4 Emergency Power Sources for Your Home
Power outages can cause people more problems than just leaving them in the dark. Losing power during the winter time can be dangerous (without heat) if temperatures get too cold.
Food will spoil in a refrigerator if the electricity stays off too long. Also, cell phones will lose power, which could leave people vulnerable in case of an emergency. That’s why people need to have an emergency power source to keep part of their home running when they lose electricity.
Emergency Standby Power Systems
Emergency standby power systems offer you backup power, keeping some of your appliances running when the electricity goes out.
Standby power systems are permanently installed outside your home, connecting to your natural gas line and eliminating the need for you to add fuel.
A standby backup power system will detect a power outage – automatically turn itself on – and start powering your home within seconds. Also, there are different power systems that can generate varying amounts of power for your home, depending on your needs.
If you don’t want to invest in an emergency standby power source, you can buy a less expensive portable generator. You will need to keep some gas on hand to run a portable generator. Also, a portable generator will not create as much power as a larger standby power system.
However, they are still a good source of limited, emergency power. For example, you could run a space heater in the winter with a small generator. You can buy a portable generatorfrom most home improvement stores (like Lowe’s and Home Depot).
Emergency generators can keep some of your appliances running; however, you can still be left in the dark without lights. Open flame candles are dangerous because they can fall over or you can forget about them.
That’s why you need a safe and reliable backup light source. Battery-powered emergency bulbsoffer several hours of backup lighting.
The emergency bulbs just screw into your light fixtures like a regular light bulb. You can learn more and order them right on Amazon.
If your electricity is off very long, your electronic devices (cell phones and tablets) will lose power. Being without a way to call for help in an emergency is dangerous. That’s why you need a battery backup power system so you can charge your electronic devices.
In short, a power outage in your home (for an extended time) is inconvenient. Luckily, there are some emergency backup power options available for your home.
A standby backup power system will offer your home the most convenient emergency power source. However, if you can’t afford a standby backup system, you at least need a portable generator.
Emergency (battery-powered) light bulbs can keep the lights on in your house for several hours during an outage. Finally, your home needs a battery backup power source – so you can plug-in devices – and keep them charged.
24 Essential Tips for Managing Power Outages and Affordable Emergency Power Sources for Your Home
Power outages can create numerous problems beyond just leaving you in the dark. Losing electricity during the winter can pose significant dangers, especially without heating.
Food can spoil in your refrigerator if the outage persists, and cell phones losing power can make you vulnerable during emergencies. That’s why it’s crucial to have an emergency power source to keep your home functional when the lights go out.
Here are 24 essential tips for handling power outages and finding affordable emergency power sources:
1. Install an Emergency Standby Power System: Consider investing in an emergency standby power system that connects to your natural gas line and can automatically power your home during anoutage.
2. Choose the Right Standby Power System: Assess your power needs and select a standby power system that can generate the required amount of electricity for your household.
3. Research Emergency Standby Power Systems Online: Explore various options for emergency standby power systems online to make an informed decision.
4. Portable Generators as an Alternative: If an emergency standby system is too expensive, opt for a more affordable portable generator.
5. Stock Up on Fuel: Ensure you have enough gasoline on hand to run a portable generator during an outage.
6. Use Portable Generators Safely: Follow safety guidelines when using portable generators to prevent accidents and carbon monoxide poisoning.
7. Space Heaters with Small Generators: Consider using a small generator to power a space heater during winter power outages.
8. Purchase Portable Generators from Home Improvement Stores: Look for portable generators at home improvement stores such as Lowe’s and Home Depot.
9. Backup Lighting with Emergency Bulbs: Invest in battery-powered emergency bulbs that can provide several hours of backup lighting.
10. Easy Installation of Emergency Bulbs: Emergency bulbs are simple to install; they screw into your existing light fixtures just like regular light bulbs.
11. Order Emergency Bulbs Online: Find and order emergency bulbs online for added convenience.
12. Battery Backup for Electronic Devices: Don’t forget to have a battery backup power system to charge your electronic devices during an outage.
13. Keep Electronic Devices Charged: Prioritize keeping your cell phones, tablets, and other essential electronic devices fully charged in case of a power outage.
14. Prepare an Emergency Kit: Assemble an emergency kit with essentials like flashlights, candles, matches, and a battery-powered radio.
15. Maintain a Stock of Batteries: Store a supply of extra batteries for flashlights and radios.
16. Invest in Solar Chargers: Consider solar chargers for your devices as a renewable and sustainable power source during extended outages.
17. Portable Power Banks: Purchase portable power banks to recharge your devices on the go.
18. Emergency Communication Plan: Develop a communication plan with family members or neighbors to stay connected during power outages.
19. Keep a Manual Can Opener: Have a manual can opener on hand to access canned food if your electric can opener doesn’t work.
20. Stock Up on Non-Perishable Food: Maintain a supply of non-perishable food items that require minimal preparation.
21. Insulate Your Home: Properly insulate your home to retain heat during winter outages.
22. Use Thermal Blankets: Thermal blankets can help conserve body heat and keep you warm.
23. Maintain a First-Aid Kit: Always have a well-equipped first-aid kit readily accessible.
24. Plan for Evacuation: In extreme cases, be prepared for evacuation by having a designated meeting point and essential items packed.
In summary, extended power outages can be inconvenient and potentially dangerous, but there are various emergency power options available for your home. While a standby backup power system offers the most convenience, a portable generator is a more affordable alternative. Additionally, battery-powered emergency light bulbs can keep your home illuminated, and a battery backup power source ensures your electronic devices stay charged. Be proactive and prepared to handle power outages effectively with these tips and affordable solutions.
