| Preparing for a blackout or power outage is one | | | | days and even weeks. |
| of the fundamental areas that many people avoid. | | | | There are newer technologies that can provide |
| Making your own blackout kit is a smart way to | | | | longer term power needs if this avenue is |
| take steps in preparing yourself and your family | | | | pursued. There are flashlights and radios that are |
| for an impending power outage. | | | | not powered by traditional batteries, but |
| Power outages can be very disruptive and | | | | generators that derive their power through a |
| chaotic, and if not prepared, could lead to real | | | | hand crank device. Once the crank is turned |
| safety issues for you and your family. Having a | | | | several times it stores the energy within an |
| blackout kit is a prudent way to prepare for | | | | internal generator to power the device at will. |
| these types of emergencies if they occur. There | | | | A power inverter may also be something that |
| are several areas to consider when defining your | | | | would be added to your blackout kit. This small |
| blackout kit; food, communication, water, light, and | | | | portable device will take a normal DC battery |
| heat. | | | | from a car or boat and convert it into an AC |
| Food and access to fresh water are the two | | | | current source of power sufficient to run items in |
| areas of highest concern. If an extended outage | | | | your home like a microwave or other small |
| does take place, ensuring you have enough to | | | | appliances. You can literally run some of your |
| sustain your family for the duration is the most | | | | home electrical devices from your car, which can |
| important aspect of the blackout kit. Can goods | | | | be important. |
| and dry goods are commonly stored for this | | | | Another reason this device is a must for your |
| purpose. As your refrigerator and freezers begin | | | | blackout kit, is that some systems in your home |
| to warm due to lack of electricity, these items will | | | | may not run unless a small amount of electricity is |
| be consumed first, but if an outage lasts for | | | | provided. Even though you have a natural gas or |
| several days, these items will eventually spoil. | | | | fuel oil boiler used to heat your home, it may not |
| Bottled water is also important as some homes | | | | kick on unless a small electric current is provided. |
| will be unable to provide water to faucets if the | | | | The power inverter can supply the needed |
| pumps that require electricity are inoperable. | | | | electricity to enable your boiler to operate. This |
| The other basic items to store are the typical | | | | alone would pay for the device, if your home is |
| blankets, batteries, flashlights and radios. However, | | | | without power in the dead of winter and your |
| if a major disaster were to occur, battery | | | | heating system needed a small amount to warm |
| powered items are only good for so long. It may | | | | your family. |
| be in your best interest to look at more reliable | | | | In summary, a blackout kit can be easy to make |
| and sustainable sources of power in case the | | | | and an important aspect of surviving a long term |
| power outage lasts for longer periods. In the case | | | | power outage. The items you select can make a |
| of a natural disaster like hurricane Katrina, power | | | | big difference in your family's comfort and safety. |
| was unavailable to many parts of the city for | | | | |