As harsh weather heads our way, it's safe to say most of us will experience a power outage at one point or another. No matter what the cause, life without electricity changes everything. From the food we eat, the way we stay warm or cool, and our ability to stay entertained - we feel desperate when the power is out. Hopefully, you're not totally in the dark (pun intended) about what to do when the power goes out, and you've had ample time to prepare. If you're not prepared, surviving the outage is going to be a struggle. However, if you are prepared, it will be nothing more than an indoor camping trip! I've listed some things to do to make the most of your time without power.
First, make sure you didn't blow a breaker. If you and your neighbors' power is out, contact the local utility company to notify them.
If you're prepared for an outage, you can dig out the candles, matches, flashlights, and batteries. Depending on the time of day, finding your way around could be difficult, so be careful. If your outage was caused by a blizzard, pull out the extra blankets. If you have a wood-burning stove or fireplace, this is the time to use it. It will be your main source of heat. If you have a generator, prep it for use as well. This is also a good time to layer up. Put on additional clothes before your home cools.
Thankfully, refrigerators and freezers can stay cool for several hours after losing electricity. Try to keep from opening and closing the doors, as this will make them lose cold air faster. If the power is out for more than a few hours, you'll want to start eating the things in your refrigerator. Most of the food in your freezer won't be edible without some way to heat it. Depending on the season your outage occurs in, you may be able to go outside and cook over a fire pit or grill.
If you have a gas range, you're in luck. You can still cook food! If you don't have a gas range, there's always fruits and vegetables. Hopefully, you have some of these items on hand, as well as boxed goods and bread. There are several different things you can eat while without electricity.
How to Have Fun When the Power is Out
One of the biggest annoyances with losing power is the loss of our day to day routine, like staying entertained. You can't watch television or play on the computer. Even if you have a laptop/tablet/or phone to play with, the battery will only last so long. So how do you fight boredom when there is no electricity? It's really not difficult. I've listed several ways below.
Curl up in front of the fireplace and read. If you have a fireplace, be happy because it may be your main source of heat if your outage was caused by a snowstorm. Take this time to relax, curl up with a good book or your loved one, and take the time to slow down and enjoy this unintended break.
Play games! What better time to pull out that old Monopoly board than now? You can use this time to play board games, card games, charades! Whatever suits your fancy, now's the time to get in some good ole' fashion family togetherness! Even hide and seek would be fun during a power outage.
Go outside. If the storm has passed (or there was no storm at all), head outside to play in the snow/rain puddles. Does your yard need clean-up work?
Sketch, paint, or craft. This is a wonderful time to pull out the paints and canvas and let the creative juices flow. Inspiration is all around. Use it! It's better than being bored.
Be Productive When the Electricity Goes Out
If you're not really in the mood to get crafty or play games, take this time to get stuff done! Be productive!
Deep clean your home. You might not be able to vacuum, but you can dust, wash windows and mirrors, and mop the floors. Make your living space spic and span! There's no better time than now! You can even make cleaning fun!
Exercise! Do you have any excuses? If you do, they don't matter right now. You have no power! Now is the time to make use of all the other times you haven't had "time" or "felt like it." Lift some weights, do some jumping jacks, squats, lunges, and push-ups! You'll feel a lot better and like you used your time without electricity to your benefit.
Simplify your life! Declutter everything! Grab some bags and start in your bedroom. Do you really need all those clothes and shoes? What about the knick knacks? Time to throw things away or donate. There's no better time than the present.
What do you do when you lose electricity? How do you stay sane?
