Summer and winter are the two most common seasons for power outages. There is a possibility that these outages can be dangerous in some way, especially if you are bedridden, live alone, or don’t have anyone in your area to help you. If you find yourself facing a situation like this, it’s important to know how to prepare for the worst.

It is important to prepare for an emergency. When the electricity goes out, it is also important to have a plan in place. Many people do not have a plan in place and it could be detrimental to your health if you are unable to find the food or medications that you need.

When preparing for an outage, make sure that you or your family understand how to prepare for one and what is expected when the lights go out.

Here are some tips on how to prepare for an outage:

• Have a plan in place for when the power goes out. Make a list of all the things you need during an emergency and keep it handy where you can see it (e.g., in your bedroom or kitchen).
• Make sure everyone knows how to use their emergency kit before an outage occurs so they know what supplies they need in case something goes wrong (i.e., batteries, flashlights).
• If the power goes out in the summer months, it can be a hot, uncomfortable situation. You can still stay cool and comfortable by preparing a few basic items that will help you during an extended power outage.
• These items should be kept in an easy-to-reach center console of your car or truck. If you have an RV, keep them in an easily accessible storage bin.
• Identify all of the essentials that need to be replaced in case there is a power outage.

Here are some things that you should have on hand should your electricity go out:

A flashlight with extra batteries. This is a must-have item for power outages. Having flashlights will help you see in the dark, and if there is an emergency situation, having one will allow you to see what’s going on around you. You might also want to consider extra batteries because they can run out quickly during an outage. Flashlights are also useful if there are road repairs or fallen trees blocking roads.

Backup generator. Consider having one if possible so that you can continue living comfortably during an outage.

Extra blankets and pillows. You may need these items to keep yourself warm during winter if you’re stuck at home during a prolonged outage.

Water. Even if it’s summertime or wintertime, water is important because it helps regulate body temperature and keeps plants alive during long periods without electricity.

Food staples like canned goods, energy drinks, protein bars, cereals, and other nonperishable food items won’t spoil quickly when there’s no electricity so you don’t have to worry about food going bad before you get food again when the power comes back on. Make sure that your pets are fed, too!

First Aid Kit. The medication your doctor prescribes to keep you healthy and alive is the first thing you need to consider. Some of these include medicines and medical supplies such as insulin, oxygen tanks, and tubing. Also include bandages, gauze pads, and antibiotic ointment in case of cuts or burns. It should also have painkillers, such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen (these can be purchased at most drug stores), in case you become injured while trying to fix stuff around you or searching for something. Be sure to include medications like antidiarrhea, antiflu, and fever medicine.

Candles in case of darkness indoors or blackout conditions outdoors, lighter fluid for fire pit, if using candles, and matches in case of fire emergencies (keep matches away from flammable materials like paper or wood).

A hand-crank radio with extra batteries and a durable antenna. Make sure to have one or other battery-powered devices if needed. This can be used to contact other residents in the community or listen to news reports.

A battery-powered radio, preferably one that receives AM/FM signals and has at least 20 watts of power output (or more).

Don’t forget to charge your phone! If you don’t have a charger at home, consider purchasing one so that you can keep in touch with friends and family during this difficult time.

A notebook and pen so that you can jot down important information during electricity outages.

Cash and gas in your car. Cash can be used to pay bills and buy food and other essentials. Gas can be used in case you need to go out. It’s better to have a little extra money than nothing at all in case you need to leave town quickly.

If you are a bedridden patient, the best way to prepare for an emergency is by having a plan. Take note of your surroundings and know what to do in case of an emergency. Make sure that someone knows where you are at all times so they can come to get you if necessary. Make sure that there is an emergency contact number somewhere on your telephone book or in an obvious place such as on the refrigerator door or bedroom wall. This can be another person who lives nearby or even another family member.

A good first step is to contact your family, friends, and neighbors to make sure they know where you are and what to do if they cannot locate you. You can also set up a system with them where they can call or text you when they are coming or going to visit, or if there is any news about your health condition.

If you live alone, you must have a plan in place as well. Do not rely on anyone else for help during an emergency situation. The most important thing is not to panic and stay calm no matter what happens around you. Many things can go wrong during an electricity outage but there are also ways for us all to survive without being harmed if we remain calm and collected during these situations.

If you have no family nearby and live alone, then setting up a communication system will be extremely important for your safety as well as that of any medical facility where you may be taken in an emergency situation. This communication system could be through a landline phone number or cell phone number that can be reached at any time.

Make sure you or everyone, knows your responsibilities during an emergency situation – keeping everyone calm will ensure everyone stays safe.