October — normally associated with spooky fanfare and autumn foliage — was also National Energy Action Month. And for me, it was the perfect time to take a step back and assess not only how my family and friends use energy in our homes and lives, but also how prepared we are for an unexpected power outage.
As a mother, I want to always be prepared to protect and take care of my family, in any situation. And I’m sure you do as well. I’d like to share why I’ve been motivated to get my home and family better prepared to avoid going through a few powerless days and nights and give you tips on how you can do the same.
Make Power Accessible
Our mobile devices keep us connected to the world, and it can definitely be more than a mere inconvenience when their batteries die. When it happens during a power outage, it can quickly escalate into a major problem. Not being able to access up-to-the-minute weather information, reach emergency personnel or check on the safety of loved ones are just a few of the potential challenges that might arise in such a situation.
Goal Zero has made a phenomenal line of portable chargers, flashlights, generators, battery storage and even foldable solar panels.
For me, going through Hurricane Ike and its aftermath a few years ago was a wake-up call. The night it came through, I vividly remember lying awake as the wind and rain beat against the windows and tree limbs fell around my parent’s house. I lay there wondering if we’d be protected through the night. Thankfully, the next morning we were safe, but I felt powerless in the wake of the storm and during the days we were forced to live without electricity.
That’s a feeling I don’t want anyone to experience. It motivated all of us at NRG to develop solutions that made power both personal and portable. In this era of personal power, accessing power whenever you need it is becoming easier and more convenient than ever before. Rentable power packs, like the ones available at NRG Freedom Stations™ in select locations around Texas, are just one example. Now is a great time to explore your options for portable power made for personal use. Just make sure you keep your mobile devices charged so they’re available if the power goes out!
Harness the Power of the Sun
At NRG, we recently welcomed a leading developer of solar-powered products into our family. Goal Zero has made a phenomenal line of portable chargers, flashlights, generators, battery storage and even foldable solar panels that can provide peace of mind while on-the-go and can charge everything from a tablet to home health equipment. And before you think options like these are bulky and cumbersome or even difficult to use — think again.
They are portable, easy-to-use and affordable. And their flashlights and lanterns can be seen at the center of any overnight backyard camping adventure for your family, or, if you are in my house, to help tell a bedtime story!
We want you to be prepared and feel empowered. So here are a few other tips from NRG that can help you and your family stay as prepared as possible should your power go out:
- Have an emergency weather radio on hand. Look for ones that can be charged with a simple hand crank or with solar power. Some models can even charge cell phones and other small devices.
- Store flashlights, extra batteries, candles and all of your power accessories in an easy-to-remember place accessible to the whole family.
- When streetlights go dark during a power outage, installing solar-powered outdoor lighting is an alternative to illuminate outside walkways and entrances to your home.
- Lucky enough to have an unshaded, south-facing location on your property? Consider installing a solar water heater. They’re environmentally-friendly and can even be installed to blend into your home’s existing architecture.
Now is the time to take action, make a plan and have peace of mind for you and your family before another power outage leaves you in the dark. Have you already taken steps to prepare your home and family for an emergency outage? Share your tips and actions taken in the comments below.
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National Energy Action Month is always a good reminder to make preparations in case of a power outage.
