Is Your Home Ready for the Next Power Outage?

Power’s out… again. It’s not even officially winter, and your living room feels like the inside of a meat locker. In places like Wisconsin or Idaho, power outages are all too common, especially when snow and wind decide to throw a tantrum.

So is your home ready for the next power outage? Let’s run through what you’ll wish you’d done before the lights went out.

Keep the Cold Out

No one’s thinking about insulation in late summer, but they should be. Drafty windows and thin attic walls can undo the space heater’s best efforts in under an hour. This is where knowing what R-value means and why it’s important for insulation actually matters.

Before the first freeze, take one day to check door seals, attic insulation, and basement air leaks. Add weather stripping where needed and seal those gaps with expanding foam or caulk. It’s not glamorous, but neither is frostbite.

Power the Essentials

Generators are like treadmills—everyone wants one until it’s time to maintain it. If you already have a generator, test it for at least 15 minutes once a month. That’s right, every single month. Add fuel stabilizer and keep extra gas stored in a secure location.

For homes without one, consider a battery backup for sump pumps, refrigerators, or even Wi-Fi. At the very least, stock up on portable phone chargers. Nobody wants to drain their car battery just to rewatch “The Office” during a blackout.

Feed Yourself (and Others)

Refrigerators can keep food cold for up to four hours if they remain unopened. After that, it’s snack roulette. Keep at least three days’ worth of shelf-stable meals on hand. Think canned soups, peanut butter, protein bars, and instant coffee. Yes, coffee counts as an essential.

If you live with others, plan meals that require no power and minimal cleanup. Bonus points for foods that you can eat straight out of the packaging. No one wants to wash dishes by flashlight.

Heat Smarter, Not Harder

Not all warmth has to come from the grid. Thick thermal curtains can trap heat, especially if drawn before sundown. Fireplaces, if clean and safe, are worth their weight in kindling.

This is also a good time to consider some of the top ways to create an energy-efficient home, like smart thermostats, floor rugs, and switching to LED bulbs. Incorporating energy-efficient fixtures can reduce your energy load, making backup systems last longer when you need them most.

Don’t Forget the Weird Stuff

Flashlights? Check. Batteries? Hopefully not expired. But have you checked your garage door? Without power, most modern models need manual unlocking. Label it clearly. Keep extra water jugs by the toilet, especially if you’re on a well system. And, please, don’t wait until the lights are out to figure out how your emergency radio works.

Yes, it’s still technically summer, but ask anyone who’s spent January under four blankets and two cats. Is your home ready for the next power outage? This becomes a question you’ll wish you’d answered sooner.