A power outage is not fun and something we aren’t often prepared for. This is a trying time that can take a toll on your mental and physical health, especially if it lasts for days. There are things you can do to pass the time in a positive way while making your health a priority, and it starts with preparation. Here are 6 tips for maintaining your health during a power outage.
1. Meals and Hydration
Without a gas stove, cooking will be challenging during an outage. It is important to have a supply of non-perishable and pre-prepared snacks and meals as well as certain fresh produce. Fruit that can last on your kitchen counter includes apples, bananas, and avocados. Some great pantry items to keep on hand include granola bars, sliced bread, crackers, chips, nut butter, jam, jarred pickles, salsas, tinned tuna, sardines, and trail mix.
Staying hydrated is very important, especially if it is hot and the AC isn’t running. Stock up on bottled water and fruit juice. You may also want powdered milk for kids and protein powder for adults.
2. Batteries and Flashlights
Forget about charging your phone for its flashlight, because you might not be able to. It is best to keep a few flashlights or portable lanterns that use batteries on hand for light. Be sure to have a good supply of batteries as well.
Candles can be helpful, but they aren’t necessarily the safest source of light. You need good LED lamps and flashlights that can provide a clear path from one room to the next. Many accidents happen during an outage when you are stumbling around in the dark.
3. First Aid and Medications
It is extremely important to make sure you refill prescriptions as soon as they are due. You don’t want to run out of life-saving medications during a power outage. This includes having EpiPens that haven’t expired.
Your health might depend on an emergency first aid kit during an outage. Things to have in your kit include the following:
- Rubbing Alcohol or Hydrogen Peroxide
- Cotton Balls
- Antibiotic Ointment
- Bandages
- Scissors and Tweezers
- Hand Sanitizer
- Digital Thermometer
- Instant Cold Packs
- Pain Relievers
4. Stay Warm
There is nothing quite as scary as a power outage in the dead of winter in northern climates. If you lose heat, you need to have a backup plan for staying warm. This includes having a stash of extra blankets or sleeping bags, winter hats, and gloves or mittens.
It is never recommended that you use a gas oven to heat your home in an emergency. If you have a fireplace or wood stove, keep some extra split logs in a dry space. If it is blistering cold, get yourself to a designated shelter with a backup generator that has been properly tested and approved by a utility service company.
5. Move, Play Games, and Read
Keeping your brain engaged during stressful downtime is just as important to your health as keeping your body safe. Get outside in nature, if that is feasible, to feed your organs and muscles with fresh oxygen. Store a few games or puzzles in the house to keep your brain engaged and to provide fun.
While many of us rely on audio or e-books, it is always a good idea to have real paper books on a shelf for reading. This is critical when there isn’t any TV to watch, a laptop to play on, or a radio to listen to. Reading aloud to kids is a wonderful way to pass the time and keep them from having meltdowns.
6. Charge Your Phone
Always charge your electronics before a storm hits and the power goes out. This is essential for your safety. You need to be able to report the outage and call for help if needed. Keep a car charging port or USB cable handy in case you forget to charge your phone. You can turn on the car and charge your phone, even if you can’t go anywhere due to temporary road closures.
Make sure that your phone has a list of emergency contacts. This includes relatives, town agencies, hospitals/doctors, and utility companies.
