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Post by braided-rug on Oct 23, 2005 9:34:47 GMT 10
Since leaving our hometown we have had several power outages. This is what the American Red Cross suggests. www.redcross.org/services/disaster/0,1082,0_133_,00.html We have a flourescent camping light that runs off batteries that we use to light the kitchen area. The biggest concern is that is happens around tea/supper time. We do have two candle holders made from metal on the fireplace that are safe to use. We have a kerosene light but I can't light that. We also have a kero primus stove that is slightly dangerous but you can cook on it. You can buy shelllight stoves from a camping store these days. Any other ideas? |
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Post by braided-rug on Oct 24, 2005 16:36:33 GMT 10
Other ideas we have for ourselves, is to upgrade to a bottle gas stove for the kitchen. Others have suggested a gas BBQ. We also need to try to keep wood for our outdoor BBQ which we were going to use last time, but the power came on before we needed to make a meal.
Before we had an airconditioned car we bought a square styrofoam cooler with a cup lid. We took this to ballet everyweek. You freeze water in cups or mugs and make up Koolaid or cordial and drop the large icecube or two into the cooler. So if you do have a cooler, be sure to freeze larger icecubes made from cups to you can have a really cold drink if it is hot in your area and you have a power outage.
We should also keep canned or tinned meal ideas in the cupboard.
Today we had a small outage that lasted only a few seconds, we have squiggly light bulbs for that as they don't blow as often as the others because of the outages.
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Post by braided-rug on Oct 24, 2005 16:48:57 GMT 10
frugalliving.about.com/library/blblackout.htmAlot of words here but some useful information. "Being comfortable and safe during a blackout takes a little thought and planning. Whether you're expecting one or not, have the things you need in an easily accessible place, and keep them well organized. Flashlights with fresh batteries are a must, as are candles, oil lamps or other forms of lighting. Coleman lanterns are a good choice for a high amount of light, (most are about the equivalent of a 100 watt bulb) but candles and oil lamps are generally cheaper and you can have several - to carry to the bathroom, the bedroom, the kitchen - without leaving others in the dark. If you heat with electricity or your furnace is electronically ignited, an alternative source of heat is recommended. You'll need either a campstove with proper fuel, fireplace, wood (or coal or pellet) stove, or a radiant gas heater (that will come on with a manual switch). In lieu of these, be sure to have plenty of blankets on hand. If you're driving, be very careful. Traffic lights ay not be working, so try alternative routes if you can. If not, each intersection should be treated like a four way stop. Keep some board games and good books just for the occasion, if your family is at home for long without 'being entertained' by TV, stereo, or electronic games, some old fashioned entertainment may be in order. Keep these on hand if you don't otherwise use them: Wind up or battery operated clock Manual can opener Battery operated radio Candles, lamps or lanterns..."
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Post by ellise on Oct 24, 2005 22:56:55 GMT 10
br when we lose power (Usually in the winter for us because the Ice storms down so many power lines.) We just break out the camping gear! LOL I know it may sound funny and I'm not sure if you are able to get your hands on many of the items we can get here. When we lived in Austraila it was with the military so I don't remember not having what we needed KWIM?
~ Propane camp stove
~ We also use our Grill
~ Gas powered generator
~ Hot hands/feet packs (stick these buggers inside your gloves or shoes and you are warm for hours)
~ Canned foods with "pop top" lids
~ Tuna pouches
~ Bottled water (always keep a few cases on hand)
~ Extra quilts/ blankets on the beds
I know there is more we use, but I can't remember for the life of me right now.
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Post by braided-rug on Oct 24, 2005 23:02:33 GMT 10
You are so organised. Mum was always prepared for blackouts. Those feet warmer things sound good. Luckily we have wood heating here.
Losing power in an ice storm doesn't sound fun.
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Post by ellise on Oct 24, 2005 23:29:38 GMT 10
We usually aren't out for long since DH is a contractor for the power company here.
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Admin
Major Contributor
formerly ~cara~
Posts: 4,651
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Post by Admin on Oct 25, 2005 0:10:30 GMT 10
What a great list and such good links br. Thanks.
We don't loose power much here, but at our country home we use to say we lost it each time we didn't hold our mouth correctly, meaning a lot. Here we seem to loose water more.
We were always prepared in the country for that sort of thing. Flashlights, oil lamps, blankets, matches or ignitor, bbq grill, etc.
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Post by braided-rug on Oct 25, 2005 10:00:28 GMT 10
I used to know a few people who worked for the power company, I have been wondering where the power company employees are these days. When I was little I knew their cook and got some toffee and other treats occasionally. We live near a power company now as well.
I wonder what I could do to get more organised for these blackouts?
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Post by frugalmel on Oct 26, 2005 12:58:25 GMT 10
BR, this is what I would do. (you might have already done it)
I would make a list and keep it centrally located. I would also keep your emergency supplies in an easy to get to location and keep them all together that way you don't have to run around and find flashlights in one room, blankets in another, etc.
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