The lights go on, the lights go off. What do you do when they stay off and can't be turned back on? Dealing with a power outage is much easier if you've prepared in advance. The DIY experts at Stack Exchange offer tips to make sure you'll be ready when your home goes dark.
Illustration by Sean Gallagher.
Question:
What are things to do to prepare your house for a power outage, especially in the winter?
What are things should you do once you have lost power and what should you do when it comes back on?
? Originally asked by SchwartzE
Answer: Know Your Power Co.
Put your power company's phone number into your cellphone or write it on the refrigerator.
? Answered by Joe Phillips
Answer: Flashlight
Make sure you know where your flashlight is (keep it in a single location) and that the batteries are good. I have stubbed my toes (or bruised my knee/shin) many times fumbling around in the dark for the last place my flashlight was put.
? Answered by Jeff Widmer
Answer: Shut off the HVAC
One thing I do when the power flickers is to shutoff the HVAC system. Frequent power cycles can be bad for compressors. And while the gas furnace should be fine, I don't want to risk any carbon monoxide poisoning. I'd also do this for my fridge if it was easy for me to access. Just make sure to turn them back on when it looks like power is going to stay on.
? Answered by BMitch
Answer: Prepare Well
For those with well water, the list is bigger than most. Something that we do is we have about 10 of those big pretzel plastic containers filled with water saved. If something is coming, we usually fill the bathtubs with water as well. Both are not used for eating / drinking / bathing, but to flush the toilets.
? Answered by mohlsen
Answer: Glow Sticks
Chemical glow sticks are great for emergency lighting, and have a decent shelf life. One in a central area on each floor of a house can provide enough light to move around without banging into stuff. One just over your shoulder is enough light to read by.
Unlike candles, they are safe around kids, too, and aren't a problem when sleeping.
? Answered by TomG
Answer: Live Like the Ancients
Practice living without connected utilities. Do it periodically. You will discover what your real needs are and you'll learn how to meet them in an emergency.
How much water do you really need? Do MREs make you sick? Do you know how use your fireplace? Are the batteries in your flashlight still good? Answer these questions by practicing.
Remember that people used to live in your part of the world without electricity, fossil fuels, and plumbing. You can do it, too.
Your ability to be comfortable in a wide range of weather is something you can develop. Thermostatically-controlled HVAC deprives us of this ability, but if you spend some time outdoors you can get used to it. Then, when the HVAC won't work in a power outage, you can cope.
If water goes out, you can save a ton of water by composting your poop. You only need 5 gallon bucket + a luggable loo seat + a pile of sawdust. See the Humanure Handbook.
? Answered by Jay Bazuzi
Think you know how to prepare for a power outage? Have a different DIY question? Bring your expertise to Stack Exchange ? a network of Q&A sites on diverse topics from software programming to Apple and Android to scientific skepticism...and plenty in between.
Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~3/M9Xp_bT8fRI/how-to-prepare-for-a-power-outage
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