Solar Lights for Power OutagesWe get our share of power outages and that is usually when my flashlight batteries are dead. I don't feel comfortable lighting lots of candles, so this idea is a good stopgap while waiting for the lights to come back on.
Use Tarps When Preparing for SnowOur deck is located on the northeast side of the house. When we have ice and snow, it takes a long time for it to melt.
Power Outage Safety Plan for Persons on OxygenDo you have a safety plan for events such as snow storms with power outages? What is your plan of action? Having a plan is important if you are elderly, or know of any elderly or disabled persons, people that depend on electrical devices, such as oxygen.
Clean Globes on Oil Lamps Before a Power...Now that the days are getting shorter, it's a good time to clean your oil lamps and get the dust off the globes. That's what I have done because, when we lose power, we have no water.
Power Outage PreparationWhen I was ordering flashlights to have on hand for power outages, I came across a lantern that runs on batteries. I thought it would be a better idea then the flashlights since it would set flat on a table.
Light During an Electrical OutageI don't use candles or little flashlights. I get those big flashlights from Dollar General that take one of those great big batteries. I keep one in the living room, kitchen, bathroom and bedroom.
Emergency Light from Sports DrinkMy husband came up with this idea to light up his sports drink with a mini LED light when I was frustrated it wasn't bright enough using just candles. You get a whole lot more light out of a tiny little beam this way.
Always Have Extra Food for EmergenciesGrowing up, even though our family was low income, my mother always made sure she had extra food for storms, power outage, etc. When we would hear the bread and milk rush, when snow was mentioned, she would always say, "Do people wait until their cupboards are bare before going to the grocery store?"
Coffee Filter as Emergency Dust MaskAs odd as it sounds, I keep a package of the round coffee filters in my quake kit.
Use a Headlamp During Power OutagesBuy a couple of "headlamps". They are small flashlights attached to an elastic band to wear around your forehead - think miner's lamps. I bought mine at Home Depot.
Flashlight in Every Room for Power OutagesI keep large flashlights in every room. The kind that take the great big batteries. When the lights go out, I turn one on in the room that I am in.
Use Solar Lights For Power OutagesThis tip is for hurricane season. Use the solar lights that you have in your yard or garden for light at night if you are with out electricity after the storm.
Keep Emergency Account Numbers in Your Cell PhoneHave you ever noticed that when the power goes out, it always seems "extra dark", even if it occurs during the day? Almost makes it impossible to look up the number for the power company in the phone book.
Product Review: Voyager Solar Crank KA500 RadioAfter going without power for a week due to a tornado, I started researching hand-cranked radios. By the time I was able to get to any local stores all batteries had been sold out.
Packing Away Fuel For EmergenciesSave some dry wood cut into small pieces in old recycled jars. Pat down to pack it or carefully pack it from the top, using a hammer to further break pieces so more will fit. You could also place small bits of paper to ensure your fire will start.
Prep Bathrooms For Dangerous StormsWhen dangerous weather strikes, be prepared in advance by having a couple of very easy things in place beforehand.
Booklights in Home Emergency KitsAdd a few "booklights" to your emergency kits. Mine came in very handy during the recent blackout. I just clipped it to the front of my shirt and as it is adjustable I just pointed it where I wanted it and had a hands free flashlight!
Prepare a Disaster Bin For EmergenciesI live in southeastern NC and although we don't get the full force of hurricanes like you do in FL, we do get the damaging winds, rains, and tornadoes spun off from the storms. So keeping disaster bins is important here too.
Keeping an Inventory of Possessions in Case of DisasterKnow what you have before a disaster strikes by putting down on paper everything you have with serial numbers, make, and manufacturer. You can also take pictures of your items so they can be referred to if something should happen.
Are You Ready For An Emergency?What everyone recommends is 3 days worth of everything such as WATER; drinking water and water for cleaning yourself up. In a case where we know it's going to hit, have everyone take showers or bathe and be clean. Fill tub up with water.
Safety When The Lights Go OutEveryone's electricity goes out now and then. Trying to maneuver through the house with a flashlight in one hand or with a candle can be tricky and/or dangerous.
Solar Lights For Emergency LightsIf you use those little solar lights outside, they can come in handy during a power outage at night. Bring them inside and you have light, then take them back out in the morning to recharge.
Solar Lights for a Power OutageI live in northern Alabama, and after 150 some tornadoes recently touched down, I was without all utilities for 5 days. By the time my husband and I got out to buy some candles, batteries, and extra flashlights, everything was gone.
Having Hard Wired Telephone for Power OutagesYou need a hard wired phone that is able to dial out. Just because your electricity is out, does not mean your phone will not work if you have a hard wired phone.
Donations For Tornado Relief (Yazoo City, MS)I work in Yazoo City, MS. After this week's weather, I thought I would offer some advice to anyone wanting to help tornado victims.
Preparing for an EmergencyAre you prepared for an emergency? Be prepared for almost every emergency with lots of canned food items. You should also store water and a hand can opener with the food. Make sure you have meats that are canned as they give you energy.
Keep Spare Oxygen for EmergenciesWinter is here and has reared it's ugly head upon most of the United States. During these times, we often forget that people who are on oxygen may need to make sure they are kept in supplies. Most people have concentrators which run off electricity.
Store Important Items In Dishwasher In An EmergencyIf you live in hurricane country, put important papers and photos in ziplock bags the dishwasher when a storm is approaching. The home appliance is heavy, attached to the house, and waterproof, which makes it easy to find after a storm.
Old Cell Phone for EmergenciesI have an elderly mother who likes to work in her garden, often when I'm not at home. Rather than have her carry an awkward portable phone outside for emergencies, I wanted to buy her an economical cell phone, but was annoyed with all the charges and limitations.
Extinguishing Kitchen Fires These fires can become very dangerous and can get out of control quickly. A fire extinguisher is very helpful in situations such as this, but a simple remedy can save your home.
Preparing for a Power OutageThese tips are in addition to the American Red Cross tips for dealing with storms and power outages.
Photograph Each Room's Contents in Case of DisasterMy daughter and her family recently experienced a house fire; it was an entire loss (home, furnishings, vehicles, documents, and pet). She was able to save a three-ring binder with all of her important documents, bills and other pertinent information.
LED Key Chain Lights as Emergency FlashlightsThose little LED key chain lights are great! They are about two dollars each and give or take a little change, and they are much better for walking through the house when the electricity goes out.
Kerosene Heater For Power OutagesWe have been experiencing a lot of power loss lately. When this happens, I heat with a kerosene heater. Not only does it keep me warm, but it's my cooking source as well. You can't cook everything this way, but you can make do with many foods.
Store Water for Possible Power OutageIf we are having threats of power loss, I place bottles of water in my freezer. I use 2 liter soda bottles, laundry detergent bottles, or any bottle that has a tight sealing cap. This keeps the items frozen for quite some time.
Keep Food Cold Outside During Power OutageThis past weekend, my power went out and I was not expecting that to happen. We had quite a few inches of snow on the ground. I took my food out of the fridge and placed everything into a large plastic storage crate.
Touch Lights for Power OutagesAnother idea for power outages: I buy those touch lights. They are battery operated, and you press them to get a soft glow. Often they are used for night lights or inside closets.
Use Battery Lights Instead of Candles For Power OutagesWhenever we have a power outage, instead of candles, I use battery powered lights. You can buy battery powered lanterns, flashlights of course, and battery powered push lights. I have a push light for every room in the house.
Keep an Emergency Envelope in Your PurseMy family knows if I am ever in need of medical help and can't speak for myself to get the orange envelope out of my purse. Orange is my favorite color and easily found in my purse.
Storing Food for EmergenciesEverywhere I read about how we should be storing food due to fires, water shortage, etc. I store dry foods like rice, beans, oats, pasta, bulk foods and noodles by leaving them in their packages dating and storing them in plastic snap lid buckets.
Freeze Water Containers for EmergenciesThis is an excellent suggestion that was printed recently in our local paper as a tip for power failures during storms: make freezer packs by placing water filled water jugs, plastic pop bottles, or gallon ice cream containers in the deep freeze.
Prepare Your Freezer for Hurricane SeasonEach year preparing for hurricane season, I fill plastic containers (ice cream buckets, milk jugs), with water to freeze. Should we lose power, the ice can be used to refrigerate food and drinks while the other containers help keep the freezer cold.
Protect Your Important Documents in Your FreezerProtect your important documents (insurance info, car titles, warranties, etc.) by placing them is a zip lock bag in your freezer. Should a fire occur, they will not be burned.
Emergency Bag for Electrical OutagesInstead of trying to look in all areas for your emergency candles during a power failure, have a few stored in a bag with a lighter and flashlight. Hang your bag in the utility room or other out of the way spot.
Be Ready for a Nighttime Power OutageWe just had an hour long power outage (unexpected as it is 9 pm on a cold winter night). I learned three things tonight that I want to share (common sense but we all know that is not the way it works, LOL)
ICE - In Case of EmergencyIt is called ICE (In Case of Emergency). We all carry our mobile phones with names and numbers stored in its memory but nobody, other than ourselves, knows which of these numbers belong to our closest family or friends. If we were to be involved in an accident or were taken ill, the people attending us would have our mobile phone but wouldn't know who to call. Which number is the contact person in case of an emergency?
Keeping Foods Cold Without ElectricityFirst of all, know what you want from the fridge, retrieve it quickly, and close the door to keep the cold in. Secondly, make room on the middle shelf of your fridge to put a plastic container. I used a basin that came from my husband's last trip to the hospital...
Using Your Coffee Maker Without ElectricityDue to extended electrical outages caused by the last two hurricanes, we have discovered a few tips for coping with no electricity. The first couple days we made do with instant coffee. We have a gas range, so could heat water in a kettle.
Advice from Surviving Hurricane IkeHurricane Ike devastated Texas, Kentucky National Guard were deployed to assist. The Louisville, Kentucky area was hit by Hurricane force winds, leaving a trail of downed trees, wrecked homes, power outages and devastation.
How I Caused A Kitchen FireYesterday the weather turned colder so I got out my bread machine and set up a loaf for dinner. I placed it on my flat topped stove because I don't have a very large kitchen and the counterspace was full. This was a big mistake.
Lessons Learned from Hurricane DollyHaving just survived Hurricane Dolly, I discovered a couple of things we should do to be prepared if we have to evacuate.
Book Lights for Kids During Power OutagesBefore you have a power outage or a tornado warning, buy several disposable LED book lights at the Dollar Store. They are great for kids because they easily clip on to a book or to your coat or shirt.
Preparing For A Winter Power OutageOur family recently survived a lengthy power outage after a major ice storm. We really did not find it that difficult to do, in part because we were prepared ahead of time. However, some of our neighbors who were not prepared ended up staying at a hotel for several nights.
Keep Jar Candles For Power OutagesCandles in glass jars give much better light when power goes out and are safer to use. Buy on sale and keep in designated place, so you are not searching in an emergency.
Tips For House Fire PreparationHaving experienced a house fire which was declared a total loss, I have a few tips for making the experience less frustrating.
Be Prepared For A Kitchen FireIt has been three years ago this month I had a kitchen fire and panicked. When the fire got out of hand, all I could think about was calling 911 and getting my dog and myself out of the house. We had extensive fire damage to the kitchen and extensive smoke damage to the entire house.
Solar Lights For Power OutagesWhen we have a power outage, I bring in 2 or 3 of my solar lights from the garden. They are much safer than candles and can be recharged so they are always ready for use.
Tealights For Power OutagesThere are occasions when we have power outages and we use oil lamps and candles for lighting. I use tealights in clear or frosted glass mugs.
Keep Utility Phone Numbers In Your Cell For EmergenciesIn my cell phone's address book, along with my other numbers of my family, friends and other contacts, I also have the phone number of the electric company. In case of a power outage, I'm not running in the dark trying to find the phone book to look up the power company's number to report the outage.
Battery Operated Clock for Power OutagesPower Outage Tip: Keep at least one battery operated clock in running condition. That way you'll still be on time for work and appointments if the power goes out.
Keep Your Tank Full Just In CaseIt's always a good idea to have keep a full tank of gas in your car. In case of a family emergency in the middle of the night, you don't want to run out of gas right in the middle of it and have to search for an open gas station.
Update: Thriftyfun Knocked Out By StormsAs I'm sure everyone has heard, the Pacific Northwest was hit by a severe windstorm on Thursday night (12/14/06). The homes and office of Thriftyfun lost electricity and some trees fell down in Susan's yard. Everyone is safe but there will be no newsletters or new posts until the power is back.
Food for 2 Years for $5 a WeekFood storage for $5 a week. Set aside $5 a week to buy the specific items each week. You will have a kitty set aside that you put the $5 in and you can't touch it for any reason but to buy the food storage item for that week. . .
Try Text Messages In EmergenciesTry Text Messages In Emergencies. This is a tip that I learned last year during the hurricanes (Katrina and Rita). In most cases this was the only way to contact family members in Louisiana.
Smart Names for Contacts In Your Cell PhoneIf you are ever in an accident and/or unconscious, be sure to have your contacts in your cell phone listed as husband, wife, son, daughter, mom.
Hurricane Preparation TipsPreparing for hurricanes. The only good thing about hurricanes is that there is a warning and time to get prepared. I moved to RI in 1953. In '54 we were hit with Carol. My last hurricane (so far) was Bob in 1991.
Be Careful When Putting Out a FireI went to a fire demo where flour was thrown on a fire. It burst into flame before ever contacting the fire. He said all powders do this except baking soda. He read the statistics on how reliable these fire alarms...
Storing Water for EmergenciesWater should be stored in containers that are made specifically for water storage, or in glass and plastic bottles that were previously used for juice, pop or water. Clean the containers thoroughly before using and make sure that the container has a tight fitting cap.
Poem:"Through the Eyes of a Survivor"A poem
Through the Eyes of a Survivor
How dare it happen to me?
...
Disaster Preparation PDFHere's a great .pdf file with information about emergency preparedness, preparing your house, surviving during and after an emergency and a check list of things you will need. It is from the Seattle Times.
Hurricane Katrina - How Can You HelpTo all of our readers in the affected areas, you are in our hearts and prayers. For all of us safe and on dry land, here is a list of phone numbers set up solely for cash donations and/or volunteers. Feel free to add you comments and ways to help.
Predicting Weather Based On Cloud PatternsPuffy white clouds sailing across a blue sky indicate continuing fair weather. But if they mass together to form tall, anvil-shaped clouds, be prepared for a lightning-filled thunderstorm, even if the sun in shining.
Camping or Driving Safety BlanketKeep in your auto a couple of drape panels with the pleats cut off, folded and stored in your auto or camping supplies. If on the road, camping or if you have to walk in wet weather, open one of the drape panels and place the rubberized side next to you to hold heat in and away to keep wet off.
In Memory of those LostAll of us at Thrifty Fun extend our sincere condolences to all of those who have lost family and friends from this terrible tragedy.
Keep Your Freezer Cold and Food Safe During Power OutagesAs you may know, we have had a horrible storm that has hit Houston, Texas. A lot of people are without power and will be for several days. What I have done for some time is to empty plastic milk cartons and fill them with water. This will not take up much room in your freezer.
Make Emergency Kit for KidsAs a mother who has done Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, I came along this neat idea to use film canisters. You can make an emergency kit for kids.
Make Your Own Emergency ReflectorsWrap reflector tape around a couple of empty coffee cans. You can keep them in the trunk of your car for emergencies. You can also fill them with possible needed items: a bottle of water, a space blanket, and band aids for medical emergencies and wire, laundry line, duct tape....
Are You Prepared for a Power Outage?During the winter months, storms can bring power outages. Think about what you would need if the power went out. This not only can help you feel more comfortable but can save you money