How to Survive Blackouts on Your Farm
We want to help you know what to do if you experience a blackout on your farm or in any other rural area.
Also note we are also here to help you select the perfect tractor for your homestead when the time comes.
Let’s jump right in!
Have you ever experienced a blackout on your farm?
Have you ever been to another rural area when there is a power outage?
You know what we mean. Pitch black at night. Food going bad in the fridge. Animals suffering from the cold temperatures. No way to cook.
Quite possibly --- the worst power outages occur in the winter. Low temperatures tend to cause various medical conditions.
Therefore, it is always smart to be prepared.
Power Outages
There are various reasons for power outages such as:
- Weather conditions.
- Power line issues
- Maintenance
- Accidents
- Human error
- Systems malfunction
The list is endless.
Look what happens during hurricanes. Many people are dislocated and without power for months. It is essential to be prepared for such eventualities.
Power Backup
You should always have a power backup generator system.
There are different types of generators.
Some are big enough to provide power for your entire farm. The larger standby generators can be very useful in lighting the house, controlling the temperature inside the house, and for powering areas containing livestock and pets.
There are gas-powered and solar-powered generators.
Standby generators are usually quieter than portable generators.
Some generators are automatic; connected to gas or propane lines.
You can also get a smaller or a portable generator that can be moved to power-specific equipment. They are used to power equipment such as a refrigerator or freezer.
Following these guidelines helps to make sure you can feed your family if the power goes out. Food shortages cause major panic and should be avoided.
Batteries
You should also have batteries for backup power.
Batteries have a few advantages over generators. They do not produce any noise. They do not use any fuel --- making them environmentally friendly. They just store power and are typically connected to a solar power grid.
The primary disadvantage of solar power batteries is that they are problematic on cloudy days or at night. Plus, their power does not last very long
Gas Tanks and Charcoal
Preparing meals is important. Therefore you must always ensure that your gas tanks are refilled.
You always need a backup gas supply. With an adequate supply of gas, you can operate your barbeque gas grill. You also will want to keep extra charcoal to operate your regular grill. Keep adequate supplies of both gas and charcoal. This is a great insurance policy against going hungry.
Blackout Hacks
Here are some final blackout hacks to keep in mind.
Avoid opening the refrigerator. This will help keep your food cold a bit longer. Also stock up on food that does not require refrigeration.
Inspect all electrical appliances. Unplug them from the power sockets.
All appliances that produce carbon monoxide should be used outdoors where there is plenty of air. These include charcoal grills, stoves, and generators.
Store any necessary medical supplies, medicines, and prescriptions. Have extra supplies if possible.
Always check on neighbors and ask them to check on you and your family. Many rural areas are very communal.
Please always prepare for blackouts and power outages. Sooner or later, you will experience them.
If you need any further help or have any questions about rural lifestyling, tractors, or anything else, please contact your dealer, local mechanic, or call us at 602-734-9944. Please ask about our current new and used tractor supply.
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