The Simple Life National Planning Month
Discover how simple planning can shield you from the chaos of a power outage.
Plan for Any Outage
The Power of Preparation
By Glenda Lehman Ervin
A power outage can be very disruptive if you aren’ t ready for it. With a little planning you can be prepared, not scared. It might help you get organized if you think of your home in terms of systems: heat, food, light and water.
Heat
If you live in a cold climate, a lack of heat might make it necessary to go to an alternative location, especially if you’ re caring for a fragile elder or an infant. The best longterm heating option is a wood-burning cooking or heating stove, especially if you have access to free firewood.
Lights
Lights are important for both safety and morale. If the power goes out, you must navigate until you get a lamp lit. Candles are good for the atmosphere but not great to rely on for your only light source. Hurricane lanterns are much better and very reasonably priced. Get some extra fuel and be sure you have wooden matches.
TIPS
• Never leave a lamp lit in a room without an adult present.
• Putting an oil lamp in front of a mirror will throw off much more light.
• Aladdin lamps put out enough heat to warm a small room.
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Water
You either have water without power or you don’ t. If you don’ t, you need to plan ahead and store some. You can also invest in a water filtering system – one that is so powerful that it can turn coffee back into water and remove harmful bacteria that can make you sick.
You will always need more water than you have. Plan on consumption of at least a gallon a day per person.
Food
Food can include canned meats or meals like soups or stews. If you store dried food, remember to store enough water to rehydrate it. Also, remember to use a manual can opener if your food supply is canned.
BONUS TIPS
• Don’ t let yourself get too low on necessary medications.
• Stock up on some non-electronic entertainment like board games, puzzles and books.
• Keep contact information, such as relatives ' and neighbors’ phone numbers, in a non-electric form( paper).
About the Author:
AcreageLife Tip
Honey is one food that never expires and can be used to sweeten drinks and meals.
Glenda is the director of marketing for Lehman’ s and the daughter of company founder Jay Lehman. She is responsible for shaping customers’ view of the brand.
September 2024 AcreageLife 37