This article will discuss how to prepare for a possible power blackout. As Proverbs 2:3 reads, “The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.”
The recent, deliberate vandalizing of a North Carolina power plant caused the latest in a long history of power blackouts that have occurred due in part to the aged power grid structure in the U.S. Power blackouts can be prolonged and widespread and can cause serious problems if you are not prepared for them. For example:
1) If the power blackout occurs during the winter, how would you stay warm, especially while sleeping?
2) If the power blackout occurs during the summer, how would you stay cool?
3) House fires are more likely to occur during power blackouts.
4) Sensory deprivation is likely to occur during extended power blackouts.
5) Skin infections and accidents are more likely to occur during power blackouts.
6) The most vulnerable during power blackouts are the very young and very old family members.
Below are some ways to get ready for a power blackout:
1) Do not delay doctor or dental appointments because medical and dental care might not be as available during a power blackout.
2) Always have a reasonable amount of cash on hand because you might not be able to use your credit card during a power blackout.
3) Have a reasonable supply of canned foods in stock because without refrigeration, foods, especially meats, can spoil.
4) Have a reasonable supply of bottled water in stock because during a power blackout, electronic pumps will not be able to pump water into storage towers and when the water in the storage tower is gone, there will be no more water for households.
5) Always keep your gas tank at least half full because electronic gas station pumps might not be working during a power blackout.
6) Buy a hand cranked emergency radio because it will be the most dependable radio during a power blackout.
7) Buy fire extinguishers for both your house and car and make sure you know how to properly use them because if you must use candles for lighting, there is an increased risk of an accidental fire.
8) Buy a first aid kit for both your house and car and make sure you know how to properly use everything inside of the kit.
9) Stock up on commercial products such a board and card games because these products will help to pass the time and reduce stress until the power returns.
As Richard Burr said, “We often take for granted that our lights will come on when we flip the light switch, but the reality is that our reliability standards and the current state of the transmission grid leave us all vulnerable to blackouts.”
