March 03, 2009
Now, what does the flu have to do with my power being out? Nothing. It all has to do with people. We are so spoiled that we don’t really understand where all our conviences come from.I was at a party the other night and a friend who is the CEO of a regional power company came up to me and told me how concerned they were about a pandemic. They were preparing and he asked me a few questions and then made the comment that they expect the power to be down when a pandemic arrives. This is the same friend who told me after 9/11 that he could take down the western power grid and it would be down for a month. He was, of course, sharing this because of his concern over terrorism. His point and mine, during a pandemic there will still be wind storms, ice storms, accidents, equipment failure, and more and who will there be to fix the problem? Thus, the power which is normally fixed in hours may remain out for days or weeks.
Are you ready? When we worked on our Seven Steps last year we made a list of all the items in our home that require power. We then made a list of what we need to have on hand in the event the power fails to replace those services. For those who followed the Seven Steps these lists should be in your binders. Yes, we had a binder for our Seven Steps too. I like binders.
Last week we talked about entertainment and having books on hand. Movies are great until the power fails, so what else should you have ready to go? Some commented last week and talked about crafts. Consider what foods you could create without power to keep the kids busy. Easter is right around the corner, why not purchase an extra egg dying kit when they are 50% off, or more, after Easter. Who says you can only dye eggs for Easter. Be creative but think no power.
Pandemics do not only occur during the winter months. They can arrive any time. The Pandemic of 1918-1919 began in the Spring and continued until the following February. How will you deal with a power outage when it is 100 degrees outside? As you go about your activities today think about the electricity you are using and ask yourself, “how would I replace this if the power suddenly went out”?
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I learned to sew in junior high school. My mother was so glad when each of her daughters began their sewing classes. We worked hard at sewing to get an A. Mother gave us the added incentive that she was now turning all of our clothes sewing over to us–if I wanted a dress, I would have to make it myself. When my own daughters entered junior high school, sewing classes were no longer required. So I taught them in 4-H classes how to sew.
Even though we don’t talk much about storing clothing, clothes are still a necessity. Last week when you wrote about having crafts for children during a pandemic I considered ideas when I was at Walmart this week. I decided to look at one of the pattern books and was surprised at the cost of doll clothes patterns. But then I thought that a pattern for doll clothing would be a good birthday, Easter, or Christmas gift for a child, grandchild, niece, or nephew, depending on the child’s interests and age. The pattern could be accompanied by one or more “kits” of material already cut out from the pattern. The pattern would be included in the kit along with thread, pins, needles, and other notions needed for the item. Scissors, a thimble, a pin cushion and other items might also be helpful if they are not already available. It would be especially helpful if more than one item of clothing were included so that mother, father, grandmother, aunt, or interested gift giver could help the child learn how to sew the item. The article of doll clothing could be sewn either by machine or by hand. In the event of a pandemic, other items of clothing could be sewn from the remaining kit or kits, or new articles could be cut out and made. If there were no electricity, the items could be sewn by hand or with a pedal sewing machine for those lucky enough to have one.
An added bonus is that there would be added skills in a family during a pandemic to mend clothes or sew on buttons, etc. If we are to be distanced socially, then we won’t be as eager to run out to buy “new” clothes when there are rips and lost buttons on the clothes we currently wear. A coat with a broken zipper or lost button during cold weather that can be repaired will help a child or adult stay warmer–especially if the power is out. Also, children will not stop growing and will need larger clothing. A current added benefit to having a boy learn to sew is that he can then sew his scouting badges on to his uniform.
Ok, so I would really love to know what to do when the power is out and it is 100 plus outside. (I live in the south) In my previous home, we had a finished basement and the temp was always much cooler down there, so that is where we hung out most of the time. Where I live now, I have no basement, so what is the answer to keeping cool with no power in the middle of summer?
A generator would help, and a old fashion hand held fan.
You don’t have electrical power when you go camping so you have the things you need for camping on hand for when the power goes out.
Dulce, you sweat a lot
My generator isn’t large enough to operate an AC, but I purchased several electric fans that will –on ’standby’ in my attic for the next hurricane. Especially at night, it is much easier to sleep w/ some air circulation. You can also purchase battery operated fans @ camping supply stores; they work great positioned over your bed. –Imagine having a fever in that kind of heat! Be sure to have plenty of water!