Power Out? Real-Life Hurricane Tips

In addition to the traditional tips for dealing with hurricanes (fill up your gas tank, have food, medicine, and water, etc.), some of us who have lived through these storms have learned a thing or two about getting through Florida life without power. Here are some real-life ideas to make your life more manageable after the power goes out.

Stay Cool

Turn your air-conditioner down so the house is as cool as possible when the power does go out. This will help retain the cool temperature for a bit longer.

Wet washcloths and put them in a plastic bag in the fridge or freezer. They come in handy for mini-baths when you can’t take a shower or to just drape                                                 over your neck to help cool off. 

                                         Use a battery-operated fan. Even the mini handhelds can help you feel cooler.

Fill Up the Tub

Remember, if you have a well for water, fill up the bathtub(s) with water as that will come in handy for flushing toilets when the well pump has no power. You can also keep several gallon jugs of water handy for the same reason. (If you’re on city or county water, you should have flow.)

Go Disposable

Stock up on paper plates, utensils, and drinking cups, etc., so you don’t have to worry about washing dishes. 

Food Strategy

Eat all the stuff in the fridge first, then work through the freezer and, lastly, the canned/dry goods.

Fill up your washing machine with ice and use it as a fridge. You can keep cold foods and drinks there, especially if you have an inside laundry room.

Prepare the Caffeine

Make coffee before the power goes out, store it in gallon jugs, and use to avoid caffeine deprivation headaches. Even cold coffee is, well, coffee!

Strike a Match

If you have a gas stove, be sure to have matches; you can still light a burner when the electric-powered striker no longer functions. 

Don’t Get Stuck

Disengage the garage door opener before you put your car in so you can reach it when needed. It’s a handle on a rope dangling from the chain near the opener; you’ll pull back toward the interior and that will let you open the door manually.

We hope you don’t need these tips at all, but if you do, we hope they make your post-hurricane life more pleasant!  For more information on being prepared for a hurricane download Ocala Electric Utility’s free Storm Preparation Booklet to help keep you safe, prepared and informed.

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