The power goes out where I live half a dozen times each year – violent thunderstorms, strong winds, ice storms, and sometimes even the tail end of a hurricane. At least once each year the power is out for several days. There’s usually a little warning so you can charge up the smartphone and stock up on groceries.
Nothing like a power outage to make you appreciate all the electrical conveniences we take for granted. No cable, no internet, no phone (cell reception is very week where I live), and no cooking (fortunately I have a gas stovetop). The hot water runs out quickly – ouch, cold shower! Perishables in the refrigerator don’t last long (pig out on steaks from the freezer!). The cats don’t understand why their heating pads aren’t working.
Lighting in the house is from a big battery-powered (rechargeable) flashlight, candles, or a kerosene lantern. The flashlight doesn’t last long enough, the kerosene lantern smells up the house (black soot on the white ceiling if you use it too much), and candles have a limited range.
Another option is a solar-powered lantern. When the battery is low, you can just set it out in the sunlight to recharge. The high-end models can be used to charge a smartphone or laptop. Or you can buy a portable solar power bank and use it to charge up your electronics, including a USB-ready flashlight.
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Excerpted from Going Green, available as an eBook at this list of eBook retailers online.