Climate Central reports that from 2014 to 2023 the United States lived 60% more current interruptions During the summer season compared to 2000 to 2009. This may be due to the growing use of electricity for air conditioners, fires, bad weather and demolished power lines.
Being prepared for a summer blackout is particularly important because, according to the US Energy Information Administration, the medium blackout It is over 5 hours. This means over 5 hours without air conditioning, which can lead to Health complications related to heat. Fortunately, there are ways in which you can physically keep yourself and others AND Mentally fresh when a summer blackout occurs.
1. Prepare an emergency kit
A emergency kit It is simple to build and does not cost a lot of money. You can also buy one at Big-Box retailers. They include patches, gauze, ointments, butterfly bandages and more. If you or someone else at home they take drugs, you will also want to suit a further supply in the kit.
In addition, we advise you to prepare for a prolonged summer blackout. Have at least one liter of drinking water available per person For at least a few days. In addition, consider the purchase of a well isolated cooling device and the conservation of ice packages in the freezer. These can help keep any drugs that require lower temperatures fresh and can prevent you from overheating.
We also recommend accessing non -perishable food products. Keep a supply of canned products, dry cereals, walnuts, snacks and other stable objects that do not require cooking.
2. Notice your utility company
Help the number of your users to report the interruption. While they could already know your situation, inform them gives them a better idea of the scope of the interruption. In some cases, they could provide an estimate for when your power will return. This is vital information to have, as they can help you prepare for a prolonged interruption if it happens.
3. Check relatives, friends and neighbors
If the summer blackout is widespread, hitting your loved ones or friends, connect with them and see if they are fine. The interruptions can influence in particular to those with medical conditions, children and the elderly. Therefore, ensuring that they have a place to go with air conditioning and enough water is fundamental.
If the entire neighborhood is out of power, check with the local red cross or the news on nearby areas such as libraries or schools that have power and are open to the public. These sanctuaries ensure that people with medical conditions have a fresh place to rest until power has returned.
4. Stock out of food for longer interruptions
For those who live in areas over time more inclement, preparing for prolonged interruptions is ideal. In addition to following these suggestions, we recommend inspecting your refrigerator and freezer to launch food that you cannot keep correctly without energy before decaying. If you can afford it, take into consideration the purchase of a tuft to store frozen and chilled products. And if you have a grid, you have an external source of cooking to use meat and vegetables before they run away. If you can’t afford an ice head, keep meat, fruit and vegetables in the refrigerators.
Also, if you live in areas where prolonged interruptions often occur, such as Houston, you should consider a House generator. Although they are expensive, they can also provide a sanctuary so necessary when your home runs out and will be out for a long period of time.
5. Have other sources of light
Preserve a flashlight In every room in your home. In this way, when the power is turned off, you will have lighting in each room. If you don’t want to joke with batteries, consider the options powered by the movement. However, if you select the battery powered torches, keep a new supply of batteries at hand.
Alternatively, you could also use candles as light sources. Stock matchstick or checks your lighter to make sure it works and does not need lighter fluids. Before illuminating a candle, moved to your room and check the gas leaks (if applicable).
6. Install tents to blackout
Blackout curtains reach several objectives. They prevent light from entering your room by blocking UV rays and external light from other sources. They work as another layer of protection for the rooms with curtains, where spaces can allow the light to shine.
Since the blackout curtains also reflect heatThey will keep that area of your cooler house during a summer blackout. If you have someone with a medical condition or a heat sensitivity, we recommend putting them in a room with blackout tents during a current interruption.
7. Wearing cooling dresses
When the power goes out, it won’t take long for your home he warned. A way to fight heat is to wear cooling clothesThat dissipates the heat and promotes the air flow, helping you stay at ease in an uncomfortable situation.
Usually, cooling clothes have three properties:
- Breathable materials: By allowing more air flow, these materials prevent sweat from attaching the skin, in order to refresh themselves quickly. You should refrain from wearing fabrics containing wool or polyester as they will make you sweaty.
- Wicking ability of humidity: When your body overheats, sweat is created to refresh it. However, if you wear non -cooling clothes, you will feel uncomfortable because the fabric will not remove the humidity from the skin. The cooling clothing achieves this goal using hydrophobic fibers to reject sweat from clothes and skin, allowing your body to cool off without feeling bogged down.
- Temperature adjustment: We advise you to wear clothes that evaporate sweat quickly, they contain Higher thermal connectivity And to have thermal convection. When you put a fresher material, your body feels fresher since the heat passes from the hottest parts of clothes to the coolest.
8. Keep the devices charged with portable charger
Having a cell service is similar to a body function for most of us. However, when the lights go out and you have no access to an energy source, then anxiety can be induced. After all, you don’t want a dead phone battery to prevent you from contacting friends and loved ones and, if you need it, emergency staff.
That’s why we advise you to have backup charging solutions ready to leave. Power Banks They are a wise choice if you keep them uploaded before an interruption occurs. This way you can connect your smartphone and remain connected.
You can also buy charger on the battery phone or hand. With both options, you don’t have to worry that they are connected and powered before an interruption. Just make sure you have fresh batteries at hand for battery options.
9. Recognize the heat racing signs
During the hottest months, and especially when a summer blackout eliminates your A/C, it is essential to know the Heat race signs. If you notice that someone who starts to feel disoriented or appear red, you will want to rest from a cooler place, apply a cold package or a towel on the skin and call 9-1-1. You don’t want to give them water to drink, since they could be confused and unable to swallow safely.
These are others Heat stroke symptoms To keep an eye on, according to the US centers for the control and prevention of diseases:
- Confused speech
- Loss of consciousness (coma)
- Hot and dry skin or abundant sweating
- Convulsions
- Very high body temperature
Also, if you have older neighbors or those with disabilities of mobility, check them regularly. In this way it can help you identify the signs of heat stroke and face the situation before it becomes even more dangerous.
