If you have ever experienced a power outage, you know that it can last for a few hours to days or weeks. It’s one thing to get through a power outage that you expect, such as one that may come from a storm or hurricane. If you have a whole house generator you are in luck, however many people don’t.
Anticipated power outages give you plenty of time to prepare, especially if you don’t have a backup power system.
However, how do you survive a power outage that you didn’t expect from a freak occurrence such as a fallen tree or a transformer that explodes? Here are some extraordinary ways to get through an unanticipated power outage.
Use Your Car’s Battery to Recharge Your Phone
The first things to go during a power outage is the electricity, of course. Unfortunately, in this modern age, just about everything we use depends on electricity. This may seem vain because, in most cases, you should get off of your phone and attend to matters at hand. However, in this instance, of all the things that you need, your phone can be the most important one during a blackout. This is because phones aren’t just a way to talk to others. They have access to the internet to find out updates about what’s going on with the power outage.
In some cases, you can use your phone as a way to send a distress signal via your social media if you or your family are in danger. So, if there is one thing that you need to pay close attention to during a blackout, it’s your phone. To keep it charged, you will have to use your car’s battery. Be careful not to run your car battery out, however.
No Traditional Flashlight? Remember Your Phone Has One
Flashlights are not ordinary objects found around the home these days. Even if it is, there probably aren’t batteries for it. So, guess what can provide you light? Again, here comes your phone to the rescue. The phone screen can provide you light if you need it, but most phones, if not all, come equipped with a flashlight feature that works just like a traditional flashlight.
Use Your Outdoor Solar Lights to Light the House
This may be an option for some people. If you have a home with solar lights that you have embedded around the yard to light up your walkways or driveways, they may be helpful during a blackout. This will help you to keep from using up your phone battery juice running the flashlight.
Fill Up Your Bathtub
During a blackout, your access to water may become limited for one reason or another. A good idea is to have some water available in case you need it to wash up, clean dishes, flush toilets, or for other emergencies. Unless you have small children in the home, it’s best to fill up your tub to have water available if you need it.
Light Up the Barbecue Grill
Your food may end up going bad anyway, so why not grill some of it up. You may not be in the mood to have a barbecue, but since you can’t cook on the stove, you may as well fix up some food on the grill. Since you shouldn’t open your freezer or fridge too often, grab all that you need from them at once and prep your food. Don’t forget that you can cook meats and veggies on the grill. If you have to be without light for a while, it’s a good idea if you aren’t “hangry” too.
Play Charades or Board Games
Since you shouldn’t be using your phone to play on your apps or browse the internet like you usually do, now would be an excellent time to play some board games. The solar lights will help you see the board games but playing charades in the dark should be delightful and entertaining if playing board games is impossible.
Cuddle Up
If you have some cold days ahead during this power outage, you may have to snuggle up with loved ones to keep warm. Body heat will work wonders at keeping you from getting too cold if the heat isn’t working. If your home has a fireplace, it can be a great source of heat and light as you get through the power outage. However, if you don’t, grabbing a few extra blankets and cuddling will help.
A power outage is never easy. Also, you never know how long it’s going to last. But having some creative approaches to getting through them will save you some frustration and help you survive until the lights come back on or until you can get relief.
A Whole House Solution
Having a backup power system in place is an investment worth making. The above tips are great to help you get through an outage but why not let life resume and perhaps be of help to others? Bratcher Electric in Wayne Michigan installs the highest quality standby generators for the most effective and safe solution to losing power. We have been providing Michigan homes and businesses with expert electrical services for more than 50 years and are committed to keeping the residents of Michigan safe and comfortable. Call us for a Free Estimate on rewiring your home, electrical code and service upgrades, surge protection and more!