanterns are must haves during a blackout. Personal headlamps are an inexpensive lighting source that will give you freedom of movement in the dark. Have extra batteries for flashlights and headlamps so they will work during an outage.

A clear jug can be used as a diffuser to spread the light from a flashlight and create a makeshift lantern. This simple trick will give you a wider area of light so you can navigate your home during an outage.

Emergency Candles and Oil Lamps

Emergency candles and oil lamps will give you light during power outages. Keep candles away from flammable materials and never leave them unattended to minimize fire risk. Oil and kerosene lamps are good alternatives, they will give you light for smaller areas.

Oil lamps must be secured and kept away from combustibles to prevent accidents. These lighting options are good when traditional sources are not available, so your home will be lit during an extended power outage.

Heating Options

Staying warm during a power outage especially in cold weather is key to safety and comfort. Wood stoves are good heating solutions that can give you warmth and cooking capabilities during a blackout. Using a fireplace and wearing extra layers will also keep you warm when the temperature drops.

Well insulated homes will help you stay warm during a power outage. Insulation will keep your home comfortable and safe during an extended power outage in cold weather.

Food and Water

Preserving food and water during a power outage is key to prevent spoilage and have safe drinking water. Group food together in the refrigerator and freezer to keep them cold longer. Frozen water containers will act as ice to keep perishables cold and provide drinking water when they melt.

Also keep food elevated on shelves to prevent flooding. Let’s get into more specific strategies for your fridge and freezer and water storage.

Fridge and Freezer

Close the doors of your fridge and freezer as much as possible to preserve the cold during an outage. Food can stay safe in the fridge for up to 4 hours without power. In a full freezer it will last 48 hours. An unopened fridge will keep perishable products at a safe temperature. This will last up to 6 hours.

Cook perishable items like raw meat first to prevent food spoilage during a long-term power outage. This way you will make the most of your food supply while it’s still safe to eat.

Water Storage

A water supply is crucial during an extended power outage. Store at least one gallon of water per person per day for your household. Check and replace stored water regularly to maintain its quality and safety.

Use water purification tablets to make stored water safe. If you have a water source but no bottled water stored, a water bottle with a built-in filter will be helpful. A filtration straw is also a good option in this case.

Water storage and purification will keep you healthy during a power outage.

Cooking Without Electricity

Cooking without electricity requires imagination. Quick cooking and one pot meals will minimize preparation time and energy use. A wood burning cookstove is a good cooking option. It also gives you heat when there’s no electricity.

A manual can opener is needed for canned goods and extra gas canisters for gas appliances. Let’s get into specific equipment like gas stoves, grills and camp stoves that will help you cook during a power outage.

Gas Stoves and Grills

Gas stoves and grills are cooking options during a power outage. To light a gas stove use a match or lighter. Stoves and grills that can be used for cooking are charcoal grills, gas grills, camp stoves, fireplaces and wood stoves.

Follow safety precautions to prevent gas leaks and proper ventilation when using these appliances. These will keep you safe while you cook without electricity.

Camp Stoves

Camp stoves are versatile cooking options indoor and outdoor, that’s why they are essential during a long-term power outage. They are useful in different conditions, so you’ll have hot food even when the power is out.

Use a camp stove in a well ventilated area. This equipment is a reliable and flexible option for cooking during extended power outages so you can survive without modern comforts.

Power Outage Safety

Safety during a power outage is key. Knowing how to protect yourself, your family and your home will overall be safer. Unplug appliances during a blackout to prevent damage from power surges when electricity is restored. Don’t use candles as they are a fire hazard.

Using indoor portable heaters and proper ventilation with fuel burning appliances will prevent carbon monoxide risks. Let’s get into specific safety measures for unplugging appliances, carbon monoxide safety and fire safety.

Unplugging Appliances

Unplugging appliances during a blackout is important to prevent damage from power surge when electricity is restored. Good quality surge protectors will protect your appliances from power surges. This will protect your devices and reduce the risk of electrical fires.

Wait for an hour before re-plugging appliances after power is restored to minimize surge risks. These will keep your appliances and home safe during and after a power outage.

Carbon Monoxide Safety

Carbon monoxide poisoning is a big risk during power outages especially with generators. Generators should always be operated outside to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Proper ventilation is key when using fuel burning appliances indoors.

Use generators and other appliances according to safety guidelines to prevent carbon monoxide buildup in your home. These will keep your environment safe during a power outage.

Fire Safety

Fire safety is important during a power outage. Flashlights is safer than candles. If candles are used, keep them away from flammable materials and never leave them unattended.

Smoke detectors and fire extinguishers should be at hand to address fire risks. These will keep your home safe during a long-term power outage.

What to do when Power is Restored

When power is back, make sure everything is safe and working. Appliance thermometers will monitor the temperature of your refrigerator and freezer during a power outage. Turn off major appliances before power is restored to prevent surge damage.

Check your property for any damage that may have occurred during the outage. Keep one light on during a blackout to indicate when power is back.

Let’s get into the nitty gritty of checking appliances, food safety and restocking supplies.

Checking Appliances

Check your appliances for damage when power is back. Wait an extra hour before re-plugging appliances to minimize surge risks. Plug in only essential appliances first to make sure everything is working.

Inspect each appliance thoroughly before use to make sure they are not damaged and safe to use. This will prevent further problems and keep your appliances working.

Food Safety

Check food safety when power is back. Discard food that was exposed to temperatures above 40°F for more than 2 hours. Discard food with strong odor or grayish color.

When in doubt, throw it out! Food safety will prevent food borne illnesses and keep your household safe during and after a power outage.

Replenishing Supplies

Assess which emergency supplies worked and what needs to be improved for the next outage. Restock your emergency supplies to be ready for the next power outage.

Initial preparations should include preparing an emergency supplies kit, insulating water pipes and buying a generator. Restocking and improving your supplies will make you ready for the next emergency.

Conclusion

In summary, being prepared for long-term power outages means knowing the common causes, having the basic emergency supplies and having a reliable backup power solutions. Communicating, having alternative light and heat sources and preserving food and water are the keys to managing an outage.

Being safe during an outage, checking appliances when power is back and restocking supplies are all equally important. Follow these tips and you’ll be ready for the next long-term power outage. Stay safe, stay prepared and remember readiness is the key to resilience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common causes of long-term power outages?

Long-term power outages are caused by aging infrastructure, extreme weather events, natural disasters and human error. Knowing these causes will help communities prepare and respond better.

How much water should I stock for a power outage?

Stock at least one gallon of drinking water per person per day to stay hydrated during a power outage. Plan for several days’ worth of water.

What are the reliable backup power solutions for long-term power outages?

For long-term power outages, portable generators, solar generators and battery packs with inverters are the reliable backup power solutions. Each will provide a stable power source to keep your essential devices working during extended blackouts.

What should be in an emergency first aid kit?

A full emergency first aid kit should have bandages, gauze, antiseptic wipes, medications and emergency contact numbers to respond quickly in case of an injury. This will be crucial in managing emergencies.

How to keep food safe during a power outage?

Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed, cook perishable items first and discard food that has been exposed to unsafe temperatures for too long.