Power Down: How To Prepare Your Home For A Power Outage

Date Published:

December 18th, 2019

Categories:

Home Maintenance

Having a backup for your electrical systems can be the difference between struggling and thriving if the power goes out for an extended time. Depending on your water source, you can invest in a small generator to keep 110-volt items going or a larger generator to supply 220 volts of power to the entire house. If you have a well, 110 volts will not be enough to power your pump.

Backup Power Systems

If you’re planning on installing a source for backup power, it’s a good idea to consider installing house batteries as well. Whether you’re running a gas generator or drawing power from solar panels, house batteries can store the excess power generated and power your home when the sun is down or the generator needs fuel. Battery systems maintain power for your essentials, so you don’t have to worry about your appliances or going without lights during a power outage. If you have health conditions that require the delivery of medications or oxygen via an electric pump, installing both a backup power source and batteries is critical.

Create Emergency Kits

Your location will determine some of the things you need for an emergency kit, but there are critical staples that everyone needs to stock. Water is key, as you’ll use more than you expect if the power goes out. Food for yourself and your pets will need to be stored, checked and rotated every six months to avoid keeping expired food. In addition to stashing away survival foods, consider adding some comfort foods to give your spirit a boost. Medications will need to go into your emergency kit, as will a flashlight, candles, matches and a couple of trash bags to keep things picked up. Finally, make sure you have a change of clothes and sturdy shoes in your kit. In the event of a weather disaster, the debris field may be large.