When the lights suddenly go off, it catches everyone off guard. Even if you’re ready for emergencies, losing power during a storm can be a shock. You should have a kit for blackouts and a plan to get lights and important devices working again at home.
We often focus on what we should do when there’s no power. But, have you thought about what not to do? If you’re not careful, you could mess up big time during a blackout.
You could end up damaging your electronics or, worse, causing a fire. Yes, it’s serious, and we need to avoid these mistakes. Here are 9 no-nos during a power outage.
1. DO NOT Waste Backup Power
Many people have some backup power, like a small power bank, which is super helpful during a blackout. What should you use this backup power for?
When there’s no power, if you’re not living off the grid, you’re just watching your backup power get used up, hoping the electricity comes back soon. It’s crucial to only use power for important things and try to save as much as you can.
Don’t use your backup power to play on your phone when there’s an emergency. Nowadays, having a way to generate power, like with a solar or gas generator, is a must.
2. DO NOT Kill your Cell Phone
Our cell phones are a big part of our lives. There’s a lot to say about smartphones, but they are key for emergency preparedness.
People use their phones for maps, talking to others, managing money, and even as a flashlight! Are smartphones making us less smart? Possibly.
But in an emergency, they are incredibly useful, so try not to use your phone too much when the power’s out.
