How to prepare for a long-term power outage

Power outages are more than just inconveniences. They can impact our safety, our comfort, and even our daily routines. Whether you’re living in an area prone to natural disasters or merely facing the occasional grid disruption, it’s wise to be prepared. Here’s a handy guide to help you navigate these challenges.

How do I prepare myself for a blackout?

With some foresight and planning, you can be well-equipped to face any prolonged power outage, whether the power’s out for minutes, hours, or days. Here’s a list of measures you can take to prepare:

• Make a survival kit: A power outage survival kit is the cornerstone of preparedness. It should contain essentials like flashlights, batteries, a first-aid kit, non-perishable foods, and clean water.
• Have backup power: Investing in a dependable home generator can make all the difference. Not only does it keep lights on, but it also ensures vital appliances—like refrigerators and heaters—continue to operate. Regular maintenance and a good source of fuel are also crucial.
• Stay informed: Monitor weather forecasts and be alert to any potential power outage warnings in your area.
• Mind your appliances: When you anticipate an outage, it’s wise to unplug appliances to protect them from potential power surges when the electricity returns. If you’re wondering what appliances should be unplugged during a power outage, focus on high-value and delicate electronics like TVs, laptops, and microwaves.
• Consider entertainment: It might sound minor, but planning what to do during a power outage for fun can lift spirits in an otherwise stressful time. Board games, books, and puzzles can be wonderful distractions that don’t use any power. 
• Plan for water use: People often wonder, can you use water when the power is out? In general, plumbing appliances, like toilets, showers, and sinks, remain operational during power outages. Regardless of your water source, it’s a good idea to keep bottled water on hand for drinking and emergencies. If your home is connected to city water, disruptions are unlikely, as many city water systems utilize gravity-fed designs that are independent of electricity. However, if your residence relies on a well system, your water access will be limited to what’s available in the reservoir, which can run out without power. 

How long do power outages last?

Power outages can vary widely in their duration depending on several factors, such as the:

• Cause of the outage
• Severity of the disruption
• Resilience of the electrical grid
• Response measures in place

For instance, Hurricane Maria struck Puerto Rico in 2017, leading to a virtually complete loss of power on the island. The devastation was compounded by the island’s outdated infrastructure and logistical challenges, delaying repair and restoration efforts. Power wasn’t restored to normal levels until roughly 11 months later. 

Similarly, winter storms in 2021 led to severe power outages in Texas that lasted around two weeks. The Texas grid was not adequately winterized, and the state’s isolated energy infrastructure struggled to cope with the unprecedented demand, prolonging the outage.

These are, of course, the worst-case scenarios. To determine the average length of outages in your area, you can reference data from local utility providers. Many utility companies maintain records and provide annual reliability reports detailing the average duration and frequency of outages. You can also check local news outlets or community forums for stories and firsthand experiences. By combining official records and community accounts, you’ll get a comprehensive view of your area’s average power outage duration.

What is the best generator for emergency use?

A home generator is invaluable when it comes to ensuring a continuous power source during a blackout. For those wondering, what is the best power source during a power outage, a trusted brand like Cummins Inc. offers reliable home generators that kick in immediately after a power disruption. Other reasons to trust Cummins generators for emergency use include:

• Quiet operation: Unlike many generators that create noise disruptions, Cummins models operate with low-noise efficiency.
• Remote monitoring capabilities: With the era of digitization, Cummins facilitates real-time monitoring of your generator. You can oversee and manage your generator’s functions from anywhere with your mobile device.
• Energy efficiency: Designed for optimal fuel consumption, these generators provide powerful output without excessive fuel usage, making them more economical in the long run.

If you want to dive deeper into preparing for power outages and understanding generator solutions, the Cummins newsroom offers a wide array of information and expert advice.