I publish a new version of this article around this time every year, since Winter storm beatings are a point of pride for New Englanders & a few tips & tricks related to power outages always seem to be in order. www.ready.gov is a great resource for updated best practices during an emergency. One of their best suggestions is to stock up on non-perishable food/snackies, like canned foods, granola bars, dehydrated fruit, etc. Get a manual can opener in case the power does go out. Get a gallon of water, per person, for three days supply. There’s a lot more on Ready.gov too.
1. Be ready to run. Flooding, a tree hitting your house, roof torn off, I’ve seen it all over the years, so it is possible around here. Loss of power and heat, or in the warmer months, cooling, might force you to leave your home & seek shelter. Keep a stocked bag to grab in case you need to leave. Water, snacks, batteries, cords for smartphones, tablets, etc. , prescriptions, & so much more to ensure your safety & hopefully your comfort, if you’re forced out of your home. What would make you as comfy & entertained as possible in a hotel or friend’s house? Don’t wait until It’s a pressure-filled emergency situation. Plan ahead & make a list.
2. Make sure you have alternative charging methods for your phone or any device that requires power. A properly installed generator is the best option, but might be a bit expensive. Portable generators(Never Run Indoors) & portable power supplies are a less expensive option. I use deep cycle marine batteries, a DC to AC Converter(Clamps with wire to car charger socket) and then an inverter. To support that, I have charged portable handheld batteries too. They provide days of charge for smartphones, portable dvd players, tablets, etc. I also run the heat exchanger on my fireplace for heating my house off of the deep cycle batteries if needed.
Make sure you have alternate content options. A portable DVD player with an internal battery can run more than a day. Netflix offers downloadable content for some shows too. Public libraries use apps like Hoopla, Libby & Overdrive to offer downloadable movies, audio-books & ebooks for your phone, tablet, etc.. That’s fun even when we have power.
3. Charge cell phones & any battery powered devices the night before. Make sure your apps are updated, especially for your internet provider & power provider in case of an outage. They usually offer updates on restoration of service.
4. Know where the manual release lever of your electric garage door opener is located & how to operate it. Otherwise, without power, your garage door becomes a leaky wall.
5. Purchase ice or freeze water-filled plastic containers to help keep food cold during a temporary power outage. I love this one. Lost food with so many hungry people out there is a real crime, not to mention expensive.
6. Collect some non-electronic games that might be fun to keep kids & adults occupied. Ping-Pong kit that attaches to your kitchen table. Bean bag toss yard games, Mini-golf kids games, scavenger hunts, bowling with tennis balls & 2 litre bottles, etc. There’s tons of options, with a little planning. They’re fun when the power’s on too.
7. Keep your gas grills filled for hot meals without power. A fire pit or simple cooking fire can produce some lovely meals as well with the proper tools & fixtures & it’s a great deal. Call your local fire dept for permission first. Some towns require a permit for outdoor fires. Never, ever cook with chemical logs.
8. Keep your car’s gas tank full. Gas stations rely on electricity to power their pumps. If you use your car to recharge devices, do NOT keep the car running in a garage, partially enclosed space, carport or close to a home. This can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
9. Learn about the emergency plans that have been established in your area by visiting Massachusetts’ or your town’s website or Facebook page so you can locate the closest cooling or warming shelters. The MEMA power outage map is really popular too. http://mema.mapsonline.net/public.html . National Grid, Comcast, etc have apps that come in handy for reporting the outage & estimated time of repair.
10. If you rely on anything that is battery-operated or power dependent like a medical device, Oxygen, Vital’s Monitoring, etc. determine a back-up plan. Also, Notify your local utilities & emergency responders. In case of a power outage, they may have policies & procedures in place to help you if your medical equipment loses power.
Stay Safe, Comfy & Cozy & most importantly, Have Fun!
Lew McConkey, Brook Realty
Serving Whitman Hanson & Surrounding Towns
(781)252-9789
If you have questions about your place in the current Real Estate market, as a buyer, seller or Landlord, please feel free to call text or email for your free, no obligation consultation.
