Winter in NH means ice, snow, and power outages. We’ve barely scratched the surface of a New England winter, so there’s a good chance we’ll soon experience all three, possibly at the same time. Whether you’re a NH native or experiencing your first winter here, you need to be prepared. Although it’s been several years since a massive ice storm took out the power for several days, something similar could easily happen again. NH electricians do all they can to help their customers survive a power outage, including installing backup generators. There are also some items electricians recommend you keep on hand in the event of a power outage.
Are you prepared for a power outage? Here are five items NH electricians recommend you keep on hand.
Potable Water
We’re so used to turning on our faucets wherever we need water, but you can’t do that when the power goes out. You should always have some containers of drinking water in your home in case of an emergency. You can use melted snow to flush your toilets if you absolutely have to, but it’s not safe to drink. Water is chief among our basic necessities, but it’s easy to take it for granted and forget to stock up.
Batteries
You can never have too many batteries. If you know a storm is coming, check your battery stash. Check your flashlights, lanterns, and other battery-powered devices to ensure you have the right sizes.
Lanterns and Flashlights
Speaking of batteries, make sure you have enough lights to put them in! It’s a good idea to have a flashlight or lantern for every room of your house or each member of your family. Winter days are short, and you don’t want to be fumbling around in the dark. If your lanterns and flashlights are USB rechargeable, be sure to charge them if stormy weather is coming.
Ice and Coolers
If you keep the door closed, your fridge will stay cold for four hours, and your freezer will last 24 to 48 hours, depending on how full it is. However, power outages often last longer than that. To minimize food waste, have some ice and coolers ready to move food out of your fridge.
Non-Perishable Food
If you don’t have a stove you can operate without electricity, you’ll need food you can eat without cooking. Have a stash of canned goods, protein bars, and non-perishable snacks to keep everyone fed until the power comes back.
Prepare for Power Outages with NH Electricians
It’s vital to have supplies on hand in case of a prolonged power outage. Installing a backup generator can further protect your home and family. The Chamberlin Electric team of NH electricians is trained in the installation and maintenance of Generac generators, and we’re also a licensed dealer.
