Help! Love, MOM

A few weeks ago I came home to an unexpected power outage in my neighborhood. And, while I did have a few resources, I truly wished that I had done more to ready myself and my home for the possibility.

Here are some of the things that I IMMEDIATELY wished that I had available.

1. Battery Operated Fan

I was soooo hot. I slept downstairs in the living room. My basement would have been cooler still, but it was not in shape to “receive visitors.”

A fan is crucial to staying cool when the power goes out, particularly during extreme heat. Battery-powered fans or portable air conditioning units can provide immediate relief.

These devices can cost between $25 and $150, depending on the size and type. Look for models that run on rechargeable batteries or even solar-powered options to conserve energy.

2. Portable Power Bank or Generator or a Solar Charger

I had charged my phone before I left work so my phone battery was decently high. But, I was nervous about running out of power.

Access to a portable power bank would have kept my phone and other small devices charged during the outage.

When my mom was alive I talked to her, in vain, about buying a small generator. (She knew that I planned to help with the purchase.)

I could hear the noise from my neighbor’s unit droning away a few weeks ago. I thought about me and my mother sparring about this issue. I’m considering taking my own advice and purchasing a small generator.

In addition, I’m told that a solar-powered charger can be a game-changer if your outage lasts for several days.

3. Cooler and Ice Packs

I have a cooler but, on that hot night, I only had pitifully few ice cubes and 3 lonely ice packs. I’m not sure what I can do going forward. Buy more ice packs? I don’t tend to keep lots of ice or ice packs on hand.

Now I’m being trifling.

If you have ideas, please share.

4. Non-Perishable Food and (more) Water

This should have been the easiest thing to already possess. No refrigeration needed. Easy to open.

But still, I have ground to cover in this area as well. I had some supplies on hand, but again, not enough. And, if you’re going to depend on canned items, you’re also going to need a mechanical can opener.

5. A List of Emergency Contacts

I was very frustrated by the needing to spend so much time just looking for the number to report power interruptions to the electric company.

Having the phone number to the police department, relatives (in case your phone dies; if that happens, you likely won’t remember phone numbers), close friends, work, that kind of thing. Super important.

Conclusions

I have lots of additional work to do in order to feel more prepared for emergencies. However, I am committed to being ready. By the end of the year, I will have made these purchases

xoxoKimberly.