The next big blackout of the power grid is a big concern for all of us. I found this great article about this very topic over at theprepperproject.com.The author of this article, Rayna made a great job.Read the excerpt below, and click through to the full article to learn even more about how you can be preppared when SHTF.
August 14th, 2003 we experienced the largest blackout in the history of the U.S.. This event left over 50 million folks without power. As with most events such as this one, it came unexpectedly. Where ever you are when the next blackout occurs chances are, especially if you are in the city, it will be a major inconvenience. Truth is, the electrical grid in the United States is already at its breaking point. Whether it be rodents in the wires or just one more housing development that brings down the grid it will happen again. How city folk can prepare for the next big blackout.
Before It’s Lights Out
Regardless if you are a city dweller or living off the land in the country most of us still probably depend on electricity in some way or another. Although it would be easier to cope with a blackout if you were in the country you can still survive if you are stuck in the city. As with any pending disaster preparation is key. The following are some items to consider before the next blackout.
- Learn how to keep your food cool to prevent spoiling. Did you know that you can still have milk without refrigeration?
- Fill up plastic or cardboard containers with water (leave some room so they don’t burst) and stick them in the freezer. This will keep your food cool for awhile however, this is just temporary.
- Keep medication in the fridge and limit how many times you open the door. This goes for everything that you do in the fridge. The fridge and freezer will keep things cold for a little while providing you don’t keep opening the door.
- Build a emergency preparedness kit. Have a area of your home where you can keep a bug-out bag with essentials in it such as: medical supplies, food, water, etc.
- Have a bag of items that you can use for protection. Depending on how long the grid is down you might have a lot of desperate folks out there wanting what you have. During the blackout of 2003 I noticed that people were seemed happier. They came out of their homes and actually talked to their neighbors. However, this may not be the case if the grid is down for weeks, months or longer. Having weapons is necessary if you want to survive.
- Have a family communications plan in place and be sure that everyone is on the same page. Blackouts never occur when it is convenient. Chances are that you will probably be at work, school, shopping, etc. when the lights go out. Make sure that everyone knows where to gather. Landlines will still work without electricity but cell phones likely will not because the towers will be down.
- Try to always keep you gas tank on full or close to it. Gas pumps run on electricity.
- Make sure that you have the keys to the front door of your home. The garage door runs on electricity.
- Keep flashlights and battery operated lights on hand and always ready. You can use candles as well just be sure to keep on eye on them especially if you have children and or pets.
- If you are fortunate to have a generator test it regularly. Know how to safely run it and don’t run it indoors.
- Know how to keep your family cool if it is hot out and warm if it is cold out.
It’s Not Too Late To Learn Something New
Read the full article on theprepperproject.com
Other useful resources:
Blackout USA (EMP survival and preparedness guide)
Backyard Innovator (All Year Round Source Of Fresh Meat,Vegetables And Clean Drinking Water)
Conquering the coming collapse (Financial advice and preparedness )
Liberty Generator (Easy DIY to build your own off-grid free energy device)
Backyard Liberty (Easy and cheap DIY Aquaponic system to grow your organic and living food bank)
Bullet Proof Home (A Prepper’s Guide in Safeguarding a Home )
Family Self Defense (Best Self Defense Strategies For You And Your Family)
Sold Out After Crisis (Best 37 Items To Hoard For A Long Term Crisis)