How To Survive A Power Grid Failure In The USA

Power outages are one of the most frustrating problems homeowners face on a relatively regular and often sudden basis. Blackouts cause multiple inconveniences and can sometimes incur expensive repair costs or even risk your family's security. A power outage can often happen unprovoked, and it can have a significant impact on your daily life. In the United States, power outages are usually caused by severe weather events such as hurricanes, snowstorms, and earthquakes. Since the utility grid is built upon foundations from the 1950s and 1960s, power outages often occur due to necessary repairs or technical issues. The important question is, are you prepared if the power grid goes down? Situations like this can occur anytime, and you must know how to navigate them safely. In this blog post, we will discuss the necessary steps you can take to keep your family and home safe if the grid goes down.

Important Tips That Will Help You Get Through The Grid Going Down.

Stay Informed

Staying informed is crucial to surviving a power grid outage. In a power outage, it's important to have access to up-to-date information about the situation. You can listen to a battery-operated or hand-crank radio for updates and news broadcasts. You can also check reliable news sources, such as radio stations, official government websites, and social media accounts of emergency management agencies. Make sure to keep your phone charged so that you can stay connected to the news, receive updates, and stay in touch with loved ones.

Stock Up on Essentials

Stocking up on essentials is another important part of preparing for a power grid outage. Stock up on a supply of non-perishable food, water, and medical supplies to ensure you have enough resources to last for at least three days. When choosing food supplies, select items that have a long shelf life and can be eaten without cooking, such as canned goods, dried fruit, and nuts. Make sure to store your food in a cool, dry place, such as a pantry or basement, to prevent spoilage. Stocking up on candles or battery-powered flashlights can help you navigate during the night.

Use Solar Battery Backup

Solar energy can provide your home with renewable electricity, but without a way to store your excess energy, your solar panels will be useless when the grid goes down. However, when paired with battery storage, solar panels can turn a nightmarish power outage upside down. Make sure to back up only a few needed appliances so that your energy storage can last as long as possible. Haven't gone solar yet? Try out Solar Quote's AI tool to get an accurate estimate for solar with battery backup and make a purchase in just a few minutes.

Keep Yourself Warm

Warmth can be achieved in a variety of ways, and is especially crucial to your survival if you live in a cold area or are experiencing a blackout during winter, which although rare, does happen and can lead to fatalities. Stock up on blankets, such as heavy wool or fleece blankets which can provide added insulation and warmth. If you have a fireplace, make sure you have enough firewood stored to last several days. It is also important to have tools fire starters such as matches or a lighter, and a sturdy grate to safely contain the fire. However, when lighting a fire, ensure your chimney is clear and your house is adequately ventilated so your family cannot be poisoned by a buildup of CO (carbon monoxide) gas. Consider alternative heat sources, such as a portable space heater or a camping stove with fuel. Remember to use heating sources safely to avoid the risk of fire.

Store Medication

Ensure your continued health during a power outage by storing an ample supply of your prescription medications that can last several days in case you cannot refill them. You may be unable to access a pharmacy due to a lack of power or disruptions in transportation. To prepare, you should keep an adequate supply of all essential medications and ensure they are stored in a cool, dry place. However, make sure that your drugs are safe to use by checking the expiry date, throwing away any expired medications and regularly taking an inventory of your stock and replacing prescriptions nearing expiration.

Stay Safe

Power outages can create safety hazards, so taking precautions to protect yourself and your family is important. Do not use a gas stove or oven for heating purposes, as this can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that can cause illness or death if inhaled sustainably. Keep your home well-ventilated; never run a gas generator, lawnmower, or other gasoline-powered equipment indoors or enclosed.

Be Mindful of Food Safety

If the power grid is out for an extended period, the food in your refrigerator and freezer may spoil. You can prevent foodborne illness by throwing away food in the fridge for more than 4 hours or 24 hours in the freezer. Keep your fridge and freezer doors closed as much as possible to keep food cold longer. Keep an eye on the thermometer in your refrigerator and freezer to monitor the temperature and discard any food above 40°F for more than two hours. Consider purchasing a cooler and ice packs to store perishable food items.

Being prepared for a power grid outage is necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of yourself and your loved ones. By stocking up on essentials, using backup power sources, staying informed, and taking safety precautions, you can increase your chances of getting through a power outage with minimal repercussions.

Installing a solar and battery system is another way to prepare for power outages. Solar Quote is a leading direct-to-consumer provider of solar and solar battery backups across the US, offering solutions at unbeatable prices. A solar and battery system can provide reliable power backup during outages, ensuring you have access to essential energy services and protecting you and your family.

If you're looking to prepare for power outages and make the transition to a sustainable energy future, consider installing a solar and battery system. With Solar Quote, homeowners across the US can get solar and battery backup at unbeatable prices. Our platform’s AI tool generates an optimum efficiency design automatically, allowing you, the homeowner, to focus on selecting the solar offset you need and choosing the solar panels and batteries you want to power your home with. Ready to protect your home from utility grid failures with solar energy? Try out our AI tool today!