A week without electricity can be more than inconvenient. Here’s how to stay calm, prepared, and comfortable when the lights go out.
Most people can handle a short power outage, but when it stretches into days or even a full week, it becomes a whole different challenge. Food, warmth, communication, and comfort all come into play. Whether you’re prepping for storms, aging infrastructure, or just like to be ready, these tips will help you weather a week without electricity in a smart and simple way.
1. Have a Water Plan
Without power, your water supply could be limited, especially if you’re on a well. Fill clean containers ahead of time with drinking water. A good rule of thumb is one gallon per person per day. Don’t forget pets. Also, consider storing water for flushing toilets or basic washing. Bathtubs, large pots, or clean trash bins can help.
2. Store Shelf-Stable Food
Canned goods, dried beans, pasta, peanut butter, oats, powdered milk, and crackers can go a long way when the fridge isn’t running. Focus on items that don’t require refrigeration or extensive cooking. Don’t forget a manual can opener and a few sweet treats to lift spirits.
3. Keep the Lights On (Sort Of)
Flashlights, headlamps, battery-powered lanterns, and candles will be your best friends. Keep extra batteries in multiple sizes and store lighting in easy-to-find spots throughout the house. Solar garden lights can even be brought indoors at night for a soft glow.
4. Stay Warm Without Heat
If it’s winter, make sure you have plenty of warm layers, wool blankets, sleeping bags, and thick socks. Close off unused rooms, hang blankets over windows, and consider safe heating options like propane space heaters (only with proper ventilation). Your grandparents likely used tricks like hot water bottles or heated bricks too.
5. Charge What You Can Ahead of Time
Charge all phones, tablets, battery packs, and even solar power banks before the outage hits. Keep a few portable power bricks handy so you can communicate or read important updates. A battery-operated radio is also a smart backup to get local news.
6. Cook Without Electricity
Camping stoves, rocket stoves, fire pits, and even fondue pots can help heat water or cook simple meals. Never use outdoor grills or stoves indoors. Think simple meals like soups, pasta, or rice with canned veggies. Don’t forget matches or a lighter.
7. Prepare for Bathroom Needs
Have extra toilet paper, wet wipes, trash bags, and water for flushing. If plumbing is down, a lined bucket with kitty litter can serve as a temporary toilet. It’s not glamorous, but being prepared here can make a big difference in comfort.
8. Keep Boredom at Bay
A week without screens can feel long. Stock up on board games, puzzles, books, and a deck of cards. If you’re stuck indoors, having activities ready makes time pass faster and keeps spirits high. Kids and adults alike will benefit from a little analog entertainment.
9. Write Down Important Information
When devices die, you’ll be glad to have a list of contacts, addresses, and key phone numbers written down. Add your doctor, local emergency services, and family contacts. A small notebook and pen kept near the emergency supplies can be a lifesaver.
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