Electricity Blackout 101: How to Prepare For A Long-Term Power Outage

No matter how prepared the entire country might be for a natural disaster, weather or man-made, preparing for a long-term power outage on your own should always be in the back of your mind.

While states like California and Texas have experienced summers of blackouts in the past, unfortunately, many states across the United States, specifically in the Midwest, will likely need to prepare for potential widespread extended power outages and blackouts.

What’s happening? Forecasts are predicting extreme winter weather in 2023-24, where some areas, like Texas, could lack energy to sustain power lines and grids, putting homes at risk.

With our fingers crossed that your home is safe, you will want to take steps to prepare for a long term power outage. Use our checklist for all of the power outage supplies and essentials you’ll need, steps you should take during a power outage, and how to get those pesky appliances that are not working removed after the power outage.

The first step in tackling power outage prep for a blackout or extended power outage in your area is to identify what you’ll need supply-wise. You’ll want to focus on food and water supply, but you’ll also need other power outage essentials such as batteries, radios and more, as there’s no telling how long you’ll be off the grid.

What to do during a power outage

While there are plenty of things to do to prepare for a long-term power outage, from having the right materials to prepping your home accordingly, there are a few things you can do immediately when the power goes out that can help you in the long run.

Should I unplug everything during a power outage?

The short answer is: Yes, you absolutely should unplug every appliance that needs electricity during a power outage. Not only will this save you having to mess with the circuit breaker later on, it’s also one of the first things you should do when the power goes out.

You don’t want to find out that your refrigerator won’t start after a power outage. Be prepared!Check every appliance you have in your home.

How to survive a long power outage checklist

There are several power outage essentials you’ll want to make sure you have well ahead of any electricity blackout in your area. While most emergency kits will include most of these items, some may be harder to find than others, such as the right generator for you.

Power Outage Essentials

• ✔️ Extra Batteries: Stay stocked!
• ✔️ Flashlights: Nothing worse than getting stuck in the dark. Light your way with long-lasting or solar power lighting.
• ✔️ First-Aid Kit: A well-stocked first-aid kit can help you respond effectively to common injuries and emergencies.
• ✔️ Sanitation Supplies: When sewer pipes are damaged entire communities are at risk. Be prepared with toilet paper, soap, feminine supplies, garbage bags and bleach.
• ✔️ Digital Thermometer: Don’t waste the food inside your fridge, by checking that any perishable food remains at a safe temperature to eat.
• ✔️ External Water Supply: Store a 3-day water supply, for hydration and personal hygiene. One gallon, per person, per day.
• ✔️ Non-Perishable Food: Appliances will stop working during a power outage, so keep a 3-day supply of food that doesn’t spoil.
• ✔️ Portable Cell Phone Charger: You’ll want to make sure friends and family can still reach you in the case of a electricity blackout.
• ✔️ Radio: Stay up to date with any important information in your local area. Keep a USB or battery powered radio on hand.
• ✔️ Generator: Generators are crucial to survival during a power outage. A good external power supply can keep you going for over two weeks.
• ✔️ Tools: Be prepared with a utility knife, small fire extinguisher, duck tape, wooden matches, plastic storage containers and a large sized bucket.

In dire situations, it could be too expensive to purchase a backup generator. If you can, great! If not, you’ll want to look at getting a emergency generator, which is a lower power version of a backup generator but can still power the simple appliances you’ll need during a blackout.

A good example of this is Champion 3800-Watt Dual Fuel Generator, but any variation of an emergency generator can get the job done.

Afterwards, if you find your generator is no longer working or you no longer have use of it, LoadUp has trusted removal experts who can easily get rid of it with eco-friendly disposal.

A power outage is not only a mess for you to prepare for and endure, it could leave some unexpected long-lasting affects, some of which a utility company can’t help you with. Power grids and infrastructure can cause all kinds of issues, and surges can damage appliances in your home and other equipment that needs electricity.

Unfortunately, when a circuit is interrupted it can cause permanent damage to appliances like stoves, refrigerators and freezers, ovens, televisions and much more.

⚡🔌⚡ PRO TIP: Make sure you put surge protectors on sensitive devices, like computers, televisions and refrigerators to prevent any damage if you can’t unplug before the blackout.

You won’t need to worry about hauling off those appliances that are no longer working after the power is restored. LoadUp has trusted junk removal experts that are more than capable of removing any bulky appliance for eco-friendly disposal.

Chances are, your house is a little messy and full of clutter. Not only can we disassemble any appliances that aren’t working, we can also pick up bulky items for disposal to help with the decluttering once the electrical power is back on. Anything you need removed (with the exception of hazardous waste) our Loaders can handle it.

All in all, the process can be a pain, whether it’s preparing for power outages, enduring the cold, or dealing with the mess afterward. In the end, however, LoadUp can help you get your home back to where it was before with trusted junk removal experts for a guaranteed, upfront price, 20-30% less than other junk removal companies.

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