Preparing for and Responding to a Power Outage

Power outages are one of the most common emergencies that occur. They can be caused by storms, accidents in which power lines are knocked down, circuit overloads, etc. Power failures can last for an extended period of time or for a brief moment, but no matter the length of time, they cause a disruption in everyday life. Power outages have affected almost everyone; it is important to prepare for power failures and to respond safely and effectively.

Before your power goes out:

Make sure you have an emergency light source in all major rooms in your house such as the kitchen, hallways, family rooms, and bedrooms. Emergency light sources can include:

• Flashlight with working batteries
• Handcrank flashlight

 Wavelength™ Emergency Radio, Charger and Flashlight

• Rechargeable flashlights that plug into the wall. These are especially good for hallways and children’s rooms. Some rechargeable flashlights automatically turn on when there is a power failure.
• Candles and matches. Candles come in all varieties--you can set out nice candles on a shelf for a decoration, or keep wax emergency candles or liquid paraffin candles in a drawer for when you need them. Liquid paraffin is smokeless and odorless so it is good for indoors. Don’t keep matches in reach of your small children, but always know where they are so you can find them when they are needed.

 100-Hour Plus Emergency Candles

Other items that are good to consider having available before a power outage are:

• Battery or handcrank operated radio
• Wind-up clock
• Extra fuses
• Manual can opener

Heavy Duty Swing-A-Way® Can Opener

Prepare your small children beforehand so they are not scared when they are caught in the dark. Begin by educating them of the chances of a power outage and give instructions regarding a meeting place. Show them where they can find a flashlight. We recommend that you have a flashlight for everyone in your household. You can place the flashlight in a plastic bag and attach it under each family member's bed to have in case of a power outage.

We highly recommend the Pathfinder 9-LED Flashlight. LED bulbs are longer lasting and less susceptible to breakage than conventional light bulbs making them great for emergency kits. LED flashlights also last longer on one set of batteries (runs for 30+ hours on just one set of batteries!) The Pathfinder's long lasting LEDs virtually never need replacing, making this a light that will last for years to come.

High Uinta Gear™ Pathfinder™ 9-LED Flashlight

You could even carry out a mock power failure so they know what to expect when it really happens.

Another concern to consider when the power goes out is heat and water supply. When the power goes out, the furnace will not work. If you have a well and an electric pump powers the supply of your water, it will also be cut off in a power outage. Therefore, you may want to prepare your home by having extra blankets, a portable heater, or a wood burning stove for heat, and always have water stored for those times.

Mr. Heater Big Buddy

What to do when your power goes out:

• First, check to see if your neighbors have power. If you are the only home without electricity, check the main fuse in your electric service panel or fuse box to see if the main circuit breaker has been tripped or if a fuse has blown. If you don’t know how to check, consult a qualified electrician. If your neighbors do not have electricity either, then you know there has been a power outage in your area.
• Report your power outage to your local utility company so they know which area has lost power, especially in a storm. Only call once to report your outage.
• Turn off all major non-essential appliances such as your electric range and washer/dryer. Turn off the majority of your light switches, but leave a few on so you know when the power has been restored. This reduces the electrical demand once the power has been restored.
• Unplug sensitive electronic equipment such as your TV, personal computer, VCR and microwave. This will reduce chance of damage caused by electric surges.
• Try to keep your refrigerator and freezer doors closed to conserve the cold inside. You never know how long the power will be out, and you don’t want your food to spoil.
• Open the window shades to allow more light to come in.

Take the time to prepare for a power outage and to gain the knowledge needed to respond safely and effectively during the emergency. A few simple preparations can greatly reduce the inconveniences caused by a power outage.

Latest Giveaway Winner and Special 'Blog Only' Offer

We would like to congratulate Deborah from Arkansas who has won the Personal Emergency Kit with MRE's (Meals-Ready-to-Eat) in our latest giveaway. Way to go Deborah!

--- SPECIAL OFFER TO OUR BLOG FOLLOWERS ---

As a thank you to all of our blog followers, we would like to offer special pricing on our Personal Emergency Kit with MRE's. Click here or on the picture below to go to our website and you can purchase this kit valued at $97.55 for only $59.99! (A savings of 38%)

Personal Emergency Kit with MRE's

The Personal Emergency Kit with MRE's makes a great addition to your emergency preparedness supplies. It would also make a great gift for the holiday season, allowing you to 'Give the Gift of Preparedness' to your family and friends.

Don't pass up this opportunity to get the Personal Emergency Kit with MRE's at a tremendous savings as we say thank you for following and reading our blog.

Remember to check back often for more posts, more giveaways, more recipes, and more online specials. Happy Holidays!

New Holiday Gift Combos

There are many different people to give gifts to during the holiday season! Your list might include neighbors, colleagues, employees, friends, family, etc. Emergency Essentials has made this task easy with three new Holiday Gift Combos. Not only is this gift of preparedness easy and economical, it brings peace of mind throughout the year. Each combo includes the gift items, holiday bags, and bows. If you would like to purchase a combo, simply click on the picture and you will be taken to our website.

Martha from California had this to say about these combos: "I'm placing another order for a case of these candles. Not only are they festive and cast a lovely warm light, but they are a suitable and thoughtful small gift for people who have lit our way through the year."

In addition, visit Emergency Essentials’ website, BePrepared.com, for hundreds of preparedness products that make great gifts for the holiday season. Happy Holidays!

Emergency Candle (Holiday Red) Gift Combo:

• 12 Holiday Red Candles
• 12 Gift Bags
• 12 Bows
• On Sale for only $45.00 ($60.00 value)
• Only $3.75 per gift
• Makes 12 gifts
  

Emergency Candle (Clear Mist) Gift Combo:

• 12 Clear Mist Candles
• 12 Gift Bags
• 12 Bows
• On Sale for only $45.00 ($60.00 value)
• Only $3.75 per gift
• Makes 12 gifts
  

Hand and Body Warmer Gift Combo:

• 40 Hand and Body Warmers
• 20 Gift Bags
• 20 Bows
• On Sale for only $35.00 ($48.00 value)
• Only $1.75 per gift
• Makes 20 2-pack gifts
  

Sleep When the Wind Blows

A farmer needed an extra hand to help on his farm. One young man came to interview for the job. "What are your qualifications?" the farmer asked. "I can sleep when the wind blows," the young man said. This simple reply confused the farmer, but he was desperate for help and the young man was hired.

The young man was a diligent worker through the harvest season, but the farmer still questioned his answer.

Autumn ended and the first cold storm of winter came late one night. The farmer panicked as the winds began to blow. Calling the young man for help, the farmer grabbed his coat and pulled heavy boots on his feet. He was disappointed to find the young man asleep in bed at a time like this. Grudgingly he ventured out alone planning to shuffle all of the animals in the barn and then fix that last hole in the roof. He mumbled about the young man sleeping and was sure all the farm equipment was left standing in the field, collecting rust from the snow.

However, when the farmer reached the barn all the animals were tucked safely inside. In fact, clean hay had already been set out for the new day. Not a single hole could be found in the roof, and the tractor was parked perfectly in the shed.

"Who could have done it?" the farmer wondered. And then, he realized what the young man's answer meant, "I can sleep when the wind blows."

Former Director of the National Hurricane Center, Max Hayfield, said: "Preparation through education is less costly than learning through tragedy."

Also, former Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge and U.S. Fire Administrator David Paulison published the following:

"WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?"

• Have on hand three days’ worth of water and food, an emergency supply kit for both home and automobile, radios with extra batteries..."
• Make a plan for contacting family members in an emergency..." (CNN, February 11, 2003)

  Kaito KA009 4-Power Shortwave Radio

We are also instructed by FEMA and other preparedness organizations to prepare for 72 hours (or three days). Why three days? In most crisis situations, much of the real suffering occurs immediately following the disaster. Generally, it takes three days for disaster relief agencies to assist those in need. That is why it is recommended to have at least a 72 hour kit. Your 72 hour kit should meet the needs of your family.

A good resource to help your family prepare is the Family Preparedness Plan DVD.

By preparing yourself and your family for an emergency, you can feel confident that you are better able to handle the unexpected. Just like this young farmhand, you too can sleep when the wind blows.

Six-Grain Rolled and Creamy Wheat Cereals

Fall always makes me think about hot chocolate and warm breakfast cereals. Here are two great (and healthy) breakfast cereals that even your children will enjoy. They are an excellent way to get a warm start on a cold day.

Creamy Wheat and Six-Grain Rolled Cereals

Our Six-Grain Rolled Cereal is made from red wheat, rye, oats, barley, sunflower seeds, and white wheat. Simply add 1/3 cup cereal to 2/3 cups boiling water and simmer for 5-8 minutes. Sweeten with honey, fruit, brown sugar and/or cinnamon for a wonderful tasting breakfast.

Cooked Six-Grain Rolled and Cream Wheat Cereals

For some tasty Creamy Wheat Cereal, boil 1 cup of water and ¼ tsp salt. Slowly add ¼ cup creamy wheat cereal to boiling water, stirring constantly. Return to boiling over medium heat and cook until thickened (3-5 minutes). For creamier cereal you can use milk. When using milk, heat to near boiling. Sweeten with honey, fruit, and/or brown sugar.

Cooked Cereals with Freeze-Dried Strawberries, Brown Sugar and Freeze-Dried Peaches

Six-Grain Rolled Cereal with Fruit and Creamy Wheat Cereal with Brown Sugar

Enjoy!

Personal Emergency Kit with MRE's Giveaway

We are very excited to announce our newest Giveaway. This time around we are giving away our popular Personal Emergency Kit with MRE's valued at $97.55! To enter, simply become a follower of our Preparedness Pantry blog (see below for instructions).

Personal Emergency Kit with MRE's

Our Personal Emergency Kit with MRE's has a wonderful assortment of meals-ready-to-eat (including MRE heaters) and basic provisions for water, shelter, light, first aid, hygiene, warmth, and more. This kit is designed to be compact and efficient, allowing you to easily carry it in the provided backpack in an emergency.

You can purchase a Personal Emergency Kit with MRE's this month for only $69.95! Click here for more information. If you buy one of these kits during this giveaway and win, we will issue you a refund.

How to Enter:

1. Become a follower of Preparedness Pantry (if you are already a follower, skip to #2). You will need an account with one of the following to become a follower: Google, AIM, YAHOO!, Netlog or OpenID (see instructions below on how to become a follower).
2. Send an email to blog@BePrepared.com with 'Personal Emergency Kit Giveaway' in the subject line with your Google, etc. username so we can verify that you are a follower.
3. That's it!

All emails received through Wednesday, November 18th will be entered into the drawing. The winner will be chosen at random and posted on the blog no later than Thursday, November 26th.

Please note: We welcome emails and entries from everyone; however, free shipping of the Personal Emergency Kit with MRE's is included for the winner to the 48 contiguous United States only. For any locations outside this area, the winner is responsible for arranging and paying their own shipping costs.

Becoming a Follower Instructions:

Click on the Follow button found on the right column of the blog

 

Click on the button that corresponds to your account type and follow the instructions

 

 If you don't have one of these accounts, click on 'Create a new Google Account' and follow the instructions

Backpacker's Delight

We recently received this great customer tip (for Beef Ravioli and Wheat Snack Bread MRE's) and wanted to share it with everyone:

"I love this stuff (Beef Ravioli MRE). I once went on a 3 day hike through a part of the Appalachian Trail and packed enough MRE's to last the hike. The entrees were 2 of these (Beef Ravioli MRE's) and a Cheese Tortellini. Those were my dinners. Here's a suggestion: Take this Beef Ravioli, and take a Wheat Snack Bread. Break the snack bread up and mix it in to the ravioli (after the ravioli has been heated) and eat. I love it and have henceforth dubbed it as Backpacker's Delight."

-Carlos, New Jersey

Beef Ravioli and Wheat Snack Bread MRE's

Hiking the Appalachian Trail

Easy Cheeseburger Pie

Here is a great, easy-to-make dish to put on your dinner menu for this week. Prep time is only about 10 minutes and it bakes in 20-25 minutes. Plus, it passes the kid test. Enjoy!

Ingredients

I always like to use a variety of cheese, so I used ½ cup of freeze-dried monterey jack and ½ cup of cheddar (the recipe calls for 1 cup of cheddar). ½ cup of freeze-dried onions will give you about a cup after rehydrating.


 

Add rehydrated ground beef and onions to pan. Sprinkle salt and cheese on top.

Mix milk, eggs and scone mix. Pour into pan.

Just out of the oven

No wonder it's called "Easy Cheeseburger Pie"

Enjoy!

Fall Harvest Giveaway Winner

Congratulations to Lisa S. from California who has won a Hand Grain Mill in our Fall Harvest Giveaway! We would like to thank everyone for your entries. Remember that the Hand Grain Mill is on sale this month for only $59.99 (a $79.99 value). It is a food storage plan must because it works even when the power is out.

Hand Grain Mill

Don't forget to check back often to read our new posts and to find out about our next exciting Giveaway.

GoBe™ Power Hub Battery & Solar Briefcase

Preparing alternative sources of electricity plays an important role in your emergency preparedness plan. These alternative sources can include battery powered devices as well as generators. Another excellent option to consider is the GoBe™ Power Hub Battery and Solar Briefcase.

Once the unit is charged, the GoBe™ Power Hub gives you electrical power anytime or anywhere you need it. It is very versatile and can be charged in 3 different ways: 1) by your home electrical outlet, 2) through the DC adapter, 3) or with the Solar Briefcase (all adapters included). The solar briefcase folds in half (21¾" x 16" x 1¾") for easy transporting.

3 Different Charging Methods (DC adapter shown)

The GoBe™ can power a variety of items with its 3 output plugs. It is great for use in the outdoors or in an emergency when power is needed most.

3 Different Output Plugs

The fully charged battery on the GoBe™ holds approximately 150 Watt hours. It powers electronic appliances and devices requiring 80 Watts or less with the standard electrical outlet. You can also use the USB or DC output (DC adapter included) ports.

Briefcase Dimensions:

Open - 21¾" x 31" x ¾"
Closed - 21¾" x 16" x 1¾"

Power Hub Battery Dimensions:

15" high x 5½" wide

Run-Time on Full Charge:

60 Watt Light Bulb - Approx. 2.5 hours

 

60 Watt Equivalent Fluorescent Light Bulb - Approx. 10 hours

AM/FM Radio - Approx. 10-15 hours

Also powers cell phones, PDAs, and more!


The GoBe™ Power Hub Battery and Solar Briefcase is on sale during the month of November for only $129.99. This is a savings of 67% off the value! Quantities are limited, so don't pass up this opportunity to add one of these to your emergency or camping supplies. Click here to go to the Power Hub page on our website.

Food Storage Homemade Bread and Butter

Here is a bread recipe for your bread machine (or oven) made entirely from food storage items. We love the smell of fresh baked bread here at Emergency Essentials, and the creamy butter made from our butter powder is irresistible! We hope you like it as much as we do.

Homemade Bread and Butter (using butter powder)

Ingredients:

1 cup plus 4 Tbsp warm water
2 cups enriched white flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
2 Tbsp honey
1 Tbsp butter powder
1 Tbsp instant powdered milk
1 ¾ tsp salt
½ Tbsp dough enhancer
2 tsp yeast

Directions:

Add all ingredients in order to bread machine. This makes a 1.5 pound loaf. We like to use the light crust setting.

Butter directions:

Put ¾ cup butter powder in a mixing bowl. Slowly add 4 Tbsp lukewarm water to powder using a whisk. Mix well. Add 1 tsp oil and mix. Cover and chill in the refrigerator while the bread is rising and baking. This makes a creamy and spreadable butter for your bread.