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It’s can be frustrating enough when the power goes out, but when it happens because of ice or snow, it can be downright dangerous. Basic emergency preparedness is a good first step, but there are some specific things you should keep in mind when preparing for a potential winter blackout—before the storm hits—to keep you safe and warm. Plan now for alternatives to heating and backup power sources, and know how to prep both your car and your house when bad weather is on its way.
Consider heating and lighting alternatives
Heating alternatives that don’t require electricity aren’t easy to come by—a wood stove or a fireplace can help in some cases, but not everyone has those options. A portable heater that uses denatured alcohol or propane as a fuel source can be a good option for an emergency. Both propane heaters and alcohol heaters will provide a heat for a certain amount of square footage, so be sure to check the label for how big a space they’re capable of handling and plan accordingly. If you can’t heat your whole home, you can choose one room to heat in an emergency. It’s also important to follow all of the safety recommendations both for using the heaters and storing the fuel for them.
Having a reliable light source is obviously also important. In addition to working flashlights with batteries, a lantern, candles, or an LED alternative light can make a power outage less stressful. Keep a flashlight close to your bed, and in multiple areas throughout the home to make one easier to locate should the power go out in the middle of the night.
You should also always keep a stash of non-perishable, ready-to-eat food, as well as bottled water, on hand in case of a power outage during any season. You can use an indoor-safe camp stove for cooking—just remember that you’ll also need fuel.
Have a backup power source
Backup power sources for cell phones and other devices are also a critical element in a blackout. A charged portable power bank can get you several extra hours of battery life, or you can invest in a hand crank/solar emergency charger that will charge your phone with solar power (or elbow grease). This is a good option because it will work for days, or even weeks, after the power goes out.
You should also have a car charger for your most important devices so you can use your vehicle’s battery as a power source in a pinch. It may also be worth getting a corded phone that plugs into a landline. If the power goes out, regular phone lines could still be working, and a landline can help you access emergency services or contact family and friends.
Prep your vehicle—even if you don’t plan to drive
You should always gas up your vehicle before a storm hits. In addition to being an alternative power and heat source in case of a storm, waiting in long lines for fuel can be a hassle if you need to evacuate. Power outages can also affect gas stations, making it difficult to obtain fuel close to your home if your power goes out—plus, storms can affect supply chains, keeping fuel trucks from making their deliveries.
You might also consider tarping your vehicle ahead of a storm; tarping it makes it easier to access in case of major snow or ice.
Prepare your home
There are a few things you can do to prepare your home for a possible power outage, as well. First, if it’s likely you’ll lose power, turn the heat up a couple of degrees higher than usual to keep the house warmer for a little longer. Second, turn the temperature in your freezer and refrigerator down a few degrees to buy yourself a little more time for your perishable food. Third, if it’s very cold, before you go to bed, turn the taps on to a trickle and open the cabinets where your water lines run through to faucets to keep the pipes from freezing.
Assume you won’t have internet access
And finally, remember that the internet will fail during a power outage, too, so having some movies or shows downloaded on a device with a back-up power source is a good idea. Cellular service may be interrupted, too, so having a working radio can help you get emergency updates and information if you lose access to other devices.
