If you live in an area prone to severe winter weather, it’s a good idea to prepared for a winter power outage. Suddenly having to do without a steady supply of energy can be a scary and foreign prospect. Survival Mom author Lisa Bedford suggests putting together a “Power’s Out Emergency Kit” so that you and your family can stay safe and healthy during whatever Mother Nature throws your way.
POWER’S OUT EMERGENCY KIT
Assortment of light sources:
– Handheld flashlights
– Headlamps
– FlashLantern (available at www.flashlantern.com)
– Other battery-powered lanterns, LED preferred
– Light sticks
– Coleman lanterns with fuel
– Candles
– Oil lamps
Extra set of batteries for each light source
Manual can opener
At least 3–4 days’ worth of food that doesn’t require heating or refrigerating. If you live in an area prone to frequent power outages, hurricanes, tornadoes, or blizzards, have additional food on hand.
Food thermometer to check the temperature inside the fridge. If the temperature is 40°F or higher for more than two hours, the food may not be safe for consumption. Throw it out to be on the safe side.
Matches, a lighter, or another fire starter
Battery-powered or wind-up clock
Cell phone charger that plugs into your car
First-aid kit
Small rocket stove with fuel
Read-aloud books
Deck of cards
Coloring books and fresh, new crayons
Hand sanitizer
Hand-crank weather radio with extra batteries
Hand tools: pliers, screwdrivers, and a multipurpose tool
Sturdy pocketknife
Battery-powered fan, or two, with extra batteries
Phone number for the power company
List of appliances and electronics that should be unplugged. When
the power resumes, they could be damaged by a power surge.
Know where to find:
Sleeping bags, camp stove, and fuel
Tent, in case it’s too hot to sleep inside the house
Enough stored water to last 2 weeks
Firearm, if you own one, and ammunition
Extra blankets
Firewood and tinder
Extra fuel for a generator or a cook stove
Generator
Board games
Cooler or ice chest for storing food or medication that must be kept cold. If the power outage lasts more than 48 hours, put these items in the cooler and surround with ice.
For more tips on preparing your family for any situation, visit the The Survival Mom Lisa Bedford’s website and learn more about her book at thesurvivalmom.com.