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Disposable Goods To Have In Case Of A Power Outage

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The power outages associated with severe weather conditions are endemic to some geographic locations and come as an abrupt surprise to others. Typically, the ability to get and use clean water is also compromised resulting in the need to stockpile a one- to two-week's supply of one gallon of water per person, per day in advance, plus extra for pets. Homeland Security recommends that drinking water not be rationed during an emergency, so it makes sense to use as little of it as possible for cleaning and cooking purposes. Stocking up on disposable goods which require no washing should be part of your pre-emergency plan. A supply of disposable goods should be kept handily in a go-bag, along with your other emergency supplies, in case evacuation is required and also stored above floor level in the area of your home least prone to flooding or roof collapse.

Bathroom – Hygienic and first aid supplies including prescription and over-the-counter medicines can be stored here. You can also fill the bathtub with water to aid with toilet flushing during an emergency. Things to have on hand for the bathroom include:

  • Single-use toothbrushes and mouthwash
  • Antibacterial hand sanitizer
  • Paper cups
  • Personal wipes
  • Alcohol swab packets
  • Toilet paper
  • Disposable razors
  • Snap lights
  • Kitty litter and heavy duty garbage bags for human use if the toilet is inoperable

Kitchen – The cooking hub, your kitchen can remain a place of comfort and gathering for your family during a storm. You will want to have stocked food stuffs that require no cooking or heating on hand, as well as a light source, such as a heavy duty flashlight or disposable snap lights. Other disposables to have in the kitchen are:

  • Antibacterial hand sanitizer
  • Garbage bags
  • Wipes with bleach added for cleaning home surfaces
  • Instant coffee sticks
  • Paper towels and napkins
  • Plastic knives, forks and spoons
  • Paper plates, cups and bowls
  • Latex gloves
  • Water treatment tablets or straws
  • Waterproof matches
  • Steel wool
  • Disposable bibs if you have a baby or toddler

Nursery – You may already be using disposable diapers and pull-ups, but even if you've gone green and wash your diapers, a supply of disposables should be stowed away in case of an emergency. You should have the baby sleep in the same room as you if there is a power outage, but items to have on hand in the nursery include:

  • One-week supply of diapers
  • Antibacterial hand sanitizer
  • Personal wipes
  • Wipes with bleach added for cleaning home surfaces
  • Changing pads
  • Mylar blankets
  • Snap lights

Bedroom – If you live in a cold area or lose power during a winter storm, maintaining heat will be a priority. Close off as many rooms in your home as possible and gather everyone in one space so you can all benefit from body heat. This may be the bedroom or living room during nighttime hours, whichever is most enclosed and free of drafts. Close off any areas where air may leak inside, such as the bottom of the door and windows, and make sure everyone is dressed in layers and has a sleeping bag or heavy blankets. Other disposable items which can help maintain warmth include:

  • Mylar blankets
  • Hand and feet warmers

Power outages compromise comfort and safety. A home generator can significantly eliminate the impact of weather-related emergencies on day-to-day life, both during and after a storm, by turning itself on within seconds of a power outage and off again when power is restored. If your family relies on well water or a sump pump, it will also eliminate the need to worry about or search for water, in the event of an emergency.

Corey Whelan is a freelance writer in New York. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

Learn more by visiting CBS Philly's Storm Prep section

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