These Hacks Will Keep You Safe When The Power Goes Out
Power outages can be a real challenge. Depending on the time of year, losing power could turn your home into a freezing or sweltering environment. Worse, if the outage lasts into the night, you’re left in the dark. What do you do? Luckily, where there’s a problem, there’s often a solution. From power crayons to mirrors and portable chargers, here’s everything you need to know to keep going without electricity.
1. Create Light with a Headlamp and Water Jug
When the sun sets, you’ll need light. A simple hack involves filling a water jug and attaching a headlamp to it, facing inward. The water will reflect the light, creating a larger, brighter light source.
2. Turn Off Switches and Unplug Everything
If you don’t use surge protectors, this step is crucial. During an outage, power can sometimes return unexpectedly, and plugging appliances back in could cause sparks or even fires. Make sure all switches are turned off to prevent electrical issues.
3. Fill Ziplock Bags with Water for Ice
This trick works best in cold weather. Fill plastic zip-top bags or jugs with water and leave them outside to freeze. Once frozen, use these ice blocks to keep perishables cold in a cooler. It’s also helpful if you don’t have enough ice on hand when the power goes out.
4. Use Crayons as Candles
If the lights go out and you don’t have candles, crayons can work as a great substitute. Simply melt the bottom of the crayon and stick it to a paper plate. After it hardens, light the top of the crayon, and it should burn for hours.
5. Fix Dead Flashlight Batteries
It’s frustrating when you realize your flashlight batteries are dead during an outage. If your flashlight takes AA batteries but you only have AAA, place a small ball of tin foil between the battery’s negative end and the device’s terminal. This makeshift solution can keep your flashlight working until you can replace the batteries.
6. Stay Low to Stay Cool
If the outage happens during hot weather and you can’t leave the house, staying on the lower floors can help. Since hot air rises, the lower floors of your home will be cooler. Wear light-colored clothing, as dark clothes absorb heat while light colors reflect it.
7. Protect Important Items in an Airtight Space
This is especially useful if the power outage is caused by a flood. To keep your most important belongings dry, store them in an airtight space. A dishwasher is a surprisingly effective option—when closed, it’s sealed tightly, and you can’t accidentally turn it on. Just be sure to retrieve everything once the power is restored.
8. Check for a Carbon Monoxide Detector
During prolonged power outages, gas appliances can pose a risk. Ensure you have a working carbon monoxide detector in your home. If you don’t have one, install one, especially if you live in an older home.
9. Have a Portable Charger on Hand
Your phone can be a lifeline during a power outage. Keep it charged with a portable charger, which is especially useful if you lose service during the blackout. Even without a signal, many phones have flashlight features and other useful tools.
10. Use Mirrors to Amplify Light
Mirrors don’t produce light, but they can help reflect and amplify any light source. Position mirrors to reflect light from a headlamp or flashlight, or use them with your jug lamp to increase brightness.
11. Maintain Sanitation with Supplies
Without power, it’s easy for germs to spread. Keep soap, hand sanitizers, and wipes on hand to stay clean. It’s also helpful to store water for toilet use in case of sewage issues.
12. Keep a First Aid Kit Ready
During a disaster, first responders may be delayed. Having a well-stocked first aid kit allows you to manage minor injuries until help arrives. If your area is prone to natural disasters, it’s also a good idea to take a first aid course.
13. Use Coolers to Save Food
Food in your fridge and freezer can spoil quickly without power. If the outage lasts, fill coolers with ice to preserve perishables. You can even use an insulated space like a washing machine to store ice and keep food cold.
14. Have Emergency Water Supplies
Many households forget to stock up on emergency water. If your area is prone to outages, having extra water on hand is essential, especially since a prolonged power loss can compromise your water supply.
15. Stock an Emergency Food Supply
Keep a supply of non-perishable food, such as canned goods and Meals Ready to Eat (MREs). These can stay shelf-stable for long periods, ensuring you have food during an outage.
16. Keep a Battery-Operated Radio
A battery-operated radio, such as an NOAA Weather Radio, is crucial during a power outage. It can provide updates on local conditions and emergency information, helping you stay informed and safe.
17. Stockpile Battery-Powered Fans
If your outage occurs during the summer, having battery-operated fans on hand can be a lifesaver. They can help circulate air and prevent heatstroke, especially if you don’t have central air conditioning.
18. Go to a Temperature-Controlled Location
If it’s unsafe to stay in your home because of extreme temperatures, head to a public place like a mall, where power generators can provide temperature control. It's also a good opportunity to catch a movie if the heat is unbearable.
19. Have a Variety of Batteries
Instead of relying on hacks to make smaller batteries fit, stockpile batteries of various sizes for all your battery-powered devices. This will ensure you’re always prepared for an outage.
20. Enjoy Board Games and Playing Cards
Without power, technology won’t keep you entertained. Be sure to have board games or a deck of cards available to pass the time with family and friends during an outage.
Charlie Golsley