For decades, owning a house was a dream come true for many. For some, being able to purchase one was often considered an important milestone, indicative of continued financial well-being and stability. Others have considered it a final step on the road to the transformation from a child to a true adult – a testament to their growth and integrity as a person. Reasons might have differed, but the outcome did not – you finally had a place to truly call your own.

Unlike in the past, however, your dwelling is no longer truly self-sufficient. Modern houses are often entirely reliant on the supply of electricity. Unsurprisingly, when its flow stops, the entire house comes to a screeching halt. In harsh winter, such an occurrence may prove disastrous. 

Fortunately, there are several ways in which you can prepare your house for a short-term power outage, including stockpiling non-perishable MREs, keeping a sizeable supply of bottled water, always having a flashlight at hand purchasing a generator, or even installing solar panels on your roof. Explore the advice below and learn how to turn power outages into minor inconveniences!

Install Solar Panels on Your Roof in Advance

Solar panels are an excellent alternative energy source and, according to real estate specialists, are likely to become increasingly popular in the future as well as add value to your home. They are good for the environment, can provide electricity without any emissions, and require little maintenance.

The only downside is that they are rather expensive to buy and install, but this is something that can be justified easily by the fact that they will save you money on your electricity bills over the years. If you have never considered buying solar panels before, now would be a good time to do so.

Keep a Supply of Non-perishable MREs at Hand

MREs are heat-stable military rations, possible to prepare hot without electricity or a fire, and capable of lasting up to several years. Whether you get them from the local surplus store or order them online, MREs are an excellent way to ensure that your family will always be fed.

If you have a family member who is vegan or eats only kosher, you have nothing to worry about, as there are several MRE menus available online for both of these options. The only concern is that they might not be very appetizing for people who are used to a regular diet. Bear in mind, however, that the main aim of such a packaged meal is to provide a lot of energy and nutrition in a compact package – something it does flawlessly.

Stockpile Bottled Water in Your Basement

Water is something that you should never go without. When the power goes out, basic things such as bathing and laundry become much more difficult, if not impossible. This is why it is crucial to keep as many bottles of water as you can in your house at all times.

If you have a basement, store them there. Otherwise, store them in a cool place so that they do not go bad. Buying bottled water in bulk can be a good investment for any household, regardless of whether the power ever goes out.

Always Have a Flashlight at Hand

A flashlight is a simple device that can never be replaced by anything else. It is cheap, compact, and easy to use – especially when the lights go out. It is something that each member of the family should have on their person at all times and in each room of the house.

Purchase a Generator

A generator is an essential piece of equipment for any household. It is not only capable of providing a steady flow of electricity to your house, but it can also help with other tasks such as pumping water. It is handy if you live in a rural area and rely on a well for your water needs. In such a case, a power outage can also be quite problematic. 

Needless to say, a generator is an investment that will pay off big time over the years. It may be expensive to purchase, but it will pay for itself several times over.

Word of advice. Never attempt to start a generator inside an enclosed area. Generators are essentially small internal combustion engines that use gasoline to create power and, as a side effect, fumes. These are proven to be deadly in high concentrations, so remember always to place your generator outside.

Conclusion

In this article, we have considered a number of ways in which you can prepare your house for a short-term power outage. Each of these tips is likely to make your life much easier when the electricity goes out.

If you follow them, you can feel safe and secure knowing that your family will always have access to the basic necessities of life, including food and water. Whether you live in a rural area or a bustling city, it is never a good idea to become complacent in that regard. Good luck!