4 Tips For Surviving A Power Outage

Published 8:00 am Tuesday, June 14, 2016

• Batteries 

• LED flashlights 

• Candles

• Matches

• Oil & gas

• Gas cans

• Battery-powered radio

• Electric/oil lanterns

• Bottled/jugged water

• Canned/storable food

• First-aid kit

• Can opener

• Ice chest

• Books/literature

2. Get A Generator 
There are a variety of home generators with large models that can run the whole house or portable models that can power a few key appliances. However, generators that run on propane or natural gas might need to be professionally installed.  
Romero says a reliable home generator is a wise investment similar in price to a riding lawn mower that should be bought and installed well ahead of a hurricane. 
Romero also recommends the following tips for maintaining your generator ahead of a storm: 

• Check to make sure that it has plenty of oil and gas

• Let it run for at least an hour

• Get it serviced regularly

• Stock plenty of portable gas cans

• Store leftover gas for use in your vehicle later

• Have enough extension cords to run the generator and household items

3. Keep Cool
A refrigerator will only keep food for two or three days without power if it is not opened, so get an ice chest and fill it with bagged ice for food storage.  Also, a box fan is essential for the hot summer months of hurricane season.

4. Stock Plenty Of Food
Here is a list of options for eating when the lights go out:

• Stock up on canned goods, but don’t forget your trusty manual can opener. 

• Coolers, like Yeti, keep ice for longer and can keep food chilled for days.

• Food dehydrators can make fruits, vegetables and even meats that stay fresh for longer. 

• Take up the lost art of canning certain foods, which can keep you from eating peanut butter and crackers for days on end.

• For coffee lovers, buy a French press now and enjoy delicious coffee without electricity. 

• If you have a gas grill, keep it filled with enough propane to cook.