How Ready Are You for a Two-Week Power Outage?

[ChrysanthiDream]

If the grid went down for two weeks, how confident are you about keeping food from spoiling and staying warm? Curious what overlooked “little” things people have found essential during extended outages. Any tips for managing without a generator?

 

[TeaTimeTalisman]

Keeping food cool is my top worry, honestly. I use lots of canning, and root cellar storage for veggies and eggs, so I’d be okay for a bit, but milk and meat are tricky. For warmth, layers and wool blankets get the job done, plus I keep a stash of candles and hand warmers. People often forget about water—storing enough for washing as well as drinking is tougher than it sounds. Anyone have good tricks for cleaning up without running water?

 

[AquaFern1028]

Keeping food from spoiling is one of my biggest concerns, too. I’ve built up my pantry with lots of shelf-stable jars (home-canned soups, veggies, meats) and dehydrated goods, so the fridge isn’t as critical. For fresh stuff, I freeze water in 2-liter bottles—if power goes out, I move those to the fridge and keep the doors shut tight. It buys me a couple days at least. For warmth, I rely on wool socks, thermal layers, and a big pile of quilts. I’ve also used those clay flowerpot candle heaters in a pinch (supervised, of course), and they actually take the edge off a small room.

One thing folks often forget: a manual can opener. And battery-powered or hand-crank lanterns—