Winter is around the corner.
Best time to prepare is now.
This blog will discuss items you’d want if the grid went down (including electrical and gas).
At the end of blog, will also discuss steps to take if the grid is crippled.
We’ll post links to all of these items in the section below.
ITEMS TO GET
Safety
Important to have since we’ll cover options such as generator and candles.
Have to factor in neighbors (if in apartment) as well.
1) Carbon monoxide sensor alarm
2) Fire extinguisher.
Warmth
3) Painter plastic sheeting + duct tape
Use these to cover windows to create a vapor lock.
Most modern windows are double pane.
Even if have doubled pane windows, some may not shut tightly and want to seal any leaks. We’ll cover more about this next week.
If the room you retreat to doesn’t have a door, will want to isolate the room by hanging up plastic sheets or blankets.
Heat rises: if you have a two story house and you’re staying downstairs / block entrance to upstairs
4) Sleeping bags, quilts, wool blankets + ground pad
5) Electric blanket or heating pad
Will need a solar or gas generator which can be expensive / will cover momentarily.
6) Emergency foil blankets
7) Hot water bottles and thermoses
8) Small tent (enough for your family, nothing more)
9) Winter clothes (layered)
10) Mr. Heater Buddy
Still, be sure to have ventilation and have carbon monoxide device next to it.
11) Small propane tanks + large tanks + hose for Mr. Heater and cooking stove
We’ll cover these momentarily.
Ideally get items that can use the same fuel source.
Lighting
12) Led headlamps, lanterns, flashlights
13) Tea candles
14) UCO lantern
15) Propane lantern
Cooking
16) Camping stove
17) Food
Water
18) Stored water
Communication
19) Emergency radio
Power
20) Small solar panel for charging electronics + battery (i.e. phones)
21) Solar generator setup and lights that can be run off of this system
22) Generator: Be careful with this where you run it
23) Extension cords with splitter on the ends. Get quality options if powering a lot. Handle higher amperage.
Damage prevention
24) Faucet cover.
WHEN THE POWER GOES OUT
We’ll do a follow up blog next week about ways to make your home more efficient for the coming winter.
As always, stay safe out there.