What You Really Need to Survive a Blackout

Chances are pretty good youll have to deal withat least one extended blackout annually, according to the government.

Everyone knows the basicshave some flashlights, fresh batteries, and candles on hand.

But generators have a lot of disadvantages.

A water-powered pump

Power outages can happen any timebut they occur most often during a weather event.

These pumps hook up to your municipal water supply and use water pressure as a power source.

Typically, for every gallon of water they use to run, they pump out two gallons.

As long as theres water pressure, your pump will operate to remove water from your home.

These devices transform your carwhether its gas, diesel, or electricinto a backup generator for your home.

Generators can be expensive, bulky, dirty, and difficult to use.

That makes having apower bankan essential tool for blackouts.

Best of all, they can be operated indoors without worrying about fumes or fire.

A portable panel can be stored away (many of them fold up) out of sight until needed.

Theres a reason we call power outages blackoutsthings getdark.

Luckily, science has given you some easy solutions.

First, install some light bulbs withbuilt-in battery backups.

They will at least provide some illumination and will charge up during the day.

Sure, you might have an oil drum filled with cheese puffs in your garage (who doesnt?)

but a hot meal is always best.

The Internet has become essential to everyday lifeand crucial in emergencies.

But you should also have ahand-crank radioon hand.

And if you have a gas stove or other way of heating water, youre golden.

Blackouts are disruptivebut you have some control overhowdisruptive they are.

A few of these tools will make all the difference.