If I'm being honest, I really didn’t have a clue as to everything that would ‘go out’ in a power outage! There is actually a term for this type of event - Grid Down. Today we are so heavily reliant on electricity for every aspect of our daily lives that if and when a grid down strikes, we’re in serious trouble! That is if we haven’t taken the time to do a little prepping. Having no electricity is more than just an inconvenience—it can disrupt our routines, affect our safety, and limit our access to essential services. Understanding what becomes unusable without electricity during a power outage emergency can help you prepare and lessen the impact. Here's what we learned…
1. Home Appliances and Electronics
Refrigerators and Freezers: One of the most immediate concerns during a power outage is food preservation. Without electricity, refrigerators and freezers can only keep food cold for a limited time. After a few hours, food may begin to spoil, leading to waste and potential health risks.
Cooking Appliances: Electric stoves, ovens, microwaves, and other kitchen gadgets become inoperable without power. This makes it difficult to prepare meals unless you have alternative cooking methods like a gas stove, portable camping stove, or grill.
Heating and Cooling Systems: HVAC systems, space heaters, and air conditioners are all powered by electricity. Without them, maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature can be challenging, especially during extreme weather conditions. This is particularly critical for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, infants, and those with medical conditions.
Lighting: Without electricity, all electrically powered lights become unusable. While candles and battery-powered lanterns can provide temporary lighting, they are not as effective as your regular lighting fixtures. NOTE: don’t use candles!
Washing Machines and Dryers: Laundry appliances become unusable, making it difficult to keep clothes and linens clean during an extended outage.
Water Heaters: Electric water heaters stop working, which means no hot water for bathing, cleaning, or cooking.``
2. Communication and Information Access
Internet and Wi-Fi: Most internet service providers require electricity to power modems and routers. Without electricity, your home Wi-Fi network will be down, cutting off access to the internet. This can make it difficult to access news updates, emergency alerts, and communicate with others.
Landline Phones: Traditional landline phones that plug into the wall and require electricity will not work. However, phones that plug directly into the phone jack without needing electricity can still function, provided the phone lines are not down.
Cell Phones: While cell phones can still operate on their batteries, charging them becomes a challenge without electricity. Portable power banks and car chargers can be lifesavers in this situation.
Television and Radio: Without power, televisions become unusable. Battery-powered or hand-crank radios are essential for receiving emergency broadcasts and staying informed during a power outage.
3. Water and Sanitation
Electric Pumps: Homes that rely on well water systems with electric pumps will lose access to running water during a power outage. This affects everything from drinking water to flushing toilets and taking showers.
Municipal Water Supply: While most municipal water systems have backup generators, prolonged power outages can still affect water pressure and supply. Additionally, electric water heaters will not work, limiting hot water availability.
Sewage Systems: Electric-powered sewage pumps, commonly used in homes with basements, will not operate during a power outage. This can lead to backups and sanitation issues.
4. Gas and Fuel
Gas Pumps: Gas stations rely on electricity to pump fuel. During a power outage, gas stations may not be able to operate, making it difficult to refuel your vehicle. This highlights the importance of keeping your gas tank at least half full in case of emergencies.
Electric Vehicles: Owners of electric vehicles (EVs) will be unable to charge their cars without electricity, limiting their mobility during an outage.
5. Medical Devices and Health Care
Home Medical Equipment: Many people rely on electrically powered medical devices, such as oxygen concentrators, CPAP machines, and dialysis machines. Without power, these devices become unusable, posing serious health risks. It’s crucial for individuals who depend on such equipment to have a backup power source, like a generator or battery pack.
Refrigeration for Medications: Some medications, such as insulin, require refrigeration. During a power outage, it’s important to have a plan in place to keep these medications cool, such as using a cooler with ice packs.
6. Security Systems
Home Security Systems: Many home security systems, including alarms, cameras, and smart locks, rely on electricity. During a power outage, these systems may not function, leaving your home vulnerable. Some systems have battery backups, but it’s important to know how long these backups will last.
Garage Door Openers: Electric garage door openers become unusable without power, potentially trapping your car inside. Knowing how to manually open your garage door is essential.
7. Transportation and Infrastructure
Traffic Lights: In urban areas, traffic lights will be out during a power outage, causing traffic congestion and increasing the risk of accidents. It’s important to drive cautiously and treat non-functioning traffic lights as four-way stops.
Public Transportation: Electric-powered public transportation systems, such as subways and trams, may be disrupted during a power outage. This can affect your ability to commute or evacuate during an emergency.
8. Banking and Financial Services
ATMs and Payment Systems: ATMs and electronic payment systems rely on electricity. During a power outage, accessing cash or making electronic transactions can be difficult. It’s wise to keep some cash on hand for emergencies.
Bank Branches: Banks may close or have limited services during a power outage. Plan ahead for any banking needs you might have during an extended outage.
How to Prepare for a Grid Down Event
This is a lot to take in…Understanding what becomes unusable during a grid down event emphasizes the importance of being prepared for power outages. Here are some steps you can take to make sure you're ready:
- Emergency Kit: Assemble an emergency kit that includes flashlights, batteries, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, non-perishable food, water, medications, and first aid supplies.
- Backup Power: Invest in a generator or portable power bank to keep essential devices running during an outage.
- Alternative Cooking Methods: Have a portable camping stove or grill for meal preparation. Be sure to have extra charcoal or propane tanks on hand. The Kelly Kettle is an incredible emergency preparedness device as it works on all natural fuel you can find anywhere (grass, twigs, wood chips, leaves) and will boil water fast as well as cook food.
- Water Supply: Store bottled emergency drinking water - preferably packed in HDPE food safe plastic, with a long shelf life. Have a plan for accessing clean water - a good water filter which does not work on electricity. We recommend the AquaBrick® Water Purification System and the AquaPail Water Filter 5500 Gallons. Both rely on the powerful DuraFlo Filter. Stock up on those. .
- Cash: Keep a supply of cash on hand for emergencies.
- Communication Plan: Ensure you have a way to communicate with loved ones and stay informed during an outage. Check out this editable Family Communication Plan from Sagan Life®.
So these are some pretty effective steps. These will lessen the impact of power outages and keep you and your loved ones safe and comfortable during emergencies. Remember, preparation is key to handling any crisis effectively. Start TODAY!