Surviving a Power Outage in the Miami Valley
Over the past few years, I think everyone in the Miami Valley has been without power for a few days from all the wind and ice storms. In my opinion, it's all about staying positive - I just look at the situation like it's a camping trip! Here are a few tips:
Surviving a Power Outage in the Miami Valley
Over the past few years, I think everyone in the Miami Valley has been without power for a few days from all the wind and ice storms. When it happens, I hear from a lot of people about how difficult it is being without power, so they immediately pack up and head to a friend or family's house to wait it out. In my opinion, it's all about staying positive and keeping the glass half full. Instead of thinking about what you don't have, try and realize all that you do have and take advantage. I just look at the situation like it's a camping trip! Here are a few tips:
Sleeping: If you're lucky enough to be without power in summer time instead of winter, sleeping shouldn't be a problem. Keep the windows open especially at night when it's the coolest. Another way to stay cooler is if you have a camping hammock, sleep in that since it allows air flow above and below you to help keep you cool!
If it's winter time and power is out, it's a good time to own a wood burning fireplace. Now if trying to stay warm is the issue with no natural way of heating the house, that's when I get out the sleeping bags. Basically the more insulation you have, the warmer you'll stay, so if your sleeping bag isn't enough, wrap yourself and your sleeping bag with blankets. Another idea is to set up a small tent on your floor.
From your breath and body heat, it will keep the inside of your tent a few degrees warmer than outside of it. Also wear a hat because most body heat lost is through the top of the head.
Light: Once the sun sets, you more than likely aren't ready for bed quite yet. That's why it's good to have a good supply of candles. It's pretty simple, the more candles you have, the more light you will have. (Stay safe though - particularly if you have pets and kids - battery operated candles may be safest!) Another thing that I always have on me during a power outage is a head lamp and plenty of batteries. They are very small, give off tons of light, just fit on top of your head and the best part is that they are hands free. Another cool idea is to wrap a head lamp around a clear gallon jug of water and it creates some nice ambient light.
Food & Cooking: Try and keep the fridge closed as much as possible. If it's longer than 24 hours, consider putting your food in a cooler packed with ice from the store. Not used to cooking food without power? Shouldn't be a problem when you fire up the grill. You can pretty much cook anything on a grill with a flat iron griddle and bonus if your grill has a side burner. Since your fridge is out, good time to start cooking the items that are most likely to go bad first. If you don't have a grill, no need to fret. If you don't have a camping stove that run on small propane cans, you can usually buy one for under $30. 
Pretty much anything that requires you to add water, instant meals, or canned food are good options for them since they don't take long to heat up and conserve fuel. And lastly, if you want to do it the old fashion way and have a fire pit in the backyard, pretty easy to set up a grate over a nice fire and use griddles, cast iron pans or pots.
Activities: No TV. No Internet (so print this article while you can!). No video games. Hopefully you don't have to rely on those activities as your only source of entertainment. There are several things you can do to keep you, your family, and friends occupied. It's a great time to break out the board games! Even just a deck of cards should also provide hours of fun. Once it's dark outside, great time to have a campfire (should be in a legal safe fire ring) with s'mores and good conversation.. If you're by yourself, it's a great time to catch up on all the books and magazines you've been meaning to read that have been piling up. Just because your power is out, doesn't mean you have to stay home around the clock. It makes for a great time to get out, see a movie, grab a bite to eat, or explore the city. I think power outages are good on occasion, since it gives us time to do all those things we wouldn't normally while the usual distractions such as TV and video games are present.
Useful Links:
- DP&L - Report and Outage, Check Outage Status, and View Outage Map
- Food Safety - Refrigerated Food and Power Outages: When to Save and When to Throw Out
- Ohio.gov Power Outage Tips: Power Outage Health and Safety Concerns
