31 Days of Emergency Preparedness {Got Power?}
Short of living off grid, having a grid down scenario or just a bad ice or snow storm, living without power will be an adjustment.
What are your options if it looks like you will be without power for more than 24-48 hours?
Solar Panels
You can find basic solar kits on Amazon for around $200. You won’t be able to run your whole house off of one, but it could save your fridge.
Generator
We actually don’t own one. Yet. This would be great to save the freezers and fridge. Downside is they take gas to run and are usually loud, which presents a security issue.
I found this great article on why it’s not the best choice in a long term situation.
If money were no option there is always this solar powered Generator.
Bio Diesel
Something you can make at home to run a generator or your diesel truck.
Lighting
I am going to be depending on candles, battery powered lanterns, and also oil lanterns.
Of course flash lights and head lamps for outside work. Goats still need to be milked in the evening.
Don’t forget to prep batteries, lamp oil, and matches.
Pinterest Boards about Power
Off Grid and Power Alternatives
I really like my iced coffee so I pray that we never have to go without power for an extended period of time.
5 Level of Preparedness
Acronyms
Apps
Bug Out or Bug In
Communications
Cooking
Dictionary
Family Plan
Farm Animals
First Aide
Food
Got Power
Got Shelter?
Kids or No Kids
Op Sec
Practice What You Preach~Power Outage Practice
Resources
Sanitation
Skills to Have
Tools
Urban vs Rural
Water
photo credit: …-Wink-… via photopin cc
Thanks Mama Kautz for the tips! –Robie
Most Welcome!!
I’ve had a 6 kw tri-fuel generator for about 20 years and used it rarely. It is a bit loud, but we just completed an enclosure attached to the back of the garage of steel framing & covering, insulated, and it cuts the sound quite a bit. Being tri-fuel, it runs on gasoline, natural gas or propane, which is our choice. I buy 40lb propane tanks from time to time (the pro services guy at the local Lowe’s gives me a special deal when I buy 6 at a time). I’m up to 20 of these now, all full, besides my smaller tanks and my 500 gallon home tank. We also built a 4′ X 12′ fuel storage shed, lined with 2 layers of 5/8″ fire code sheetrock under the siding, just to store our propane tanks and gas & diesel. One note on storing gas and diesel: Instead of using expensive products to extend the storage life of fuels, just fill your vehicles with them and rotate. This has the added advantage of allowing you to time your fillups to get the best local fuel pricing.