Are YOU Prepared When The Power Goes Out? (PSA)
What to do when the power goes out? Dr Gruffy investigates!
Are YOU Prepared When The Power Goes Out? (PSA)
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On Tuesday this week, the Finnish rescue and municipal authorities deliberately cut off the power to a major city in Northern Finland, Rovaniemi, with the intention to simulate a nation-wide power outage - a rare but a possible scenario that would create widespread chaos and terror. And the outcome? They had to abort the simulation because it took them too much time to do their simulated repairs on the main power grid. At almost the same time, heavy snow (yes, we got our first snow :P) caused power lines to be cut, plunging another town genuinely into darkness for several hours. 'nuff said.
That being told, in urban areas, power lines are of course safely located underground, but in the rural areas, and in the unlikely scenario of a major city-wide power loss, it can definitely happen.
The question now goes, are you prepared for the power outage?
This advice is not for a Revolution kind of a scenario, just for the times when the power goes out for longer than 5 minutes. Might be some useful information here for y'all, just in case, you know.
What Happens When the Power Goes Out?
Frankly, everything stops. We run on electricity, and once the infrastructure is gone, so it the world as we know it. The internet, the mobile phone services (once the transmitter stations run out of auxiliary power), credit cards, the plumbing, ATMs, fuel pumps at the gas stations, water services, central heating, the industry, you name it. Everything runs on electricity, and once it's out, it's out. You're on your own.
Should I Prepare?
Yes you should! Even a 5-minute power cut can be made more bearable with a few small preparations, let alone a 5-hour or a 5-day one! Most of these preparations require very little effort and generally also very little money, too. I'm not going to tell you guys to start buying emergency generators (though that would be awesome ^^). Information is your best friend against the dark and the cold and the scariness.
Do I Need Equipment?
A few simple pieces of equipment will help you to ride out the power cut in relative comfort. Some of this stuff you probably already have at home, the rest you can acquire at a low cost. Do it at your own budget!
Yes, it's a flashlight, not a fleshlight!
Battery-operated light will be your friend, obviously. When the switch on the wall stops working, you'll definitely want to have something to light the way. Flashlights aka torches can be bought cheaply, and with the modern LED technology, they are bright and use relatively little power, so you can get a lot of juice out of those batteries. Generally I would suggest having a small flashlight located in a place where you know it is, such as your bedside table, in the kitchen, or maybe even in the drawer of your desk! Find one that suits your needs- it doesn't have to be a super-powered death ray, just enough to show your way around the house without hurting yourself! Stocking a few spare batteries is also an essential, and inexpensive way to go further with what you've got.
You also see solar-powered lamps being sold, but a word of caution is in hand - while free, endless power sounds cool, the cheap models are generally useless, and will do you no good. Lamps recharged by turning a crank on them, usually called windup flashlights can also help you out, but again, watch for quality. You don't want the crank to fall off your only lamp that will soon fizzle out, leaving you in the darkness.
If you want to go one step further, investing in a cheap headlamp will also be a good idea. Not only will you get a lamp that's good for doing some late night bedtime reading, it will also free your hands to do stuff while you can see what's going on. Perfect for repairs as well as going out at night to un-illuminated areas, whether it's because there's no streetlights, or they're out. Again, remember to look for quality, and remember that you don't need a searchlight strapped to your head.
Candle in the Wind
Candles are a great way for emergency lighting - they are inexpensive, can be stored indefinitely, and they not only provide light, but they also give out quite a lot of heat, which can be nice if the weather is cold and your house is getting a bit chilly at the moment. Usual cautions stand - candles should never be burned without supervision, kids are not allowed to touch them, and you should always burn them on a non-flammable surface away from any flammable materials. Don't lights them on top of the TV or any other piece of electronics and keep them away from candles, flowers, carpets, newspapers, books, and anything that might catch on fire. Simple candle holders are very inexpensive, and in a pinch, you can also improvise them from things such as drinking glasses, empty glass jars, or even saucepans and frying pans. Just make sure to keep the candles on a level surface and that they won't accidental fall or get knocked over when you move about.
And of course, stock up on matches or lighters, you don't want to end up having candles but nothing to light them up!
Money Makes the World Go Around
When the electronic world goes out, so goes the electronic financial system. Your credit card or bank card won't work, because even if the tills are working, they won't be able to connect to the electronic banking system. If you manage to find a shop that's operating even without power, or maybe you need a bus ticket or buy some other item or a service, you will need cash. This depends on your own needs, of course, but it might be a good idea to keep enough for shopping for a few days' needs, and maybe a little bit of extra for emergency needs that might arise.
...and so do cars...as long as you have fuel!
As mentioned before, fuel pumps are likely to stop working at the gas station, so having a can of spare fuel for your mode of transport is definitely not a bad idea. Remember to store it responsibly in a well-ventilated area, keep the fuel out of fire, and store fuel in a proper fuel can, not in an empty milk bottle or something.
Auxiliary Power
How about your gadgets? Wireless internet and phone connections might keep working for some time on auxiliary power on the transmitter stations, providing you with a way to communicate with the outside world, contact your friends, workplace and family, and to find information about the power cut and any kind of chaos it might be causing. Those smartphones suck up power like hungry calves, so it's good to figure out how to give them at least one recharge. Inexpensive power banks can give you just that, and can make a difference. Don't forget that the best use you can give for your laptop in a power cut situation might be to use its battery power to charge your phone via USB!
Radio
Yes, the radio might be the way to go to get information about the situation. Radio stations have auxiliary power to run their transmitters, which means that the authorities can use them to deliver notices and information. If your phone doesn't have a radio, having a battery-powered radio will be a good idea. It might be a small thing, or maybe one of those boom boxes *gasp* that also run on batteries. They generally last for a long time, but again, you should use the radio sparingly and not use it to play your MP3 collection of the Greatest Hits of Tina Turner even if you're bored out of your mind by the lack of Facebook.
Food and Water
Losing power means that you probably won't be able to cook, if you don't have gas, or maybe a camping cooker lying around somewhere (which you should only use in a well-ventilated space and not leave unattended!) - this means that having a few non-perishable food items around the house can make a difference between comfort and misery. I'm not saying you should start stocking up on MREs or other doomsday staples - the simple act of stocking your pantry with a couple of cans of fruit, meat, vegetables, fish, crackers and chocolate means you can keep eating. You probably have that stuff lying around anyway, so having a spare box or a can won't do harm. Just remember to keep eating them before they spoil and replace what you eat! Obviously, you should start by eating your perishables such as bread, any cooked meat or food you might have, and fruit.
Fridges will stay relatively cold for quite some time without power, as long as you don't open the door. After about a day, however, things that spoil will probably start doing it. Keep your senses open when you plan to use any food from a fridge that hasn't been on for some time. If it stinks, don't eat it. Be especially wary of dairy products, raw meat and chicken. Better be safe than sorry!
Freezers also will remain cold enough for several days, even, as long as you don't them. You may try to extend the period of comfortable coldness by padding the freezer with stuff such as blankets and pillows, and maybe newspapers, if you have them around. Remember that you should remove all such emergency insulation as soon as the power comes back because you might be blocking vital air intakes and the like.
Water service is likely to be cut, even in city areas - there might be some water pressure for some time, especially if the water system is gravity-based, but once the tanks run empty, they won't be able to top them up, and water will be lost. It's good to stock up and buy some bottled water which you should use for drinking. A healthy adult may need up to three liters of water every day. You also need water for cleaning and cooking and washing. Store bottled water in a cool, dry, dark place to prevent algae from growing in it. Yep, even tap water turns green after a few weeks in sunlight. Remember to check the by-dates! Running water into pitchers, buckets and other vessels can give you some spare water to use for drinking, especially if the power cut is a brief one, as well as flushing the toilet, which also won't be working. Just to warn ya.
Hygiene
Yep, without water, you have to take the matters in your own hand, so to speak. If the power cut goes on for a longer time, you'll probably start feeling a bit ripe. Baby wipes are inexpensive and can be used to give yourself a bit of a towel bath, which will leave you refreshed and feeling better with yourself. Change your clothes, wash your teeth, comb your hair and keep up your hygiene routines even in a power cut to feel better, stay clean, and to smell better. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer is a great way to keep yourself from catching germs or transmitting them, especially if you can't wash your hands. Best to use it before cooking, eating, and after going to the bathroom. Also, don't' forget lip balm. You'll feel even more miserable if there's no computer and you have chapped lips.
Yeah, about the toilet...you may have to use a bucket, if the plumbing doesn't work. Disgusting, but a man's gotta do what a man's gotta do. Torn newspapers and any strong-smelling washing detergent can be used to make the bucket a bit less disgusting, especially if you can't put it outside. Let's hope that you can. *gulp*.
Warmth and cooling
If the power goes out on a cold period of the year, you might be in trouble. About 10 degrees Celsius (50F) is about the lowest temperature people tolerate for extended periods of time without exercising themselves to warm their bodies up. Below that, your body has to do extra work simply to stay warm, and you'll start getting exhausted. You should look up any warm clothes and not be sparing with them, and also wear them to bed, if you have to sleep through it. If you can warm any food or water , enjoy the warm drink, it'll also raise the morale. Remember to keep eating and drinking to fuel your body's fight against the cold.
If the power cut seems to be extended and it's getting really cold, you should evacuate into one room of the house and try to keep that as closed as possible, to keep the heat from escaping. Building a fort from blankets thrown over a table and sleeping underneath there bundled in blankets will help you to conserve heat. Make sure it's ventilated, so that you don't choke!
If it gets too cold to bear, consider evacuating to somewhere with heating. Don't be a hero.
During summer months, the exact opposite may be true - without air conditioning, you will become exhausted with the heat. Keep drinking water, make sure your food and water doesn't spoil, and wear loose, airy clothing. Avoid excessive exercise and stay in the shadow, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses and keep drinking. Eat something salty (but not too much, that'll only make you thirsty!) to replace the salt you lose through sweating. If you have a pre-existing health condition that makes you especially suspect to ill effects from heat, consider evacuation to somewhere cooler. Like your mom's place.
Medical needs
In a power cut situation, the emergency medical services may become overcome, both with minor complaints as well as people who've hurt themselves while stumbling in the dark, and, if the power cut goes on longer, with people suffering from exposure to the elements and the like. It's good to remember that if you don't need acute help, it's best to stay at home and fend for yourself. Obviously, if you are severely ill or injured, you should seek help immediately, but in other cases, having a few simple things around will make sure you can stay comfortable and safe on your own. If you have any prescription medication or other medical needs, make sure you have enough for a few days, and if not, try to acquire some as soon as possible. If you have any medication that requires to be kept in a certain temperature, make sure you can keep it so even if the fridge goes out of action, for example.
Make sure you have a first aid kit at home, to treat those minor bumps and small ailments. A good basic kit should contain at least:
band-aids for small cuts
cleaning wipes for cuts and bruises
something to soothe burns, such as tea oil
bandages for larger wounds
scissors for cutting bandages and band-aids
a triangular bandage (for immobilizing broken arms, can also be used as a large bandage)
tape for fixing bandages
sports tape or cohesive bandage for sprained ankles and the like
instant cold pack (for sprains and burns)
tweezers for taking out shards of glass, bee stingers, splinters and the like
thermometer for measuring body temperature
a "space blanket" for extra heat
a resuscitation mask (usually a protective sheet of plastic) for CPR
any prescription medication you might need and photocopies of the prescriptions
eye drops
antihistamine allergy tablets (good for allergies as well as allergic reactions)
cortisone tablets (sold in some countries as emergency remedy to snakebite, bee sting and other allergic reactions that may be life-threatening)
loperamide capsules (for diarrhoea)
oral rehydration sachets (for replacing lost fluids and electrolytes if you vomit or have severe diarrhoea)
topical antibiotic cream (for small cuts and skin inflammations)
non-steroid anti-inflammatory tablets ie. pain killers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. (ALWAYS READ THE LABEL AND NEVER TAKE MORE THAN YOU SHOULD IN ANY GIVEN PERIOD OF TIME!)
antacids for gastric discomfort
flu remedy (if you believe in that sort of a thing)
condoms (always best to be prepared!)
sanitary napkins or tampons for ladies who need them
Remember that you should tailor any medical supplies to your own specific needs!
Security and Safety
Your dark home can be a scary place, and it can also be dangerous. You can't see a thing, and everything familiar seems a little bit strange. At least there are a few simple things you can do to make things a bit more bearable. You should clear the routes so that you can move safely around the house or apartment and won't stumble on any clutter and break your bones. You should pull plugs on electric appliances so that any possible power surges won't damage them when the power is restored. This also helps to prevent fires and overloads in the grid when power is finally coming back. You should also have a fire blanket and a fire extinguisher around to stop any fires. You should also know how to turn off the gas and water and power, especially in case you have to leave your own home. Keep the doors and windows locked and closed, unless you need them for ventilation. Check your smoke detectors and if possible, get a carbon monoxide detector to protect yourself from the invisible, fatal poison gas. Having a few basic tools around the house won't do you any harm, either, even if all you end up doing is fixing a painting to a wall.
Information and planning
Most of all, information is very important. Keep copies of important documents such as IDs, passports, medical prescriptions and the like. Keep a list of important phone numbers, such as family members, friends, workplace, the police and the hospital. Make a plan for leaving your home if you lose power for a long time and it's no longer feasible to stay at your place. Where will you go? What will you take with you? Will you have to take care of someone else? Maybe the elderly, sick neighbor next door? Who will you have to tell that you're going? Having these things thought out and written down will save you a lot of trouble and worry.
If you have to leave
If the situation gets worse and you can't stay home, whether it's because of the weather, or you don't have any food or you have to go and help someone, keep your head calm. Pack the things you need ,take any money and valuables with you, and supplies such as a flashlight. Dress as per the weather. Close all doors and windows, pull plugs, and close the water and power if you have to stay away for a longer time. Leave your home like you only popped out for a coffee - that deters burglars looking for a free plasma TV. Always tell someone you know where you're going, so that you won't be listed as missing in the chaos.
Final note
This is by no means an authoritative piece of writing. Nor does it count as official emergency information. It's just some common sense advice on how to make yourself more comfortable, and maybe help yourself and others out in a pinch. You should seek extra information from your local authorities in your own country and local area. The internet has good sources, too, but only look at official information. Anti-zombie preparations are probably a bit too paranoid. *chuckle*
Cheers, y'all!