Trouble with power outages, any tips?

[StormyPica]

So we had a huge power outage last night, I almost missed the bus because my alarm clock's battery died. So, after having a 10 minute mental breakdown because I realized:

A. It was too dark for the aquatics to see their food, so I couldn't feed them, and my birds would be eating in the dark
B. I had about 20 minutes to get ready
C. All the eggfood in the freezer (for Stormy's tough molt) had thawed and was no longer usable, meaning they got pasta for breakfast (not that they're complaining)

I pulled myself together, got everything ready, put a night light by their food, and went to school. The power is still out 8 hours later. Does anyone have any tips on how to deal with this? I'm kind of at my breaking point because it's always super cold and dark here, and my heater is broken.

 

[SailBoat]

Shifting away from you as the center point. Power Outages are handled at the level of major financial choices as suppling Electrical AC Voltage at the level of suppling a home with support power involves buying a portable generator and the heavy cable need to connect to a High Voltage outlet wired to the primary power panel of the home.

It is not a general home owner DYI project as knowledge of high-voltage electrical wiring is required. I can layout a list of needed product for such an individual, or simply direct one to an electrical professional.

The direction North America is headed near assures that Power failures will be every more common in the future.

 

[texsize]

I just recently invested in what is called a solar generator.
they are pricy to get one powerful enough to run a heater through the night but you are not limited by gas or propane. Have not had it long enough to give any kind of review and because of cost I was not able to get a full complement of solar cells for charging in a timely manner.

I also have a gas generator but storing gas is dangerous and gas has a limited shelf life even if you add a stabilizer. Not to mention it's too noisy to run at night.

Now a days we can't count on public works or the power company to take care of us. We need to be prepared to take care of ourselves.

 

[StormyPica]

Good ideas guys, I will look into them! My family has been looking into a generator for about 2 years at this point (we have endless blizzards), so I think we'll all be on board with it. Tex, the solar one sounds awesome, and eco friendly (correct me if I'm wrong)!

 

[SailBoat]

Solar Generator is clearly a new technology that has real advantages! But, the technology is still early in its development. The vast majority are currently series in design, much like the 'old' style Christmas light strings. The upside is their lower cost. Newest technology is parallel design and if a single line is lost /damaged the power continues to be generated. However, each panel is more expensive. The major issue is when the Sun has set, its a cloudy day, or the panels are covered with Snow, they do not provide electrical power.

In the Great White and Cold North. Snow commonly cause power failures in the Winter with Strong Rain Storms in the Summer. The top of the line incorporates normal electrical service to provide power for the home, but also, keep the Battery Bank Charged. When the power fails, the system automatically disconnects from the normal power supply and switches to Battery Back-up, it then opens the natural gas or propane gas supply and starts the gas generator and allows it to come to temperature and begins to charge the batteries. When the Power Supply returns, the system auto disconnects in reverse. The system takes advantage of all sources. Solar Power can be added to this system to reduce the use of gas.

Stand alone Gasoline or Diesel portable generators are clearly available but they have their limitations. But, they are the least expensive to own. The Home owner is required to under stand the safety issues involved.

Noise! Yes, the gas or diesel units can be noisily. But, Technology continues to advance and the newest systems by Honda and a Honda look alike are surprisingly easy on your hearing.

 

[Laurasea]

cold and dark are scary. ...
Sorry to hear Stormy.
I have hurricanes and heat with no power situations. But my dad has generator..so thankfully I csn pack my zoo over there

 

[StormyPica]

cold and dark are scary. ...
Sorry to hear Stormy.
I have hurricanes and heat with no power situations. But my dad has generator..so thankfully I csn pack my zoo over there

Here, we've got blizzards, which is fun (sarcasm).

 

[Laurasea]

thsts more serious
But I miss snow I really do, but just for a visit.
I lived in Wisconsin once, man....de iced my locks got in drive to work then I'm iced in . Drove around heat blasting still couldn't get out. Security had go de ice again from the outside to get out. Definitely don't miss that crud@

Wish I could offer helpful advice.
But I feel for ya Stormy I do!

 

[StormyPica]

thsts more serious
But I miss snow I really do, but just for a visit.
I lived in Wisconsin once, man....de iced my locks got in drive to work then I'm iced in . Drove around heat blasting still couldn't get out. Security had go de ice again from the outside to get out. Definitely don't miss that crud@

Wish I could offer helpful advice.
But I feel for ya Stormy I do!

It's ok, I've lived in VT my whole life, I'm used to it.