It doesn't have to be winter

No secret that a lot of people in New England are living through the "it doesn't have to be winter to have a storm that raises hell with everything" scenario right now.

Now I have to ask:

are

you

that

guy?


Not throwing stones here but how prepared are you for an out of season storm that takes down power for loads of people?  No, you don't even have to have a generator - it's still relatively warm out.  But you do need a plan:

Even if your plan is just to go to a hotel for the duration of a problem, it IS a plan!

So what do you actually need to account for (assuming it's not the dead of winter and cold enough to freeze the bazokas off that old brass monkey) in your plan if you want to stay home?

Just hitting the high spots here - you need a functioning phone so you can call for help if you need to.  That's actually a pretty high priority in the giant scheme of things.

And, no, it doesn't have to be that complicated - sometimes just a car charger can mean the difference between a charged phone and one that might be useful as a paperweight.  And since you always keep your car at least half full of fuel you can run it to charge the phone - no problem here!

You also need sources of light - flashlights (with extra batteries), perhaps a battery lantern (I'm not a big fan of the ones that work off propane or liquid fuel) and maybe some solar lights?

You also need a way to cook, water to do it with (and flush that all important commode) along with enough for basic hygiene.  The key word here is basic:  water to wash your hands, brush your teeth and drink.

A simple one burner propane stove will be enough to cook with for the short term.  Doesn't have to be complicated or expensive.

As usual this is not a "how to" deal - it's meant to start you thinking about what you might need/have to do if you lost power unexpectedly.  We all expect it in the winter - this time of year?  Not so much.

So take a look around your world and be that OTHER guy!

Does it have to be perfect?  No.  Will it be perfect?  Not a chance - there is always something you will wish you had done better/more of/sooner/whatever.  But it's a place to start and something to improve on for next time.

If you were totally not ready for the first time it's also a wonderful opportunity to make a list of what you wish you had done - honest.

Because there will be a next time - there always is.