Power outages in the rural Maine

Power outages in the rural Maine
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Power outages in the rural Maine are not uncommon, and they could go on for days. But given how we’ve become so reliant on power, it’s important that you put some measures in place to keep you going until the power is back. Here are some tips on how to prepare for a power outage.

1. Stock up on water
If you live in the rural areas, prepare for water shortage when there is a power outage. Our well pumps depend on electricity, and therefore until such a time that large generators can be bought when there is no power, there is no water.

Water is important not just for drinking but also for sanitation. Even though we believed that we were adequately prepared with enough water of 30 gallons of water for sanitation, I was surprised at how water quickly ran out. I never imagined we could have gone without power for such a long time. Therefore stock up on water.

2. Ensure you have heat
It’s necessary to have an alternative source of heat. If you have a wood stove, you are good to go provided that you have wood. Us we don’t have a wood stove but have a pellet stove. This can be kept going by even a small generator. You can, therefore, be sure of heat if you have a small generator and a pellet stove. However, you need to exercise caution with pellet stoves. These feature electrical panels, and surges emanating from generators aren’t good for the panels. If you are going the stoves route, it’s important to research before you buy your generator to ensure that it can regulate power surges.

3. Prepare food in advance
Ensure you have lots of food in the house that don’t necessarily have to be cooked, and in this regard, sandwiches will work for you. Because we had a small generator, we bought a hot plate, and I can tell you it was the best. By the sheer fact that you can cook some macaroni and make some tea will suffice for you. Another thing is to start cooking ahead of big storms. You can bake rolls, giant roast and cookies to get you through some days even as you wait for the resumption of power.

4. Have a plan for light source
Having a ready source of light is an important way of preparing for a power outage in the countryside. For example, you can have flashlights kept in the same place every time, which is an instant go to. It also helps to stock up on candles. Even a generator may not have the power to run for many days in your house, which is why stocking up on candles is a smart way of preparing for an outage.

5. Have tools that don’t run on power
It helps to have some basic tools that can operate without power, for instance, a manual can opener. You also need to stock on some charged batteries to power those flash-lights.

6. Find some low-tech entertainment
Entrainment may appear like the least of your concerns during a power outage. However, if you have kids, it’s important for them. Puzzles, board games, and legos by candlelight keep your kids entertained during this time. Today, it’s hard to imagine going for one week without power and internet, which is why you must be prepared for that.

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Stephanie Williams
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