It can be easy to forget how much we depend on electricity for everyday life. Experiencing a power outage can quickly make you realize how much our standard of living depends on energy. Acquiring a kit of emergency supplies before an emergency can prove to be a smart move. The recent snowstorm in Texas along with hurricanes in Florida exposes how vulnerable the power grid can be. If these weather events teach us anything, it should be the importance of self-reliance and being prepared! The worst thing you can do is rely on the government to bail you out.
With recent weather events, more people are realizing how unprepared they are when faced with a long-lasting power outage. A power outage lasting just a few days can have major consequences if you’re unprepared. We recommend acquiring emergency supplies that will get you through a period of no less than a month. This may seem like a long period but it’s better to be over-prepared than being stuck depending on someone else. Being over-prepared also means you’re in a better position to help neighbors and other people in need during this critical time.
We have acquired a list of three essential items everyone should consider including in their kit of emergency supplies. We know a few of these items may be expensive, but if you’re able to do it, then it may prove to be a worthwhile investment. Nobody wants to pay for insurance until they need it. You can consider this list to be insurance against the unexpected.
1) Non-Perishable Foods
Any food that is kept in the refrigerator or freezer runs the risk of getting spoiled during a prolonged power outage. It’s a good idea not to take a chance of eating contaminated food that may cause your situation to be a little more uncomfortable. Storing non-perishable foods in your pantry or other safe location in your house is essential during any emergency. Below is a list of non-perishable food items to keep in a secure location.
- Canned: beans (pinto beans)/soup/fruit and vegetables/tuna/fish/poultry
- Nuts/grains/protein bars
- Peanut butter
- Shelf-stable milk
The items listed above can vary in shelf life. For example, canned items have an estimated shelf life of 2 to 5 years according to the USDA, while unopened shelf-stable milk can last up to 6 months.
Knowing a storm is approaching may cause a run on the supermarkets. Walking through the grocery store aisle with empty shelves will not be a good feeling. A few companies specialize in non-perishable food items. My Patriot Supply offers short-term and long-term supply options. Each meal is crammed with 2,000 calories. Best of all, the shelf life is 25 years!
2) Water Filtration System
Having access to clean water is essential during any emergency. As shown by the recent winter storms in Texas, unprotected pipes can lead to water freezing thus bursting the pipes. We use water in our everyday life from bathing, cleaning, cooking, etc. You don’t want to be stuck in a situation where you don’t have access to clean water.
While you can stock up on bottled water, we recommend keeping a water filtration system that can filter water and make it safe to drink from almost any water source. Top-quality water filters can filter out 200 plus contaminants including heavy metals, bacteria, chemicals, virological, and pharmaceuticals. Two top-quality water filters that have built a reputation for performance and durability are:
- Big Berkey Water Filter
- AlexaPure Pro Water Filtration System
3) Power Generator
A power generator can be a savior when the electricity goes out. Power generators come in different sizes and can be suitable for small tasks such as charging home electronics, powering fans, and keeping the lights on. Larger size generators can do all the above plus keep larger appliances such as refrigerators, ovens, and even the central heating/cooling system running without missing a beat. Depending on your needs, power generators can run between $200 to $15,000.
If you’re on a price budget then you may consider investing in a portable power generator to charge and power essential items such as cell phones and basic lighting. We recommend choosing a generator with a minimum of 3,000 starting watts. This will be enough to power basic appliances such as refrigerators, microwaves, and electric stoves. However, it should be noted not to power all appliances at once unless you have the required watts. You can find a portable generator capable of 3,000 starting watts as low as $300.
The Bottom Line
Take a lesson from our great grandparents and learn to become self-sufficient. The standard of living we have grown accustomed to can be easily taken away. The power grid has shown to be vulnerable and prolonged power outages are a real thing. Take the necessary steps and get emergency supplies on hand before a disaster strikes.