Living by the lake has its perks, especially during the summer and fall. However, if you’re in the Northern part of the United States, you’re no stranger to those unpredictable winter storms and relentless winds that love causing power outages. While the weather channels are doing their best to keep us informed, let’s face it – you can never be too prepared. I’ve got some top-notch tips to ensure you stay cozy and comfortable when the winter decides to play tricks on your power supply!
Food Stash
First things first, if you want to keep that hard-earned money in your pocket – resist the urge to open the fridge during a power outage! Your fridge locks in the cold when it’s closed, and trust me, you don’t want those pricey meats, seafood, and dairy to go bad. The cost of replacing them nowadays is no joke, and tossing them out would be a total waste of both money and delicious food.
What’s on the menu when you can’t raid the fridge or fire up the stove and microwave? It’s pantry time! Grab those canned beans, carrots, asparagus, artichokes, olives, and mushrooms – you’ve got the makings of a fiber-rich salad that’s both healthy and satisfying. Just toss in some salt and spices, and voilà! Need a quick protein fix? Protein and nut bars are your go-to. And let’s not forget about canned fruits – yes, they fall into the processed food category, but when hunger strikes, they’ll do just fine.
Keep Yourself Warm
Let’s talk generators – they’re a go-to for many, but they can burn a hole in your pocket and aren’t exactly eco-friendly. So, what’s the plan? Head to the room with the fewest doors leading outside. Pull those curtains tight to block out the chilly drafts sneaking through the windows. Make sure every resident in the house has a snug, chunky fleece blanket and layer up!
A quick tip: When the power takes a hike, grab those chafing pans from your catering stash. Fill ’em up with hot water from the tap and light a sterno can underneath each. It’ll keep the water toasty and help you weather the outage. Just a heads up – handle those sterno cans with care, stay awake, and give it a shot at your own risk!
Must Have Supplies For Power Outage
Beyond the essentials like food, blankets, and sterno cans, there are a few more items to amp up your comfort during a power outage:
- Let There Be Light: Grab those flashlights and batteries to navigate your home safely.
- Candle Date Essentials: Candles, a lighter, or matches – set the mood for some cozy conversations during the blackout. Board games are also a great power outage pastime!
- First Aid Kits: Accidents can happen, especially in the dark. Keep a first aid kit within reach.
- Charged Book Reading Lights: For the bookworms out there, make sure you have lights for your late-night reading sessions.
- Portable Phone Charger: Stay connected by keeping your devices charged. Communication is your lifeline!
- Manual Can Opener: When that craving for canned soup hits, make sure you have a trusty manual can opener.
- Medications: Don’t forget your meds! Ensure you have enough to last throughout the outage.