CONSUMER

Six simple ways to get you through a power outage

May 3, 2018, 5:31 PM | Updated: Feb 7, 2023, 11:20 am

SALT LAKE CITY — When the power goes out, the last thing you want is to be left in the dark.  Here are six things you can do that will make your life easier in a power outage.

KEEP YOUR PHONE CHARGED

Your cell phone is a lifeline in an outage, keeping you connected and informed.  First, flip on your phone’s “lower power mode” and close unused apps.  That’ll add hours to the battery.  Also, keep a portable phone charger on hand.  You can buy one for around $30 from a drugstore.  If you don’t have one, plug the phone into a laptop that has battery, or you can always charge the phone in your car.

DO-IT-YOURSELF LANTERN

Need a light?   Fill an empty milk jug with water.  Strap a headlamp around it with the light pointing inward and voila – a lantern filling a room with light!  Don’t have a headlamp?  Tape a flashlight to the top of the jug instead.

MAKE USE OF YOUR SOLAR LIGHTS

Speaking of light, remember those solar lights in your yard?  You can always bring those inside.  Most will give you six to eight hours on a single charge.   Put several in a vase if you need a more concentrated light.

GROUP FOODS IN THE FREEZER & FRIDGE

In your freezer and refridgerator, group your food together.  This creates an igloo effect that will keep the food cold longer.  Still have space?  Fill it in with ice, or zipper type bags filled with water beforehand and fit those in around your food.  A full freezer holds its temperature for about 48 hours.  A freezer that’s only half full will last half the time.  Keep the freezer and refrigerator doors closed as much as possible.  The less you open those doors, the longer your food stays cold.

GRAB A COOLER, OR ENLIST YOUR WASHER

Using a cooler full of ice to store some refrigerated foods will help keep you from opening the fridge door over and over again.  But, if you don’t have one, you can always turn your washing machine into a makeshift cooler.  Fill the drum with ice, put in your food and it’ll stay cold longer.  And bonus, when the ice melts, the washer drains the water.

UNPLUG YOUR ELECTRONICS

When the power comes roaring back, it often sends surges through your home that can really hurt the sensitive electronics in your TV’s, laptops and appliances.  So unplug all that stuff.  Just leave one light on and plugged in so you’ll know when the power comes back on.

KSL 5 TV Live

Consumer

FILE - Eggs are displayed on store shelves at a local grocery store in Chandler, Ariz., Jan. 21, 20...

Dee-Ann Burrin, AP Business Writer

What’s keeping egg prices high for Easter? It’s not just inflation

Egg prices are at near-historic highs in many parts of the world as Easter and Passover approach.

13 hours ago

Kia has recalled 427,407 of its Telluride SUVs because they can roll away while in park....

Samantha Delouya, CNN

Kia recalls more than 400,000 Telluride SUVs that can move while in park

All Telluride vehicles made between 2020 and 2023 and certain 2024 models are affected by the recall.

13 hours ago

Lehi homes...

Daniel Woodruff

Governor highlights bills to help Utah homebuyers, but will they make a difference?

Gov. Spencer Cox on Thursday highlighted several new bills he just signed into law that are aimed at getting more buyers into the market.

15 hours ago

Post reading "Wall Street"...

Stan Choe, AP Business Writer

Stock market today: Wall Street rises to more records to close out its latest winning month

The stock market has been on a nearly unstoppable run since late October, and the S&P 500 just capped its fifth straight winning month.

18 hours ago

Matt Gephardt meeting with Denis Hawkins after a rental car company after they ignored his calls fo...

Matt Gephardt

Get Gephardt helps Spanish Fork man clear up insurance claim for rental car damage

Get Gephardt clears up an international rental car insurance standstill.

1 day ago

Costco's food court and its famous $1.50 hot dog and soda combo meal....

Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN

Why Costco’s hot dog is still $1.50 when everything has gotten so expensive

Inflation has touched nearly everything these last few years, but Costco is holding the line on its hot dog-soda combo price.

2 days ago

Sponsored Articles

Women hold card for scanning key card to access Photocopier Security system concept...

Les Olson

Why Printer Security Should Be Top of Mind for Your Business

Connected printers have vulnerable endpoints that are an easy target for cyber thieves. Protect your business with these tips.

Modern chandelier hanging from a white slanted ceiling with windows in the backgruond...

Lighting Design

Light Up Your Home With These Top Lighting Trends for 2024

Check out the latest lighting design trends for 2024 and tips on how you can incorporate them into your home.

Technician woman fixing hardware of desktop computer. Close up....

PC Laptops

Tips for Hassle-Free Computer Repairs

Experiencing a glitch in your computer can be frustrating, but with these tips you can have your computer repaired without the stress.

Close up of finger on keyboard button with number 11 logo...

PC Laptops

7 Reasons Why You Should Upgrade Your Laptop to Windows 11

Explore the benefits of upgrading to Windows 11 for a smoother, more secure, and feature-packed computing experience.

Stylish room interior with beautiful Christmas tree and decorative fireplace...

Lighting Design

Create a Festive Home with Our Easy-to-Follow Holiday Prep Guide

Get ready for festive celebrations! Discover expert tips to prepare your home for the holidays, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for unforgettable moments.

Battery low message on mobile device screen. Internet and technology concept...

PC Laptops

9 Tips to Get More Power Out of Your Laptop Battery

Get more power out of your laptop battery and help it last longer by implementing some of these tips from our guide.

Six simple ways to get you through a power outage