5 Ways to Prepare for Power Outages in the Pacific Northwest

With winter storms already hammering the Seattle area, it is time to start thinking about riding out the next power outage. If you are in a rural area, you are going to be at a higher risk of losing power the next time a strong wind storm blows in. There are a few things you can do today that will help make that power outage a little easier to deal with. You will find what you need at Greenwood Hardware.

1. Flashlights and batteries are a must. When you are buying extra batteries, keep in mind you will probably only get eight steady hours out of your standard batteries. If you are preparing to ride out a power outage that may last a couple of days, keep this in mind. It is a good idea to buy the LED flashlights that require less battery power to run and will last you much longer. Buy a flashlight for every member in the house. This way everybody can have their own to move about with.
2. Battery-powered or solar lanterns are great for lighting up an entire room. This will save on your flashlight usage.
3. Candles and matches are a must if you are not going to have a lantern. It isn’t feasible to leave a flashlight with its limited light on for hours on end. A few candles will provide plenty of light in a room. Make sure you have candle holders as well. Emergency candles are best and will provide the more light than a candle in a jar.
4. A miniature solar panel for your cell phone or tablet is very inexpensive and will come in handy. The panels are powerful enough to recharge your phone battery and run small electronics.
5. Get some board games and cards stashed away. Boredom is a big issue. We are so used to all of our technology it is a bit of a culture shock to have to live without it for several hours. It will save your sanity if you have a way to keep the kids busy. Crayons, coloring books, and puzzles are also good to have on hand.

Power outages can be kind of fun (as long as everyone is safe!), but they are so much better when you are ready for them. Put all of your supplies in one place like a Rubbermaid tote stored in the closet. This way, when the power goes out, any member of the family knows right where to go to get everything they need. Head into Greenwood Hardware today to stock up on what your family needs for the next power outage. Come on in, or contact us today.