Here We Go Again!

As we move into what may be another scorching Texas summer, preparation for power disruptions and rolling blackouts is essential. There are steps you may take to reduce the impact of such events on your daily life, notwithstanding their unpredictability. Some of the issues we'll discuss are how to keep your food fresh without electricity, how to keep your house comfortable without air conditioning, and the importance of having a backup battery for your medical devices.

Be ready to back up the lighting system

It's difficult to find your way around the house at night if there is no electricity. Having a backup lighting system ready in case of a power outage is essential. There are battery-operated lights and torches available for purchase. Make sure you always have backup sets of batteries on hand. There's also the option of using solar energy to power the lights. These lights can be charged throughout the day with sunlight and then utilized at night to provide light. Lights generated by the sun are another green alternative to using the electricity grid. We have built a solar-powered battery charger. You should try!

Cook and Prepare food without power

In the event of a power outage, it could be challenging to prepare food. However, options exist that do not necessitate the use of electricity. Keep cooking meals by ensuring you have enough propane gas for your camp stove or grill. In the absence of a gas stove or backyard grill, a portable propane burner or camp stove can be used instead. You could also look into making or purchasing solar ovens. They cook food well, but it may take longer than you are used to. I particularly don't have patience for these, but I know folks who love them. Lastly, nothing beats a plain, open fire to cook on. These inexpensive tools offer an alternative to using electricity when cooking.

Preserving Food

It could be challenging to maintain the freshness of perishables like food in the absence of electricity. To keep things chilly, you may prepare a cooler full of ice or frozen water bottles. Plan ahead to have your short-term food to prepare during the next short-term in smaller containers. Plan around running your generator to run the freezers for a few hours to keep it at a optimum temp. You might also invest in a generator or a battery-operated fridge or freezer. These appliances may be run off of either a generator or a set of solar batteries, making them ideal for short-term food storage during the outing. The price might be reasonable if you live somewhere that frequently experiences power outages.

Home cooling!

The importance of keeping a healthy body temperature during the hot summer months cannot be overstated. On triple-digit days, if the power goes out, you might not be able to cool off. One option is to let in some fresh air by opening windows and doors, but on very hot days, that might not be enough.

In the event of a blackout, a portable battery-operated fan could prove to be a lifeline. Close all the shades, close doors to rooms you're not using, and stay in the coolest portion of your home. It goes without saying that you should dress as coolly as possible. To beat the heat, you can also mist yourself with water from a spray bottle. Do some more research on condensation cooling. We've made several water condensation "coolers" that do a decent job. If you have a central air conditioner, you can use a generator to power it. However, if you're not sure how to do this safely, it's best to see an expert.

Power Sources for Critical Healthcare Equipment

People who need electrically powered medical equipment cannot go without a backup supply. Medical devices, such as oxygen concentrators and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines, require a reliable power supply at all times. If you rely on a machine that must have continual power, it is wise to invest in a solar generator, a dual fuel generator, or an appropriate backup battery system designed for medical equipment. These systems can provide electricity for several hours or even days, depending on the battery's or fuel source's capacity.

Conclusion

Rolling blackouts and grid failures are prevalent in Texas throughout the summer; therefore, it is imperative that you take precautions to safeguard your own safety and comfort. Prepare for power outages by having a backup plan for lighting, cooling, and running any life-supporting medical devices that require energy. Stock up on food and other basics before a blackout so that you can ride it out without worrying about running out while being warm and dry. We'll post more on this topic and provide some checklists to help you get ready.