Emergencies can happen anytime, to anyone. When a power outage hits, you need to be sure you’re prepared – especially if you have small children. While the preparation process can feel overwhelming, it will be more overwhelming trying to care for your children without a plan in place.
Here are a few ways to be better prepared when these situations arise:
1. Keep Your Refrigerator Running
You must practice food safety after a power outage. Eating spoiled food can lead to stomach cramps, nausea, or a fever. This will make an already bad situation worse.
Know that refrigerated food can last up to 4 hours with the door closed. If you have a stash of frozen milk in the freezer, it will last up to 48 hours before it starts to go bad. Only open the doors when necessary. This will keep your little one’s snacks and beverages fresh as long as possible.
For longer power outages, it’s a smart idea to invest in a solar powered generator to keep your fridge and other appliances running. Generators will also keep devices like phones, tablets, and laptops charged.
2. Invest in Temporary Lighting
Battery-operated lighting is a must. They can be used without electricity and provide a large amount of light considering their size. Under no circumstances should you use candles as a lighting source when small children are nearby. Little ones have busy hands. If they see a flame, they may become curious and get too close to it. If candles and matches are the only lighting source you have, place them out of your children’s reach.
It’s also a smart idea to have a few self-powered flashlights on hand. You know the ones that you have to crank for a certain amount of time for them to light? While the hand cranking may get tiresome after a while, this is a solution you can count on when the lights go out. Have the kids become part of the lighting process by giving them a couple of glow sticks. These are great not only for lighting purposes, but for entertaining little one’s as well.
3. Stock Up on Batteries and Chargers
Batteries are a must. They are required for flashlights, radios, toys, etc. Stock up on AAA and AA batteries. To save time and stress in a power outage situation, get rid of old batteries, so you don’t have to deal with them when the power is out. You can also charge devices using your vehicle. While you won’t want to keep it on for too long, you’ll want to at least keep your phone charged as it can be useful in many ways.
4. Keep Children Busy
Children will want your comfort while the power is out. Try playing games, reading books, or even telling stories during this time. These are all fun distractions that don’t involve electronics. Gather extra blankets, especially if it’s winter, and make a cozy area somewhere in the house where everyone can be together. If it’s summer, invest in a battery-operated fan to keep little ones cool.
There’s no telling how long you’ll be without power; it could be a few hours or a couple of days. Therefore, you can never be too prepared when it comes to a power outage.
Along with having a first-aid kit readily available, keep these tips in mind when building your power outage emergency kit. This will help keep children safe and comfortable when the power goes out. It’ll also give you peace of mind, knowing you’re doing everything in your power to keep them safe.
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