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Energy & Home Systems

Blackout Readiness

Power outages are the most common emergency most families face. A little preparation turns a stressful blackout into a manageable inconvenience. This checklist covers light, warmth, food, and communication.

Light and power

  • Keep flashlights and headlamps in known, reachable places
  • Store plenty of spare batteries
  • Have a power bank or solar charger for phones
  • Keep candles and matches as a careful backup

Warmth and cooking

  • Have a safe off-grid way to cook a meal
  • Keep warm blankets and layered clothing accessible
  • Have a safe backup heat source and know how to use it
  • Keep a supply of easy, no-cook food on hand

Food safety

  • Keep the refrigerator and freezer closed as much as possible
  • Know how long your food will stay safe without power
  • Have a cooler and ice packs ready
  • Move to shelf-stable meals during longer outages

Stay informed and calm

  • Keep a battery or hand-crank radio for news
  • Agree on a family meeting plan and contacts
  • Keep a little cash on hand, since card readers may be down
  • Take the quiet as a chance to rest and pray together
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?Psalm 27:1