Prepping for a grid shutdown might seem extreme to some people, but just look at how often it’s happened in the past. When hurricane Sandy hit, millions of people were without power for weeks.
In this post, we take a look at some of the things that you can do to make your home a little less dependent on the grid. We’re not saying that you need to totally go off-grid or anything like that. However, it does help if you can be slightly more self-sufficient, just in case the worst should happen.
Store Food In Your Basement
One idea is to store a little extra food in your basement, should the situation deteriorate. You want around two to three weeks of food ready to go for your whole family, whenever you need it.
Storing tins of beans is fine, but what you really want to be able to do is whip up delicious meals. Therefore, keep powdered herbs and spices that can take the place of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Install Better Windows
Storms are common in the US, but many people still don’t have hurricane windows, and it’s putting their safety at risk. High winds can quite easily whip up debris into the air and smash windows, causing massive damage and potentially injury.
Fortunately, you can now get windows that offer better protection. When impacted, these windows won’t send sharp glass fragments flying through the air. Instead, they behave more like car windshields, breaking into small, smooth chunks that don’t cut or maim.
Add Solar
While solar probably won’t be able to replace your mains supply completely, it is a great thing to have around in the event of an emergency. Solar provides a little bit of power for all your essentials, even on a cold winter’s day.
These days, the cost of adding solar is less than it was in the past. Plus, once it’s installed, it’s usually good for 30 years with only minimal maintenance.
Grow Your Own
Growing your own vegetables at your home is a great idea for anyone looking to save money and become more self-sufficient.
It’s also incredibly easy to do. Just plant some seeds in a raised bed and let nature do the rest.
The types of crops you grow depend on your objectives. If you’re looking to replace expensive grocery store food, you’ll want to grow things like herbs, lettuces, berries and certain soft fruits that are difficult to store and transport. However, if you’re looking to provide your family with a substantial source of calories, you’ll want to grow things like potatoes, yams and corn.
Keep A Source Of Energy Off-Grid
Imagine if the power went out or the gas got cut off for a few weeks during the winter. How would your family stay warm? If you don’t have some sort of off-grid energy storage, you’re in trouble.
Therefore, find a discreet location for a butane gas tank. You can then hook this up to your furnace if there’s even an interruption in the supply.
