BLACKOUT.........NOW WHAT?

It's mid summer, the drain on the power grid is at dangerous levels. Every A/C and fan on the block is cranking, the refrigerator is opening and closing all day, lights are on in many rooms because it's to hot to be outside.
What else is new? It's summer and it's hot, what do you expect?

Well what you should expect is interruption of power. A hot summer Tuesday night might not give you a second thought unless the lights go out. Then, it will be the only thing on your mind.

All of a sudden the little things you take for granted become paramount. First thing we notice is of course the lights. We don't do dark as well as our ancestors did. If you are at work when the power goes out the chances are you will have some sort of generated back up power and or emergency lighting. This will not last long. Unless you are in a health care or corrections environment, you are not on the must resupply list.

Plan for a long trip home. Traffic lights will be out, the sub way will not be running. It may be dark. It's really going to be a challenge.
Always carry a personal flashlight, even a small LED is better then nothing. This will help you reach your car, the bus stop or even a stair well.

I recommend the Stream Light Stylus Pro. Handy size and very good output, the price is right to boot.

If you are lucky enough to be home, life need not be terrible, just inconvenient.

During hot summer months always keep freezers full of ice and iced drinks. Keep some foods that are edible once thawed out, such as veggies and fruit. meats may be usable if used right away. Keep a grill or at least a small Hibachi and charcoal for cooking. You may have gas to cook on but have a back up plan. Don't forget a "percolator" style coffee pot and a hand powered can opener.

Coolers should be available to store food and supplies, Your refrigerator is big and once power is out it is not efficient at keeping contents cool, coolers are actually better, you can fill them with ice or Frozen items from you freezer and it will keep cool for a long time.

Chemical ice packs or "Gel" packs work well but I think frozen water is much more useful, you can't drink Gel!
Store water now! Should things get worse for any reason, water may be disrupted. Any "Mart" store will sell five gallon water jugs. They are worth keeping, I suggest at least two for one person for two days.

Candles, Lanterns and Flashlights with Fuel, Batteries and Safety Matches should always be on hand. These items will not stay on the store shelves very long IF the stores are even open.

Candles in glass are always safer then exposed flame.


Electric lanterns are safe, keep batteries fresh.

High Quality White Gas Lamps such as this are worth the money, They put out a lot of light and I think they are stylish.

Flash lights (LED) are cheap and small. Buy many for the home, car, office, garage, basement, bedroom. Keep a few all around the house. I never move them unless I'm using them. In this way, I don't need to hunt for them, they will always be where I need them in the dark.

Oil bottles are safe and spill proof. They store well and are inexpensive.





How long will this last?

Only the crews working on the problem know for sure. So listen in on the game. Portable Radio Frequencies Scanners with Police/Fire/Ambulance frequencies are great but having your local Utilities provider and municipal workers radio frequencies will keep you in the know. These frequencies can be found on the Internet.

Keeping Cool, Hydrated, Reasonably Well Fed and Securely Informed. That's all you need for the moment. Grouping with friends or family helps time pass in the company of those you trust and can be comfortable in the dark with.

Very last but not at all least, keep some form of self defense close at had. Darkness brings out the dirt bags and should one of these wolves come a knockin, the sheep need to bite as well.

RJ