No one likes to be left in the dark, but during a rolling blackout, that’s exactly what could happen. Rolling blackouts are a type of controlled power outage where utilities shut off electricity to specific areas for a set period of time. This is usually done as a last resort to prevent widespread power outages, but it can still be disruptive.
What is a rolling blackout?
A rolling blackout is a type of power outage where utilities shut off electricity to specific areas for a set period of time. This is usually done as a last resort to prevent widespread power outages, but it can still be disruptive.
Charge all your devices ahead of time
No one likes losing power, especially during a heatwave. But sometimes rolling blackouts are necessary to prevent the entire grid from collapsing. If you’re worried about being left in the dark, there are some steps you can take to prepare ahead of time. First, charge all your devices – phones, laptops, etc. – so you’ll have some entertainment while the power is out.
You might also want to invest in a backup battery or hand-crank charger. Second, make sure you have some candles or lanterns on hand, as well as matches or a lighter. Not only will they provide light, but they can also help to keep your home feeling cozy.
Fill up your bathtub and stock up on drinking water
If you live in an area that’s prone to rolling blackouts, then you know how important it is to have a backup plan. One of the best things you can do is fill up your bathtub with water. This way, if the power goes out, you’ll still have access to clean drinking water. You should also stock up on bottled water, just in case.
I would also highly recommend having a LifeStraw for each member of the family.
And if you have a pool, make sure to fill it up as well! That way, you’ll be prepared for anything. Rolling blackouts are never fun, but with a little preparation, you can minimize the inconvenience.
Remember that in the summer you may need more than 1 gallon of water per person (don’t forget your pets).
Battery Powered Radio
If the power goes out, you’re going to want a way to stay entertained – and informed. A battery-powered radio is a great way to do both. You can listen to music, news, or even talk radio while the power is out. Just make sure you have plenty of batteries on hand!
Create an Evacuation Plan
If the power goes out, it’s important to have an evacuation plan in place. This is especially true if you live in an area that’s prone to wildfires or other natural disasters. Know where you’re going to go and how you’re going to get there. And make sure everyone in your family knows the plan, too. That way, if the power does go out, you’ll all be on the same page.
Know Where the Manual Levers In Your Home
A good example of a manual lever is the garage door. If the power goes out and your garage door is stuck open, you’re going to have a lot of problems. So it’s important to know where the manual levers are in your home. That way, if the power does go out, you can still get around your house without any issues.
Be Prepared for Food to Spoil
If the power goes out, your food is going to start spoiling. So, it’s important to have a plan in place for what you’re going to do with all that food. One option is to invest in a cool box or cooler. That way, you can keep your food from spoiling for at least a few days.
At our house we refill plastic jugs and water bottles and keep them in the freezer. These can be used to keep your refrigerator and freezer cooler, if the power goes out. Remember do not open the either if possible; they will stay cooler longer if left closed.
Another option is to stock up on canned goods. Canned goods have a much longer shelf life than fresh food, so they’ll last you until the power comes back on.
Keep Your Car’s Gas Tank Full
If the power goes out, you’re going to want to have a full tank of gas. That way, if you need to evacuate or go somewhere, you won’t have to worry about running out of gas.
Plus, it’s always good to have a full tank of gas in case of an emergency.
What States Will Most Likely Be Affected by Blackouts?
According to several news outlets the entire United States and Canada could be impacted by rolling blackouts this summer.
Most likely:
- California
- Washington
- Oregon
- Arizona
- Texas
- The Dakotas
- Kentucky
- Missouri
- Montana
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Louisiana
- Michigan.
- Iowa
- Minnesota
- Wisconsin
What should you do during a rolling blackout?
If you find yourself in the middle of a rolling blackout, there are some things you can do to stay safe.
- Turn off all your electronic devices. This includes your TV, computer, and any lights that are on.
- Close all the blinds and curtains in your home. This will help to keep the heat out.
- Stay in one room together as a family. This will help to keep everyone calm and make it easier to keep an eye on everyone.
- If you have any medical devices that need power, like a CPAP machine, make sure to have a backup battery or generator on hand.
What should you do AFTER a rolling blackout?
Once the power comes back on, there are some things you need to do to make sure your home is safe.
- Open your fridge and freezer and check for spoiled food. If any of the food has gone bad, throw it away.
- Check your electronic devices for damage. If any of them were damaged by the power outage, you’ll need to get them repaired or replaced.
- If you have a generator, make sure to properly ventilate the area where it’s being used. And never use a generator indoors.
Although rolling blackouts can be a pain, they are often short-lived. The biggest issue is when people don’t plan for them and suddenly their food spoils, they can’t work or study, their phone dies, and so on. By following these simple tips, you can make sure that if the power goes out, you’re still able to live as normal a life as possible. Have you ever had to go through a rolling blackout? What was your experience like? Let us know in the comments below.
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