I live in the Boulder, Colorado area. I survived a 500-year flood in 2013 and was on edge the day of the Marshall Fire, when the wind blew so hard my 50-pound ceramic planter got blown off its pedestal column and cracked. I already have a wildfire evacuation checklist printed out and in sight and am thinking of having a go-bag at the ready. This is just to say that disaster prepping, once the purview of survivalists, doomsayers and reality TV, has matured into a pragmatic response to the current climate crisis. Fires, floods and hurricanes are increasingly rampant. Whatever disaster is most prevalent in your locale, it’s good to be prepared for its eventuality.
Done in moderation, emergency preparedness makes sense. It can be a legitimate and even reassuring way to feel a sense of agency in the face of events you otherwise have no control of. Adequate prepping can reduce the fear, anxiety, and losses that accompany disasters.
Here’s your guide for what you can do if the power goes out.
Emergency Preparedness Steps & Supplies
Invest in a generator
The best all-around solution, investing in a generator, is also the most expensive. You can get your home outfitted with a built-in generator that will take over when your main power goes out. A generator typically costs a few thousand dollars. A portable generator is cheaper, but the money you save comes at the cost of how long and how many devices it can power. However, there are ways you can prepare for a power outage that do not require the significant outlay a generator demands.
Shine a light
One of the most difficult parts of a power outage is not having any light. During an emergency, you need to stay as healthy and injury-free as you can, and that won’t happen if you’re scurrying around in the dark. A word to the wise, the flashlight app on the phone is a battery vampire. Instead, LED lanterns are wonderful to have on hand, as well as some heavy-duty flashlights and a stash of candles.
Stash enough water
Having an ample supply of clean water is a top priority in an emergency. According to FEMA, a normally active person needs to drink at least two quarts (half gallon) of water each day. People in hot environments, children, nursing mothers, and ill people will require even more. Since you will also need water for food preparation and hygiene, try to store at least one gallon per person, per day.
Consider storing at least a two-week supply of water for each member of your family. If you are unable to store this quantity, store as much as you can. Having an innovative water filter such as Lifestraw, a personal water filter that can provide 792 gallons of safe drinking water without chemicals (and can be stored indefinitely) would be a farsighted addition. Also, filling up all the bathtubs in the house will give you extra water for flushing toilets or basic hand washing.
Keep an emergency food supply
Depending on whether your range is gas or electric (and how long you can keep your fridge—closed and cold), you may need some other options for healthy food. For creating hot meals, a small butane, propane or charcoal camping/tailgate grill should be in your inventory as well. You can procure a small portable charcoal grill for as low as $50.
As to provisions, one strategy is to assemble a a “prepper” pantry of dry and canned goods—or to do both in parallel. Plenty of shelf stable options will make a world of difference. Chips and crackers can only go so far. Canned goods such as beans, soup, cereal and oats, nut butters, and dried fruit are good basics. Staples such as grains, dried beans, instant coffee, powdered milk will be much appreciated if a disaster does indeed come to pass.
A selection of pouch meals will round out the pantry—these kinds of freeze-dried rations can be surprisingly delicious. Emergency food supply buckets and backpacks are a convenient way of consolidating your prep pantry by keeping everything in a designated spot.
Prepare an emergency kit
In an emergency you will need some basic supplies to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours. Here’s a checklist of what to include.
- Water: Two quarts of water per person per day. Include small bottles that can be carried easily in case of an evacuation order
- Food that won’t spoil, such as canned food, energy bars and dried foods (Replace food and water once a year).
- Manual can-opener
- Wind-up or battery-powered flashlight (and extra batteries)
- Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
- First aid kit
- Extra keys to your car and house
- Pet food and extra water for your pet
- Special items such as prescription medications, infant formula, equipment for people with disabilities or food, water and medication for your pets or service animal (personalize your kit according to your needs)
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper
- Whistle to signal for help
This prep guide isn’t by any means complete, but it will keep you lit and make sure you still have food. But don’t forget: Sometimes the best emergency tool at your disposal are your neighbors. So try to get to know them and be on friendly terms—before disaster strikes.
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