LITTLE ROCK — Some quick but powerful thunderstorms packing quite a punch recently knocked out my electricity for several hours. What supplies would you recommend I have on hand, and how can I be better prepared in the future?
The No. 1 rule for organizing - having a place for everything and everything in its place - comes in very handy during an emergency as well, says professional organizer Becca Clark, owner of Creative Convenience of Hot Springs.
Homeowners who keep all their essential items - flashlights, battery-operated radios, extra candles, butane lighter, cell phone, purse, keys - in a central place and always return the items immediately after using them will be well-served in times of emergencies.
“Searching around for your stuff is a bother even with good lighting,” Clark says. “Make a home for everything and put it back every time, every day.”
Also, she advises that homeowners make sure that they keep all the additional items needed for their emergency supplies in that place, paired with the items for which they are needed.
A flashlight is pretty useless unless it’s filled with working batteries. This is also true for a candle when no matches or a lighter can be easily and quickly found.
Don’t keep the refrigerator and freezer fully stocked with excess food, Clark also recommends. A prolonged electrical failure means lost dollars as perishables are ruined.
“To make the freezer more efficient you can freeze water in a large container since empty spaces don’t hold the cold as well,” she says.
Finally, when the power is out for days instead of hours, don’t hesitate to call on friends and family who still have electricity to temporarily store your perishables or provide a place to shower or shave, Clark advises. When the tables are reversed, the favor can be returned.
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HomeStyle, Pages 37 on 09/29/2012