87 percent of power outages are caused by severe weather conditions. It's therefore important to have a power outage preparedness plan in place. The last thing you want is to get caught up in the situation.

There are constant climate changes wreaking havoc in the entire globe, leading to power outages. Floods, superstorms, droughts, and tornadoes have become a frequent occurrence. Although you might feel odd keeping certain supplies, it's better to get on with it.

During winter, being without power and heat in the room can be a tough situation. Trying to find items you need in the dark, makes a bad situation even worse. You should keep everything you need in one place that is easy to access.

Always be prepared for extreme situations. If you have everything well-organized, it's easy to grab your pack and seek shelter elsewhere. You never know when it all comes in handy.

There are supplies that you should never miss in case of a power outage. They should last you for a few days if the power goes off. Read on!

1. Food Supplies

It's advisable that you pack food supplies that can last you for a minimum of 3 days. The food should be easy to prepare and nutrient dense. Pack foodstuffs that you will enjoy eating, rather than eat for convenience.

Remember being stuck in the darkness with the food you hate can only add to your misery. Power outage preparedness aims at making your life bearable during the ordeal.

If the cause of power outage is a snowstorm and not tornadoes or flooding, you can pack light. Have a couple of energy giving snacks in your reserve. Ensure you pack your pantry or cupboard with items that are shelf stable.

2. Water and Beverages

Staying hydrated and energized in a bad situation is super-important. Most people tend to sweat when they are in panic mode. Always ensure you maintain your liquids level.

Pack a few bottles of Gatorade; they can help in balancing the electrolytes. Stock up canned or bottled juice and check expiry dates. You don't want to deal with an upset stomach and power outage simultaneously.

Remember to also pack some instant drinks, such as apple cider or hot chocolate. Choose what you feel can help you in case of an emergency.

During emergencies, water supplies get contaminated easily. Keep the portable water bottle within reach just in case. It is advisable to have a water purification pump. You can use it to get water when your reserve runs out.

3. Medication

If you are taking any prescription medication or using medical devices, ensure you keep them in a place you can easily find. You might have a hard time tracing them in the dark.

A good example is an inhaler, for asthmatic patients. A blood pressure pill and blood sugar level detector are also vital.

You should stock medications that help in managing any condition or staying alive. If you suspect the stock is running low, contact your doctor immediately. Alternatively, you can notify your pharmacy benefits company to expedite a new shipment.

4. Flashlights and Candles

It's likely you already have some lying somewhere in the house. The question is, can you locate them quickly in the dark? Flashlights can come in handy particularly if you don't have a power backup plan.

You can also buy a headlamp that makes it easier to rummage through stuff hands-free. You can use it to locate the flashlights in case of a power outage. Rechargeable light sources are also great to have.

Get a stock of unscented candles and store them within reach. You should remember to add a lighter or a matchbox to the batch. The unscented candles are cheaper so you won't strain financially.

Having a source of light is an essential tip that power outage preparedness highlights.

5. Batteries

Most homes stockpile batteries which is advisable because they can never be too much. You can also help your neighbors out if they run out of supply. Remember to include the round and small batteries for watches and other similar items.

You can use this tip in case you forgot to keep a good stock of batteries. Get batteries from some electronics that can't be in use when there is a power outage. The stack of toys, remotes and game controllers can come in handy.

6. Power Backup

In this case, you can have solar energy, generators, or both. When selecting the right power backup option, be sure to calculate your average monthly power usage.

Backup diesel generators are one of the options. There are also generators that are powered by liquid propane and natural gas. So, make sure you always have fuel for the generator in your home.

Solar energy is also a great option. Many homeowners may consider this because the long-term cost is significantly low. Basically, solar uses the sun to generate electricity at no cost.

7. Carbon Monoxide Detector

During a power outage, natural gas becomes prevalent due to heightened use. The gas increases the risk of having carbon monoxide poisoning. Fortunately, most homes today are adopting the carbon monoxide detector as standard equipment.

Ensure that you have one operated by batteries. One that uses electricity cannot serve you at this time.

8. Phone Lines

Landlines have become extinct, but there are still a few who maintain home phones. If you are one of them, have a corded phone in a working condition. A cordless phone cannot work without power.

If you only have mobile phones, consider having a means of charging it. A car charger can be of great help. You should have a functioning phone to reach emergency services and family.

9. Stock up Sanitation Supplies

When there is a power outage, you have no hot water to wash hands or dishes. Always remember to have a decent supply of antibacterial wipes and antiseptic hand wash. The sanitary supplies will help you in preventing contamination of food and water supplies.

10. Be Well Prepared for Cold

Extreme weather conditions such as floods cause most power failures. If you have a fireplace and a stock of firewood, you are well covered. You should also consider having a kerosene or propane heater to warm the house.

Power Outage Preparedness - Final Thoughts

Power outage preparedness calls for a lot of planning and strategizing beforehand. The spectrum of things needed is so broad and can hardly be exhausted at once. The bottom line is, stock up the most essentials required to keep healthy and alive.

Be wary of any scenario that can cause a power outage. It doesn't have to be cold-related at all times. Summer and spring hurricanes can also cause prolonged lasting power outages.

They can subject you to long hours to deal with heat without air conditioners. Whenever you are replenishing emergency supplies for the blackout, remember to cover all seasons. Do not be caught unprepared and stranded.

Meanwhile, read this post on how to save money on electricity every month.