Blackout or other catastrophe

• Water: You need to have enough clean water for drinking, cooking and hygiene. The general rule is one gallon of water per person per day, but you may need more depending on your needs and activities. You can store water in bottles, jugs, barrels or a water BOB that fits in your bathtub¹². You also need a way to purify water if your tap water is contaminated or unavailable. You can use purification tablets, filters, boiling or bleach².
• Light: You need to have multiple sources of light that do not rely on electricity. You can use flashlights, lanterns, candles, oil lamps or light sticks²³. Make sure you have enough batteries, matches, lighters and fuel for your light sources. Be careful with candles and lamps as they can cause fire hazards. LED flashlights are more energy-efficient and last longer than regular ones².
• Food: You need to have enough non-perishable food that does not require refrigeration or cooking. You can stock up on canned goods, dried fruits, nuts, granola bars, peanut butter, crackers and other snacks². You also need a manual can opener and utensils. If you have a gas stove, you may be able to cook some food, but make sure you have ventilation and do not use it for heating³. If you have a grill or a camp stove, you can use them outdoors only³.

• Heat: You need to have ways to keep warm if the temperature drops. You can use blankets, sleeping bags, warm clothes, hats and gloves³. You can also drink hot liquids like water, tea or coffee⁴. Do not use your oven, stove or grill for heating as they can cause carbon monoxide poisoning³. If you have a fireplace or a wood stove, make sure you have enough wood and matches. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby and do not leave the fire unattended³.
• Communication: You need to have ways to stay informed and connected during a blackout. You can use a crank or solar powered radio to listen to news and weather updates². You can also use a cell phone or a landline phone if they are working. Make sure you have alternative charging methods for your phone such as a car charger, a power bank or a solar charger². You should also write down important phone numbers such as emergency services, family members and friends in case your phone dies or loses signal⁴.
• First Aid: You need to have a first aid kit that contains basic supplies such as bandages, gauze, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment, painkillers and scissors². You should also have any prescription medications that you or your family members need. Keep them in their original containers with labels and expiration dates. If you have any medical devices that require power such as a CPAP machine or an insulin pump, make sure you have backup batteries or generators³.
• Safety: You need to have ways to protect yourself and your property during a blackout. You can use locks, alarms, cameras and motion sensors if they are battery powered or solar powered³. You can also use a firearm if you are trained and licensed to do so. Make sure you store it safely and securely away from children and unauthorized users. You should also have some cash on hand in case ATMs and credit card machines are not working².

These are some of the things that you can do to prepare for a blackout or other catastrophe. Of course, every situation is different and you may need to adjust your plans according to your needs and circumstances. The key is to be proactive and prepared before an emergency happens.