Why Power Outages Are More Common Than Ever
Did you know that power outages have increased by 64% in the last decade? Our aging power grid struggles to keep up with demand, and extreme weather events are happening more frequently. One thing is clear: the grid is unreliable, whether it’s due to hurricanes, ice storms, wildfires, or even cyberattacks.
Yet, despite these growing threats, most people have no backup plan when the power goes out. Instead, they make one critical mistake that puts them and their families at risk.
The #1 Mistake: Doing Nothing and Hoping for the Best
When the lights go out, most people panic, wait, and hope the power returns quickly. They assume it’s just a temporary blackout and don’t take proactive steps to prepare.
This mindset can be dangerous. You have to assume that the power will never come back on and have ways to protect your family and keep them safe. Without power, essential services can fail, including refrigeration, heating and cooling, medical devices, and even access to clean water. If you don’t have a plan, you could scramble for supplies or make desperate decisions.
The good news? Avoiding this mistake is simple—if you take action before the power goes out.
How to Stay Ahead of a Blackout: The Essential Backup Plan
Instead of being caught off guard, you can take control of your power preparedness. Here are three simple steps to ensure you stay safe, comfortable, and prepared during any outage.
1. Know Your Essentials: What Needs Power and What Doesn’t
Before stocking up on generators and batteries, it’s essential to identify the critical devices in your home. You rely on these items the most and must keep them operational during a power outage.
Start by listing the devices essential for your household’s safety and comfort. Examples include refrigerators, medical equipment, sump pumps, and heating or cooling systems. Additionally, consider any electronics crucial for communication or work, such as computers and phones.
Once you have identified these critical devices, assess their power requirements. Knowing how much power each device consumes will help you select appropriate generators or battery backups that can effectively support them.
Planning can significantly ease the inconvenience of a power outage and ensure you maintain a safe and functional home environment.
- Refrigerator & Freezer – Keeps food from spoiling.
- Lights – Flashlights, LED lanterns, or emergency lighting.
- Communication Devices – Smartphones, radios, and backup power banks.
- Medical Equipment – CPAP machines, oxygen concentrators, or other life-supporting devices.
- Heating & Cooling – Space heaters (if safe) or battery-powered fans.
List the devices that matter most to your family and estimate how much power they need. This will help you decide what backup power system is right for you.
2. Have Multiple Backup Power Sources
One of the biggest mistakes people make is relying on a single power source. The truth is, no single backup solution is perfect. Layer multiple power sources to create a reliable system is the best approach. Here’s how:
- Portable Battery Packs are great for keeping small devices like phones and radios charged. They are compact and easy to store, perfect for short-term outages.
- Car Power Inverters – Plug into your car’s battery to charge laptops and small appliances. This is a great emergency option if no other power sources are available.
- Solar Chargers – A renewable option for powering small electronics during extended outages. While they take time to recharge, they work indefinitely with sunlight.
- Gas or Propane Generators are best for powering larger appliances but require fuel storage. They provide consistent power but can be noisy and need regular maintenance.
- Battery Power Stations are quiet, indoor-friendly power solutions for essential devices. They can be charged ahead of time and used indoors safely.
- Hand-Crank Generators – A last-resort power source that can generate electricity manually. It is ideal for radios and small devices when no other power is available.
Multiple options mean you won’t be left in the dark when one source runs out.
3. Test Your Setup Before a Crisis Hits
The worst time to discover that your generator won’t start or your battery pack doesn’t last long enough is during an actual emergency. Yet, many people buy emergency gear and never test it.
Here’s what you should do right now:
- Run a Power Outage Drill – Turn off your main breaker for a few hours and see how well your setup holds up.
- Check Battery Life – Make sure all backup batteries are fully charged and tested.
- Start Your Generator – Test your generator regularly and ensure enough fuel is stored safely.
- Practice Alternative Cooking Methods – Can you cook food without electricity if the power is out?
Running these simple tests before an outage happens ensures you’re truly prepared.
Other Common Mistakes to Avoid
In addition to hoping for the best, here are a few common mistakes people make—and how to fix them.
Mistake #1: Not Storing Enough Water
Many people focus on food storage but forget that water is even more critical. The average person needs at least one gallon daily for drinking and sanitation.
Solution: Store at least two weeks’ worth of water per person and invest in a water purification method, such as filters or purification tablets.
Mistake #2: Forgetting About Refrigerated Food
Without power, your refrigerator keeps food cold for about 4 hours and your freezer for 24-48 hours. After that, food can spoil and become unsafe to eat.
Solution: To extend cooling time, keep freezer packs or frozen water bottles inside your fridge and freezer. Have a cooler ready to transfer perishable items if needed.
Mistake #3: Ignoring Home Security
During extended blackouts, crime rates often increase. A dark home with no activity is an easy target.
Solution: Have motion-activated solar lights, reinforced door locks, and a battery-powered security system.
Take Action Before It’s Too Late
Power outages are only going to get more familiar. But instead of being caught off guard, you can take action now to avoid the #1 mistake most people make.
Here’s what to do today:
- Make a list of the essential devices you need to keep running.
- Choose at least two backup power sources so you have options.
- Test your setup and make sure it works before an emergency.
A little preparation now means peace of mind when the lights go out. Don’t wait for the next outage to realize you weren’t ready.
Are You Prepared for the Next Blackout?
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