Power Outage Supply Kit

"HONEY, DID THE POWER JUST GO OUT?"  Recently, we experienced a power outage which lasted over 5 hours.  As this extended into the evening hours, we found ourselves without lights and heat.  Since it is still fall here in the midwest, it blessedly did not get extremely chilly.  We would have, however, been in a pinch had we not planned ahead and had some necessary supplies in place.

THINK LIKE A SCOUT.  ALWAYS BE PREPARED.  Always one to plan ahead, I already had on hand several necessary supplies to ensure at least creature comfort during the outage.  A few years ago, the remanents of Hurricane Ike descended upon us with winds in excess of 70 miles per hour for an entire Sunday. The event, aptly dubbed "Hurricanes in Ohio," left folks without power for up to 2 weeks, some longer.  Though this power outage was extreme, it left a powerful message in its wake.  Be prepared for anything.  My inlaws were so affected by that event that they immediately purchased a generator in the event of another such catastrophe!

MAKE A KIT.  Having supplies onhand to take you through a couple of hours or a few days of power loss just makes sense.  Such events are stressful enough without having the added chaos of trying to find a flashlight or candle!! Put your supplies into one of those plastic tubs with a lid, slap a label on it, and put it somewhere you will be able to easily retrieve in the event of an emergency.  You don't want to be hunting around in the dark searching for your emergency kit!

WHAT YOU'LL NEED:

- flashlights
- extra batteries 
- candles  (jar candles are safer and store better than taper candles)
- matches
- manual can opener
- bottle opener
- portable battery operated radio
- car charger for cell phone
- small amount of cash
- blanket(s)
- a First Aid kit

- We also have a couple of oil lamps on the shelf in our kitchen which serve as decorations in day-to-day life and as emergency lighting during a power outage.  I cannot begin to tell you how many times we've used those lamps. I absolutely would not be without them. If you decide to go with a few oil lamps, you'll also need to be sure to keep plenty of extra lamp oil on hand in an easily accessible storage place.  

Note:  I've seen the above-referenced lamps online recently for as little as $7.06.  The oil will run about $7.99 for 32 oz.

- You should keep nonperishable foods, canned meats, fruits, and vegetables, and several gallons of water on hand at all times.   

-If you take medication, keep it all in one place so it will be easily accessible in the event of an emergency.  Refrigerated medication should stay cold for several hours as long as you keep the refrigerator door shut. 

SOME ADDITIONAL FACTS.  A half full freezer will remain frozen for up to 24 hours.  One that is completely frozen will remain frozen 48 hours or longer.  (Tip:  If you don't have your freezer completely full, place a few gallons of water filled 2/3 full in the freezer.  Your freezer won't be working as hard on a daily basis and you'll have water available in the event of an emergency in addition.  Keep in mind, however, that you should only open the freezer and refrigerators when absolutely necessary during a power outage.)

FINALLY:  It's also a good idea to make sure you always keep your vehicle's gas tank at least half full since most gas pumps are powered by electric.  If a power outage extends longer than a few hours, you'll be prepared should you need to travel somewhere.