When the power goes out in your apartment, it can leave you with a number of issues to deal with. Not only will you lose your lights, but you’ll also be unable to cook or use the Internet.
Fortunately, there are some things you can do to prepare for a power outage. Start by making sure you have all the necessities on hand.
Get a flashlight.
If the power goes out in your apartment, you’ll want to have a flashlight handy so you can see what you’re doing. Having a flashlight on hand can save you from falling over something or hurting yourself in the dark.
You can get a variety of flashlights, including LED models that use batteries instead of electricity. These lights are also very safe and can provide light for a long time, especially if they’re rechargeable.
Flashlights are also a great way to keep track of your surroundings. They come in a wide range of shapes, sizes and lumens so you can find one that fits your needs best.
Another option is a propane lamp, which can give you plenty of light when the power is out. However, they can also be dangerous if you’re not careful. They are also prone to fire, so make sure to store them away from pets and children who might knock them over.
It’s a good idea to have a few extra candles on hand, too. These can also be used to keep you and your family safe during a power outage.
Before a power outage happens, check your circuit breakers and fuse box to ensure they are working properly. Many modern breaker boxes will have little windows that turn orange when a switch is tripped. If none are tripped, the problem may be limited to your apartment and you should call the power company.
Lastly, don’t forget to stock up on batteries for your emergency lighting options. You can also put together an emergency kit so you’re ready to go when the power is out. It should include a flashlight, batteries, matches/candles, bottled water, non-perishable food, charged backup chargers for your cell phone and medical supplies.
Get a radio.
Having a radio in the event of a power outage is a smart idea. It will keep you in touch with information and let you know when the power is back on. It will also keep you safe during a storm by providing updates about weather conditions and warnings, so you can prepare for the dangers that may come your way.
The Midland ER310 is a good choice for this purpose. It features seven NOAA channels with flood, tornado and thunderstorm warnings, a 25-county memory system and a 90-decibel siren. Its push-button controls are simple to use and the flashing LED time display is easy to read in the dark.
You can even set up a NOAA alert, which will send you an email or text message with weather reports. This is a good alternative to having to rely on your AM/FM radio or the news.
It also features a hand crank and solar panel charging modes, so you can use it when you get to the campground or the hiking trail, as long as you have a good source of batteries on hand. It has a backlit LED screen, which is great for reading in the dark, and it offers 10 hours of playtime on its full charge.
A radio is a vital part of emergency preparedness, especially for people living in areas prone to dangerous weather events like hurricanes and tornadoes. Having the ability to hear up-to-date weather reports can give you valuable information about what to expect, and it will help you stay informed when cell service is down or the internet is unavailable.
A good rule of thumb is to have a battery-operated radio, a flashlight, and a first aid kit on hand in your apartment at all times. This will ensure you’ll have the tools to stay safe and healthy in the event of a power outage.
Get a portable charger.
When your power goes out in an apartment, you need to be prepared. This includes having a portable charger to keep your devices charged.
You can get a portable charger that can charge your phone several times or a battery pack that can hold enough power for days. There are many different types of battery packs, so it’s best to choose one that fits your needs and is comfortable to carry around.
If you have a large amount of devices that need to be charged, you’ll want a larger capacity. This is especially true if you have tablets, laptops or other large devices that use a lot of power.
Also, be sure to look for a portable charger that can provide fast charging. This will help to speed up the charging process and allow you to charge your devices more quickly in a power outage.
It’s also important to look for a portable charger that offers surge protection and temperature control. This will prevent your device from overheating and destroying itself.
Lastly, be sure to choose a portable charger that has a return policy in case it doesn’t work for you. This will prevent you from having to spend extra money on a new device.
The best portable chargers have multiple outputs, allowing you to charge more than one device at the same time. This can be a great feature in an emergency situation because it will give you the peace of mind knowing that you’ll be able to power your devices.
Get a blanket.
If you’re in the midst of an apartment power outage, you’ll need to do what you can to keep warm. One of the most effective ways to do this is to gather together in a room and use blankets to create a fort.
This will help to centralize your body heat and can be especially useful for anyone with respiratory ailments or children. Using a sleeping bag is also a good idea, as they’re designed to provide more insulation than standard blankets.
The best way to make this happen is to have a large supply of blankets on hand. You can purchase these from most department stores or your local grocery store. The blankets should be thick, heavy and warm to ensure your family stays cozy.
You should also have a variety of different clothing layers to wear, including thermal underwear and socks. These can be worn over a long-sleeved shirt or sweater to create extra warmth.
Lastly, a pair of hand warmers is a smart investment to have on hand in case you need to warm your hands quickly. These are great for holding in your hand and can be a lifesaver if you find yourself without electricity for a prolonged period of time.
Another way to keep yourself warm is to cover windows and doorways with blankets. This will not only keep you warm, but it will prevent drafts from forming in your apartment as well. You can even cover your window with painters tape to help keep it firmly in place.
Get some water.
When the power goes out in an apartment, it can be difficult to know what to do next. It’s important to take steps to prepare for the unexpected and make sure you have everything you need to survive until the power is restored.
One of the first things to do is get some water. You’ll need to have a source of fresh water for drinking, cooking and cleaning.
Fill up buckets and bathtubs as soon as the power goes out to ensure you have plenty of clean water to last until the lights come back on. It’s also a good idea to stock up on bottles of bottled water for yourself and your family so that you don’t have to worry about running out during an emergency.
Keep in mind that city water should work during a power outage if you live in a house or apartment building that’s connected to the water supply. However, if you’re in a high-rise and the water pumps from the towers to your apartment stop working during a power outage, the water will be unavailable for use.
If you’re concerned that your water will not be safe to drink, contact the water company and ask about any boil alerts. You can also stockpile bottled water for your own family and store it in a cooler until the power comes back on.
Another thing to do when the power goes out is to try to locate where the breaker panel, main water shutoff and pump system switches are located. You should be able to find these places if you’re familiar with your apartment and the surrounding area.