August 14^th, 2003 we experienced the largest blackout in the history of the U.S.. This event left over 50 million folks without power. As with most events such as this one, it came unexpectedly. Where ever you are when the next blackout occurs chances are, especially if you are in the city, it will be a major inconvenience. Truth is, the electrical grid in the United States is already at its breaking point. Whether it be rodents in the wires or just one more housing development that brings down the grid it will happen again. How city folk can prepare for the next big blackout.

Before It’s Lights Out

Regardless if you are a city dweller or living off the land in the country most of us still probably depend on electricity in some way or another. Although it would be easier to cope with a blackout if you were in the country you can still survive if you are stuck in the city. As with any pending disaster preparation is key. The following are some items to consider before the next blackout.

• Learn how to keep your food cool to prevent spoiling. Did you know that you can still have milk without refrigeration?
• Fill up plastic or cardboard containers with water (leave some room so they don’t burst) and stick them in the freezer. This will keep your food cool for awhile however, this is just temporary.
• Keep medication in the fridge and limit how many times you open the door. This goes for everything that you do in the fridge. The fridge and freezer will keep things cold for a little while providing you don’t keep opening the door.
• Build a emergency preparedness kit. Have a area of your home where you can keep a bug-out bag with essentials in it such as: medical supplies, food, water, etc.
• Have a bag of items that you can use for protection. Depending on how long the grid is down you might have a lot of desperate folks out there wanting what you have. During the blackout of 2003 I noticed that people were seemed happier. They came out of their homes and actually talked to their neighbors. However, this may not be the case if the grid is down for weeks, months or longer. Having weapons is necessary if you want to survive.
• Have a family communications plan in place and be sure that everyone is on the same page. Blackouts never occur when it is convenient. Chances are that you will probably be at work, school, shopping, etc. when the lights go out. Make sure that everyone knows where to gather. Landlines will still work without electricity but cell phones likely will not because the towers will be down.
• Try to always keep you gas tank on full or close to it. Gas pumps run on electricity.
• Make sure that you have the keys to the front door of your home. The garage door runs on electricity.
• Keep flashlights and battery operated lights on hand and always ready. You can use candles as well just be sure to keep on eye on them especially if you have children and or pets.
• If you are fortunate to have a generator test it regularly. Know how to safely run it and don’t run it indoors.
• Know how to keep your family cool if it is hot out and warm if it is cold out.

It’s Not Too Late To Learn Something New

You don’t realize how much you depend on something until you no longer have it. People living in the city or within the limits of one count on being able to go to the store when they need to and running the washer machine. In a blackout none of this will be possible. If you don’t know how to wash cloths without electricity or cook a meal without a stove now is the time to learn. Are you or the people in your household lacking in the skills department? Here are some links to helpful articles that will get you started if this is new to you:

• Build a survival fishing kit.
• Learn to forge for food.
• Know how to use a knife for multiple things.
• If you are a woman, consider carrying a weapon.
• Know how to depend your home and property.
• Consider joining your local Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).
• Learn basic medical skills.

Final Thoughts On Surviving a Blackout

We take so much for granted that we don’t stop to think how we would do something if what we needed to use was gone. Whether it be: no gas for the car, no working toilet, stuck on the twentieth floor without an elevator, or having to make dinner for the family without a working microwave. If you are in the country these dilemmas would probably not be problems for you. However, if you are in the city, you might find it difficult to accomplish what you need to get done. Now is the time to prepare for the next blackout.

Here is a fun idea that you and your family can do to help prepare. Take a day and pretend that you do not have electricity at all. Everything that you do whether it be communication, making food or getting around you have to do it with out power. Afterwards, have a discussion and see what came easy and what you found difficult to do without power. It is a good place to start for your blackout preparations. Because you never know what tomorrow might bring.

Source:theprepperjournal.com