How To Prepare For Emergency Power After A Grid Failure; Short And Long Term

Humans are not nocturnal creatures. A simple flashlight or candle provides a sense of security, intertwined with the ability to see otherwise invisible details. Whether in a long term or short term sense, the power grid fails. This is true regardless of country, location, or nationality. A system built by man is a flawed system, and no matter how small the chance, it will fail at some point.

If you accept that a power failure is a possibility, and already have a few flashlights stored along with some batteries, you are already more prepared than many individuals out there. When it comes to emergency power, there are different types to be considered; those for short term disasters, and those for long term sustainability.

Short Term.

In a temporary loss of power, disposable batteries will suffice. Having a stockpile (and rotating them accordingly,) is a simple precaution to guard against any possible interruptions for a week or less of power. It is important to recognize that some flashlights take different sizes, and to standardize your batteries as much s possible (much like your ammo supply.) There are adapters that can fit around a AA battery to fit into a D-cell slot, but on a temporary basis those won’t be necessary. The basic battery sizes that you should stockpile (with exceptions,) include;

• AA (any small device)
• AAA (very small devices)
• C (some flashlights.)
• D (flashlights, lanterns, any large devices)
• 6volt batteries- usually larger flashlights, spotlights, and lanterns.

If you lack a way to cook your food (ex. A propane fuel source) then purchasing a small camping stove would serve to be in your best interests. The fuel for them is cheap and plentiful- for now. A small case of spare cans for the stove would ensure you could cook any food, should some start to spoil in a temporary emergency, as well as boiling water if the need arose.

Also, a generator with extra fuel could be used; allowing continued refrigeration and temporary light. Depending on your area, a generator can be gasoline, multi-fuel, or diesel. Which fuel source it runs on is up to the individual.

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