When the lights flicker off and you’re suddenly without electricity, it can be an unexpected adventure or a daunting challenge. I just experienced a 30-hour power outage (which is why this blog is uploaded later than usual), and while it was a personal test of my patience and creativity, it also reminded me of valuable lessons learned on how to prepare for outages. From navigating the darkness to discovering the productivity of a tech-free day, dealing with power loss can be an opportunity to reconnect with simplicity. In this post, I’ll share my tips and strategies that will help you stay positive and prepared when the power goes out. Are you prepared to go a day – or more – with no electricity?
Personal Experience Power Loss
Navigating a power outage can be tricky, especially when it’s unexpected and lasts for an extended period. In the wee hours of the morning on May 28th, a huge branch of one tree came down on the power lines from the electric pole to my house, ripping off the pipe that runs the power lines down into the electric box attached to the house.
I still had power and didn’t notice what happened until I took the dogs out. I figured I’d call the power company, have them remove the branches, and I would have a handyman check that everything was okay, replace and reattach the pipe to the house. Nope! The power company came and showed me that one of the lines was torn, and the power needed to be turned off IMMEDIATELY. Within 5 minutes, my electricity was shut off. They said I had to hire an electrician to come fix the line damage in the box, replace and attach the pipe to the house, and then call the power company to turn the electricity back on.
The Unexpected Power Outage
When the technician said, “immediately,” he wasn’t joking. I barely had time to save the work on my computer and let my boss know before they cut the power. It was 12:45 pm.
The day was already off to a less-than-stellar start, so this was about par for the course.
A sense of uncertainty settled in, knowing that I had no control over when the lights would come back on. Despite the inconvenience, the absence of buzzing electronics created an unexpected calm…until I remembered my food. In the fridge and freezer. I dealt with that right away. Once I had the food that needed to be in the coolers out, I knew that I needed to keep the fridge and freezer shut and not open at all if I could help it.
As for my wallet…that was another story. The electrician came by and advised that to fix everything for them to turn the power back on would cost over $3,000.
But, that still wasn’t the cherry on the poop sundae. I was grateful that the electrician came as soon as he could, but by the time he assessed the situation, it was too late to get everything he needed. He would have to come back the next morning. So no power. All night until whenever he showed up in the morning, do what he needed to, and then wait for the electric company to send their techs to reattach the new line. Whee.
Coping with 30 Hours Without Power
With the days getting longer, I knew I would have light until about 9 pm. I did what chores I could that didn’t require electricity, and reflected on how much we rely on electricity. Yes, I flicked on a switch out of habit at least twice. This period of adjustment highlighted the need for being prepared for such scenarios.
I still had my phones and laptop, and I had enough of a public Wi-Fi signal to at least stay connected. I do have board games, cards, and books. I’m moving, so I packed and organized more stuff.
Throughout this ordeal, maintaining a positive mindset was crucial. It was about focusing on what could be done rather than what couldn’t. Simple pleasures, like enjoying a cool breeze on the porch and having dinner that didn’t require heat. These experiences underscored the importance of staying adaptable during a power outage.
How to Prepare for Outages
Preparation is key to handling power outages effectively. Having a strategy in place can make all the difference. This section provides insights into essential supplies and emergency planning that I use, which can help you prepare for the next blackout.
Essential Supplies for Power Loss
Being prepared starts with gathering essential supplies. Here’s a list of must-have items to keep on hand for when the power goes out.
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Flashlights and Batteries: Ensure you have several flashlights readily available, along with extra batteries. I didn’t use either, but I have plenty of both and know where they’re at. I used a couple of tea lights for night lights.
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Non-Perishable Food: Stock up on canned goods and dry foods that don’t require refrigeration, cooking, or heating up. Having food that I could easily grab and eat was convenient and saved me money.
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Water Supplies: Keep a sufficient supply of bottled water, aiming for at least one gallon per person per day.
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A Power Bank or Portable Charger: Two cell phones and a laptop were attached to a power bank. It was at 100% power, and after 27 hours, it was at 38% (I note that both phones were not always hooked up at the same time). I have a second power bank; I’m glad I made that investment, along with a compatible solar panel to recharge them if needed.
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First Aid Kit: A well-stocked first aid kit is crucial for any emergency.
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Coolers. I had two large coolers, and I had ice packs for them, so I was able to store everything from my refrigerator. The food in my extra freezer was still good, as it was full. The only casualty was some yogurt that was already on its way out.
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Items for temperature control. I have a USB-powered cooling unit. Got it for $40. Added distilled water, and it kept me and the dogs at a bearable temperature through a warm, humid night. Had it been winter, I have two propane heaters (and the needed small propane canisters) that would have kept us warm.
These items form the backbone of my power outage preparedness kit; having these will definitely make a night – or more – without power bearable. For further guidance, consult resources like NBC News and Preppers on Reddit for more comprehensive lists and advice.
Creating an Emergency Plan
An emergency plan is essential for dealing with power outages efficiently. Here’s how you can create one that works for you and your household.
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Identify Key Contacts: Make a list of emergency contacts and ensure everyone knows how to reach them.
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Locate Essential Utilities: Familiarize yourself with the location of important utilities, such as the circuit breaker, the power switch in the meter, and the water shut-off valve. Note: In my situation, where they had to use new power lines and I had a new meter, the power company wouldn’t turn the power on as the meter is considered my property. I had to open it and flip the switch myself.
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Develop an Evacuation Plan: In case of severe weather, have a clear evacuation route and destination.
Having a robust plan in place helps alleviate the stress of dealing with power loss. Mine lasted 30 hours; for specific strategies tailored to long-term outages, check out PosiGen and Quora.
Staying Positive During Power Loss
Maintaining a positive outlook is crucial when dealing with power loss. It can be a time of rediscovery and connection. This section offers guidance on maintaining a positive outlook and finding joy in the face of life’s challenges.
Keeping Spirits Up
Mindset is everything during any event that upsets the usual routine, and during a prolonged power outage, embracing the situation with a positive attitude can transform the experience. Engage in activities that boost your morale, such as playing board games or musical instruments.
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Practice Gratitude: Focus on what you’re thankful for despite the circumstances. I was thankful that the tree didn’t damage my house or injure anyone. Grateful that even though that huge bill was not one I needed, at least I could pay for the work that needed to be done. I appreciate that the investments I made in my preps kept me comfortable and saved my food.
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Stay Connected: Use this time to strengthen bonds with those in your household or with neighbors. I live alone, so I did random chores like folding laundry and deep cleaning my kitchen while I packed for my move.
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Don’t Abandon Routines: Maintaining your daily routine, even without power, can maintain a sense of normalcy. Every little bit of “normal” helps, so do what you usually would as much as you can.
These practices help shift the focus from what’s lacking to what’s possible, creating a more enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
Finding Silver Linings
Being without power for any length of time sucks. But power outages, while inconvenient, can offer unexpected benefits. They create an opportunity to disconnect from technology and connect with the present moment. Here are some upsides to consider:
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Rediscover Nature: Spend time outdoors, enjoying the simplicity of nature.
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Foster Creativity: Use the downtime to explore hobbies or crafts.
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Reflect and Recharge: Appreciate the break from daily hustle and bustle as a chance to recharge mentally.
Embracing these silver linings can turn a power outage into a memorable experience. By focusing on the positives, you can navigate the darkness with optimism and resilience. Read more about prepping priorities and mindset here.
