JimH
Regular Member
Electrical grid down preparedness has been the focus lately. I have been hearing more about the electrical grid vulnerabilities, and only recently found the President's National Infrastructure Advisory Council's report on "Surviving a Catastrophic Power Outage" (released in December 2018). The report really didn't bring any new issues to light, but did re-emphasize out ever growing grid dependence. You can find the report here:
NIAC Report
So I wanted to put an in home kit together that had the needed resources and checklist of what to do for the first 30 minutes of a long term grid down situation. While each of us will have our own unique environments, I also wanted to put out suggestions that could apply to most situations. I already had most of the pieces and parts of the kit in various places in the house (like many of us do), as well as a sort-of "what to do" plan. Now, it is all consolidated (which I do admit can increase the diversification "don't put all your eggs in one basket" risk , but that is another post in itself). Most of the contents can be purchased at many local places, or even be bought off of Amazon....one stop shopping. Here is the most recent version of the plan. If anyone would like to take a look at it and communicate some feedback, that would be appreciated....
The Blackout Bucket
You may have heard about a Bug Out Bag, or Get Home bag, but have you heard of a Blackout Bucket? What do you do when the lights go out? Do you have a plan and supplies in place for an extended Blackout of electrical services? There are many ways to be prepared and the Blackout Bucket is just one way to do it. It is a system to gather your supplies and make a step by step plan to react to a disruption of essential services. The 5 gallon contrator bucket can be found at Lowe's, Home Depot, Walmart, etc. or can be another container entirely. Listed below is a suggested list of bucket contents and actions to take when the grid goes down, but each bucket can be tailored to fit each individual or family. It is recommended using devices powered by AA batteries, and only storing Energizer Lithium AA batteries in all devices. The suggested starting contents are:
BLACKOUT BUCKET CONTENTS:
So, what do think?
Are there areas and information that are missing or need editing?
Any other suggestions?
Thanks,
Jim
NIAC Report
So I wanted to put an in home kit together that had the needed resources and checklist of what to do for the first 30 minutes of a long term grid down situation. While each of us will have our own unique environments, I also wanted to put out suggestions that could apply to most situations. I already had most of the pieces and parts of the kit in various places in the house (like many of us do), as well as a sort-of "what to do" plan. Now, it is all consolidated (which I do admit can increase the diversification "don't put all your eggs in one basket" risk , but that is another post in itself). Most of the contents can be purchased at many local places, or even be bought off of Amazon....one stop shopping. Here is the most recent version of the plan. If anyone would like to take a look at it and communicate some feedback, that would be appreciated....
The Blackout Bucket
You may have heard about a Bug Out Bag, or Get Home bag, but have you heard of a Blackout Bucket? What do you do when the lights go out? Do you have a plan and supplies in place for an extended Blackout of electrical services? There are many ways to be prepared and the Blackout Bucket is just one way to do it. It is a system to gather your supplies and make a step by step plan to react to a disruption of essential services. The 5 gallon contrator bucket can be found at Lowe's, Home Depot, Walmart, etc. or can be another container entirely. Listed below is a suggested list of bucket contents and actions to take when the grid goes down, but each bucket can be tailored to fit each individual or family. It is recommended using devices powered by AA batteries, and only storing Energizer Lithium AA batteries in all devices. The suggested starting contents are:
BLACKOUT BUCKET CONTENTS:
- Flashlight. Recommended the 1 AA battery Nicron N7 600 Lumen (Amazon).
- WaterBOB Bathtub Emergency Water Storage Container and large zip ties (Amazon).
- AM/FM radio. Recommended the 3 AA battery TECSUN PL-360 or CountyComm GP-5 (Amazon).
- Ham radio HT. Recommended the Yaesu FT-60 (Amazon). This radio can also run on a 6 AA batteries with AA adapter.
- Smart phone recharger. Recommended finding one that is powered by AA batteries (Amazon).
- Local maps (Amazon).
- Extra Energizer lithium AA batteries (Amazon).
- Sharpie marker (Amazon).
- Cash.
- Get Blackout bucket.
- Find flashlight in bucket, make sure it works.
- Find WaterBob(s). Set up waterBob’s in bathtub. Start filling WaterBobs once it can be determined that the power outage is not a short term event. Use zip ties to secure WaterBob filling sleeve to water source(tub faucet). Take sharpie and write the fill time(s) started filing Bob’s on palm of hand or paper. It is suggested to come back and check on progress after about 10-15 minutes.
- Find AM/FM radio and check/tune in local stations. Is it talk/music as usual?
- Find Ham HT and contact local repeater, if licensed to do so. Is there any chatter by the local Hams?
- Switch Smartphone/Cell phone to power save mode. Check in with loved ones. Text messages can be the most efficient way with limited bandwidth.
- Find and check fire extinguishers.
- Check manual disconnect for garage door (if applicable)
- Turn off and disconnect appliances and electronics. Leave one light plugged in to monitor when electrical service has returned.
- Power up and check smart phone re charger.
- Pull out local maps for quick reference.
- Evaluate options for filling up gas tanks, and making re-supply runs.
So, what do think?
Are there areas and information that are missing or need editing?
Any other suggestions?
Thanks,
Jim