A Spring wind storm with 80 mph gusts knocked out the grid in our area. The power was out for so long that I was in peril of running out of clean underwear.
According to our stopped clock, the power went out at 4:19pm, and stayed out for four days.
The first day we fetched our wind-up lanterns and hung out in the dark all night.
By the second day, when it became clear that the grid wouldn’t be repaired any time soon, we set up our big batteries. Because we are preppers, doomsday or not, we invested in a lot of alternative energy systems over the years.
All these battery power-pack systems can be charged with portable solar panels.
Even our collection of various flashlights can be charged easily without the grid.
Luckily, it was warm spring weather and the house stayed comfortable at night. Had it been any colder, we would have evacuated to our off-grid cabin to warm up by the wood stove.
The hardest part about staying in an electric house during an extended power outage is keeping your food from spoiling. We resorted to using a small generator several times a day to cool down the refrigerator.
I got inventive with cooking methods. I used my mom’s old 1960 electric skillet, a hot plate, and even warmed leftovers on the barbeque grill.
Our coffee habits were reduced to the simplest solution: hot pot and instant coffee. Not the best, but it’ll do.
Finally, after four days, a crew from out of state made it’s way to our area and power was restored. Just in time to run the furnace for the cold snap expected.
Now that we are electrified again, I’m going to celebrate by taking a hot bath and running the dishwasher. Oh, and get clean undies out of the washer. Life is good.
11 comments
One more reason why “boat livin’” is great! That generator is a lifesaver!
I’m ready to move into the RV – haha!
Should say Kuddos
Kiddos, You are always prepared. I enjoyed the pictures of your equipment.
That’s our habit, too.
Our issue with the electrical outage was with my Mother’s from-scratch rolls that we had not made in probably 15 years. Beth was in-charge of making them. They were rising in the electric oven on “proof” when the lights went out. The yeast gave out before the electricity came back on Saturday. Rolls were pretty flat and I think the yeast had consumed all of the sugar in them. Bummer. My Mom made the best rolls! We’ll have to try again.
If you had 12 pair and washed every Saturday, you would not run out….. unless Tim needed to borrow a pair or two.
I’m lazy! Only do laundry when I’m about to run out 😂
I agree with Gene. It was my first thought — you need to buy more underwear! Like a month’s worth!
Ha! I was just about to do a load of laundry when the power went out.
Obviously, you need to buy more underwear.
Haha! Saturday is laundry day!
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