Summer is finally approaching, after a long, cold winter. Temperatures will drastically climb, and the sun will make its presence known with its scorching rays. As a result, millions of Americans will be cranking up their air conditioning to counteract the heat. A substantially higher than normal consumption of electricity could overload the grids, resulting in summer power outages.
While sometimes a power outage only means a momentary electricity flickering, serious damage to power lines and the electrical grid can cause outages for days, or even weeks. The potential for power outages during the summer months has a number of possible negative repercussions, with both lives and property at risk.
Preparing for Summer Power Outages
It’s important that you’re prepared for summer power outages to mitigate the disastrous effects. The following measures help cushion the impact of a power outage:
1. Invest in a standby generator.
Generators can keep things running in the event of a power outage. Standby generators supply power to run essential appliances in homes or businesses. A typical generator provides at least 2,000 watts of power. That’s enough to keep your air conditioner, refrigerator, and maybe even a couple of other appliances running. Businesses require bigger generators than homes do.
2. Make a plan for food.
A major concern during power outages is how refrigerated or frozen food will fare for a few days’ or weeks’ worth of time. A freezer full of food should still be usable after 24 hours, as long as the doors of the freezer remain shut. After that, it might be risky. Keep coolers on hand so that in the event of an extended power outage, you can purchase ice and keep food frozen. Keeping a backyard grill or camp stove on hand is a good idea, especially if you have meat to eat up!
3. Keep emergency water on hand.
City dwellers may not experience an interruption in water supply during a power failure. On the other hand, those living outside of the city who get their water from wells will likely have problems drawing water when there is no electricity. Every family should have an emergency water supply in the event of a water shortage or disruption. It’s best to keep a gallon of water on hand for each person in your household. When you hear a severe weather warning announcement, be sure to stock up on more water.
