How Much Power Do You Need in A Blackout?

There are MANY reasons the lights may go out - but, the question is: Will you be prepared? In this video we'll discuss how to determine your emergency blackout power needs, how to generate that power, and remind you of the importance of testing your back up power systems before storms roll through.
MENTIONED IN THE VIDEO:
Links included in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that we provide we may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you.
○ My friend Brenda's book on downsizing: www.smallerlivinghugelife.com/signedbook
○ Kaito Weather Radio: amzn.to/3fCu59b
○Oupes Portable Power Stations: shrsl.com/3q9rk
○ Kill-A-Watt Electric Usage Monitor: amzn.to/3y5nGKj
// SUBSCRIBE:
//TIP JAR: Want to send us a special "Thank You" for our content? Here's our PayPal email address: [e-mail]
//WATCH MORE EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS VIDEOS:
○ How to Generate Heat and Lights During a Winter Storm: • How to Generate Heat a...
○ Prepping for Winter Storms (Part 2): • Prepping for Winter St...
// FREE RESOURCE
Learn how we slashed our budget dramatically in this FREE eBook, "Ten Ways to Radically Reduce Your Expenses": www.subscribepage.com/radical...
//SHOP OUR COURSES!
• Menu Planning Made Easy: underthemedian.com/menu-plann...
• Debt-Free Christmas Binder: underthemedian.com/debt-free-...
• Personal Finance Planner: underthemedian.com/yearly-fin...
• Home Energy Savings Guide:underthemedian.com/home-energ...
• Teaching Children a Biblical View of Money: underthemedian.com/biblical-f...
//CAMERA GEAR USED:
○ Microphones-
Shure Microphones to plug into a mixer: (Great for interviews):
amzn.to/3eUMuKl
Blue Yeti mic with stand (Our favorite mic for Live Broadcasts) -
amzn.to/3pgEEiA
○ Studio lights - amzn.to/3pdgq8V
//TOOLS & SERVICES WE RECOMMEND:
○ Graphic Artist: Our Logo design is by: Sarah Hallam, graphic artist:, contact her at: [e-mail].
○ Discount and Coupon Browser Extensions:
* Honey: (Coupon Browser Extension)
www.joinhoney.com/ref/m7n46co
* Rakuten: (Cash Back!) www.rakuten.com/r/HOPEWA158?e...
* Ibotta: (Earn cash back on groceries!) ibotta.risj.net/P2JJz
○ Mailerlite - www.mailerlite.com/invite/538...
//COME SAY HI!
Our website: underthemedian.com/
Facebook: / underthemedian
Instagram: / underthemedian
//ABOUT:
We're Hope and Larry and we raised our four sons, debt-free, including paying cash for our home (when our salary averaged less than $40,000). For tips on saving money, budgeting, paying off debt, and setting goals (while living with a spirit of joy and abundance), subscribe to us here on KZbin and visit us at our website and on social media.
Information on Under the Median represents our opinions only. We are not medical doctors, medical professionals, nutritionists, or investment professionals. All content found on Under the Median is intended for informational purposes only. Please be sure to exercise due diligence and always contact a professional with any questions you may have regarding any information you have seen or heard on our KZbin channel. Use caution when following instructions in this video. The creator and publisher of this video will not be held responsible for any adverse effects that may arise from the use of any method on this channel.
//CONTACT:
For all inquiries, please use this email: [e-mail]

[@mitchmaynard5326]

You're family dynamic is one of the most beautiful and wholesome things I've seen on KZbin. You all bless so much and you should be proud of what you do. Thank you all for sharing such valuable tips and your love for each other.

[@helenedavis2886]

I like your videos on electricity and power a lot!

[@larryware1]

Thank you, Helene.

[@cruiser122s.d.8]

I don't have a generator or big power station, but we have all kinds of ways to keep our power going. First of all my family all have a couple mini generators with 4 ways to power it each (hand crank, solar, usb-c, and by wall power). Secondly we all have multiple battery banks and chargers (hand crank, solar, battery powered, wind powered, hydro powered, etc.). Third we all have solar panels, solar battery rechargers, rechargeable batteries, USB batteries, and disposable batteries of all kinds. Same with flashlight, lanterns, lamps, etc., we have multiple ways to power them too. We are pretty prepared for disasters, but there can be unexpected things happen. We can shower, cook, clean, do laundry, keep warm/cool off, take care of injuries & illness, eat, drink, keep entertained, etc. We even have bug out bags/go bags if we need to leave.

[@breezybre2670]

I am so glad we live where lots of snow is normal because for whatever reason power outages and being "snowed in " is extremely rare up North. Not many ice storms as that is what kills the power lines. We had 6 feet of snow the one year ...no school gets cancelled..lol...business as usual. Except for having to climb up on your roof and clear the snow.....lol....and having a engine block heater for your car. In

[@mindalick8867]

post hurricane Ivan, here in Pensacola, Fla, we ere without power for two weeks

[@richardelliott9511]

My very first power outage prep was a backup arrangement for my critical sump pump. I live in an area where boating is popular and I found a little 12vdc bilge pump that with an extention cord and alligator clips, could be hooked up to a car to keep the basement dry. Since then I have been an advocate of keeping a weather eye out so to be sure that all of our cars had full gas tanks when a storm was coming. Most cars will idle for at least a couple of days on a full tank and can supply power during that time either directly to 12v items or at 120v with the use of an inverter. Your car can also be a great life boat in which to stay warm or cool depending on the season, just be sure to prevent CO poisoning by pulling the car out of the garage and away from the house a bit and being sure the exhaust pipe isn't obstructed by ice or snow. During our longest power outage a few years ago of 5 days, I was able keep 2 fridges and a freezer going by cycling them through a couple of times a day and still opperate a fan and minimal lights. I have been saving from my side hustle for a solar generator, had one all picked out but suddenly this fall the market for them has exploded so I decided to wait and let the market settle out and updated my inverter instead. This video was very well timed, as many people are asking how to figure out what size systems to get. Love the channel!

[@helenedavis2886]

Yes, the generator market is exploding isn’t it. I keep looking for something good and I saw a unit for about $1000. The only flaw mentioned by the evaluator was that the fans made so much noise so I’ll pass on that one.

[@breezybre2670]

Generac......now that would be a dream come true!

[@fourdayhomestead2839]

I'll be setting up a smaller area in my basement which is 8' floor to timbers, to stay warm & have water, food & comfort if the power goes out. I need a battery back up for a sump pump (& a way to keep it charged).

[@davidpotter9462]

My little giant sump pump uses 340 watts running. Shouldn't take a very big inverter.

[@richardelliott9511]

For the sump pump, check out 12 volt boating bilge pumps, they can be hookedup directly to your car battery or a secondary battery that can be charged with your car. Your car running is way quieter and doesn't draw attention like a gas powered generator. You could also keep you 120v pump and get an inverter to run it from your car battery.

[@kmd33k]

I made one using a bilge pump from a boat. It can run off of a 12v battery if needed.

[@shannonm.4984]

Thanks friends

[@karol84401]

You Both are great, love your information!!!

[@traceydufault297]

Great tips thank you 😊

[@jonnaborosky8836]

Thanks for the very clear explanations.

[@defendressofsan8948]

Thanks, sharing!

[@judyluchies2492]

Thank you 😇🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@datdude8391]

Great video

[@Idratherbecleaning]

Great video very helpful resource with winter approaching thank you

[@allisonspeer6837]

We have been without power for up to 7 days at a time, at least 3 different times. In both Summer and Winter, so living in the midwest we have those temp extremes, hot and humid or freezing cold. LOL. We have gas powered generator that we can use to keep freezers, fridge and a few items going. Also have a smaller Jackary and some power packs, as well as battery operated lights that will come on automatically. I've recently purchased those USB light bulbs that Larry has recommended. My goal is to purchase a larger batter pack/solar panel system. The key to being as comfortable as possible is multiple sources/alternatives. I try to do this will all of my preparation... example: how can I cook? Rocket stove, grill, wood stove, open firepit. Electricity is always the largest challenge. Thanks for all of the great information.

[@marilynrenaud1892]

Excellent informative video... Thank you!👍

[@johnafagerquist8235]

Great video! In 2011, the great Snowtober (Halloween weekend) storm hit us in CT. Power was out for 11 days. For my family, (wife and 4 children) because we were prepared, it was one of the coolest, most fun adventures we'd ever been through as a family. For others... not so much. I'm positively sickened with disbelief and exasperation that people who were not prepared then, and who went through that sudden, unexpected, long-term power outage, are still not prepared today! We used it as an opportunity to hone our skills and learn where to improve. Most, by far, were running around like headless chickens, complaining about how long it was taking to get power restored, while they stood in line gor hours at the local government shelter, waiting to take a shower.

[@catherinearrowsmith9460]

Love your practical points, love you two with the efforts that you make on the practical frugality. So much to think about and consider, both of you are fantastic….can i adopt you two

[@isabelsebastiao-vieira2152]

Great show. I wish I had all the electric concoctions you guys have... especially the Solar Generator. All the best! Izzy from Portugal.

[@AmandaJYoungs]

This is invaluable content, thank you so much, Hope and Larry! Yet again, you are the channel providing the most useful, actionable information which will enable us to live the most comfortable life for the least amount of our money. I'm so grateful.

[@lindablack2206]

Thanks for sending me back to school. Great info. for the education. As I have been trying to figure out how to do that.

[@UndertheMedian]

Happy to help!

[@djssquibbs3295]

Great content as ever you're both awesome Saludos desde Costa Rica :)

[@cheriellis9215]

I wouldn’t have understood how to figure out my power needs a few years ago in our house. Now I live in an RV, and electric consumption is a part of everyday thought. Even when plugged into shore power, there’s thoughts like, “before I run the microwave or air fryer I need to turn off the air conditioner first.” When we’re staying somewhere off grid, it’s constant thoughts of watching the solar input and the current battery levels. I really enjoy knowing that we can supply all of our own energy needs, even though I also enjoy being plugged in with more unlimited electricity when possible!

[@elizaC3024]

We have had a couple of short power outages over the last few days here in Northern Michigan. We have prepared with our solar system so we can operate our refrigerator and freezers for over 24 hours, as long as we have a fully charged system. But the key for most people to learn is to conserve, and reduce their usage.

[@debbiec6216]

With winter creeping up to us, hope there's more videos of Power Outages. I remember that storm "derecho" that was horrible. It's just as bad as 73 mph winds / rain, or EF1. Crockpot uses less watts .

[@sandiemom8888]

We had a power outage for 2 weeks after an ice storm. At the time we had 5 very small children. Back in the day worrying about power was not something ppl thought about. After many days we just couldn't take freezing. Luckily a friend took us in.

[@RetiredLovingIt]

We have been there done that too many times! We are now fully prepared! We have been without for 7 days followed by 9 days a couple months later….no fun at all

[@Smooshes786]

One thing we found was extremely helpful and is inexpensive is an am/fm solar radio that has a hand crank for usb charging. It was $15 bucks! Great in a short timeframe of need. Now, off to check generators, we need one! Thanks.

[@JonTanOsb]

Before I bought my Bluetti EB70S, I was talking to a salesperson (by email). I said I was going to order one as soon as I figured out my needs. "Well, you're going to need a big one to run your fridge and freezer or to vacuum during a power outage." I burst out laughing. I keep juice jugs of salt water frozen in my chest freezer and the one on top of my fridge. I know they'll keep things frozen for a long time. The things in my fridge can go in my 12 V cooler. I have solar lights and a battery lantern and a butane camping stove to cook on. There will be no vacuuming. :) Jon in rural BC, Canada

[@jrhoover3119]

Why salt water in your bottle? Does it stay frozen longer with salt water

[@JonTanOsb]

@@jrhoover3119 Yes. It freezes quicker and colder than water. I also put a big X on the lid, with permanent marker, so I don't try to drink it. :)

[@janisjohnson8807]

I was researching for a longer cord for my gas generator and found out they have generator tents. I had never heard that generators shouldn't be used in wet weather, just that they should be 10 to 20 feet away from an open window or door to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

[@davidpotter9462]

I'm going to buy a 3500 watts Generac in a few days. ( GP 3500 i0 )The old generators were just copper wire and iron ; but these new type generators have to be kept dry. The one I'll be getting has inverter electronics in it. I've never had one apart ( I used to work on small engines ) but the inverter welder I bought last year said to keep it in a plastic bag when not in use to keep moisture from damaging it. If I had to keep one out in the rain, I would build a shelter for it.

[@RN-mn3jn]

I just had two homes local to myself that had a total of 4 persons with carbon monoxide poison because their gas generators were on in their garage. Only 1 person of the 4 survived.

[@davidpotter9462]

@@RN-mn3jn When I worked at a small engine garage we had hoses that could run outside during the winter. We had big doors open in the summer, and fans.

[@RN-mn3jn]

@@davidpotter9462 I believe...from the reports ...that is the mistake both couples made...their generators were in closed door garages. I assume that may be because they were afraid someone may steal the generator. Honestly I never knew there were hoses for them to vent out. Mine has always run outside either on a covered porch or in the yard beside the house.

[@breezybre2670]

generator tent..cool... thanks! I'm gonna check that out.

[@SherryEllesson]

Larry & Hope - sorry I missed the live, but wanted to say that when I designed my house, I had a sub-panel installed to cover what I felt were essential circuits - well pump, circulator pumps for in-floor hydronic heating system, refrigeration circuits (both kitchen and deep freeze) and one or two regular duplex outlets for light. I had a hybrid solar/wind backup system in mind, but the funds for that have not been available (yet) but I know exactly where a solar generator will get plugged in if the stuff hits the fan.

[@SherryEllesson]

oops, forgot to say thermostats are also on the sub-panel.

[@cbass2755]

If I loose power in winter here in Michigan, I’m not worrying about my freezer/fridge. I’ll put things outside in coolers. I can use my generator to keep me warm at night with my electric blankets and I have an Oil heater that looks like those old heaters in old homes, only it’s oil inside. And my Mr Buddy. I will blanket off one room to stay in and heat that. These suggestions are great bc I can’t think of everything, so I’m taking notes…Thank you! 😀♥️

[@ElenaBaumann]

In Europe we expect "power outage" for at least 7 days, most probably 2-4 weeks.... And most people are not prepared!

[@aliveinchrist1455]

What country you ? Where did u get that info? I'm in uk

[@ybois3]

North Carolina lady here praying for you all and for people everywhere to prepare as best as possible. Much love !!!🍁🍂☕️🙏🏼

[@dinamarie6646]

Back in the 80s, after a hurricane, we were without power 3 WEEKS. I was going to school with their power still out. 5 days is a short stretch.

[@traceydufault297]

is possible for another meal prep love those videos

[@homeboundmama9968]

I down sized from a house that had two kitchens one upstairs and one down stairs it could have had 6 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms but mom and dad kept it open down stairs with one bedroom one bathroom. Three upstairs two bathrooms a living room a den and kitchen / dinning room. I was there for 10 years taking care of my parents. Then moved to another one of the houses on the property they gave me after their passing, it was three bedrooms, it was still to much. So when my daughter had a need for a place for her and her children I gave it to her and mover into the smallest two bedrooms one bathroom with my son. We share the experience.

[@victorwadsworth821]

I would consider investing in a power source, but I am a boob when it comes to fix-it including electrical. If I did, I would want a solar supplier. I have a back yard perfect to catch a Texas sun, I think it would be snazzy if you could fix the cells on top of a solar tracker, maybe a merry go round or other device to get full use of sunlight.

[@honeyfoxliving]

Great video. We usually get wicked storms in April and November. Fortunately the longest I've been without power has only been about a day. My parents had a wood stove, so cracking open a can of alphaghetti was no big deal. I want a backup generator for our fridge and freezers, and some sort of power source to heat up water. I've looked into solar panels but we don't get that much sun here (coastal BC). Do you have experience with other forms like wind energy? If the wind is going to knock out my power, I wonder if the storm could do me a solid and charge up my battery first 😂

[@victorwadsworth821]

Off Topic but pass this around, looks to be something new, Albertson's tomorrow Thursday 10/06/2022 "Seniors Day" with 10% off your total purchase. Had a manager's sale Tuesday 8-piece fried chicken for $4.99.

[@jaccourt9531]

Plus have a camper stove on hand it runs off propane, has an oven and two burners.

[@victorwadsworth821]

How about a topic on insurance, needs & making claims?

[@chelongogan3904]

Please talk about how to PREVENT CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING on your next video....

[@aliveinchrist1455]

First step buy a detector/alarm

[@breezybre2670]

All smoke detectors should be (best practice) carbon monoxide/smoke combo detectors and we have those on each level of the house (including furnace room)and outside of each bedroom.

[@mendyviola]

It really depends on the time of year when you lose power. In winter, you can take your food outside to keep it frozen/cool if its protected from critters. Summer power losses are a different story. You either have a generator to keep your fridge/freezer running or have just enough to run a small fan and recharge devices depending on your budget. In my family we just plan on having a nearly empty fridge/freezer throughout the summer during hurricane season and have a Jackery and a solar panel to keep our devices charged (including a small fan). In the summer, we get as much dry ice that we can to put in the freezer/fridge or put our food into smaller coolers with the dry ice. Otherwise we use our kitchen camping gear and/or indoor gas stove and fireplace to get by. We are prepared to “house camp” for 2 weeks. The biggest thing for us I s loss of perishable foods. We have no medical devices that require power. But we do have a Jackery and solar panel to keep some minimum things charged during a prolonged outage. Solar lawn lights are great for indoor lighting when you don’t have power.

[@KC-dr3cg]

Solar generator systems are expensive when people are trying to just beat inflation and live paycheck to paycheck

[@mendyviola]

@@KC-dr3cg mine is a small Jackery 300w and supportive solar panel. Much much less than a whole house setup.

[@richardelliott9511]

@@KC-dr3cg I am saving up for a solar generator system and there is no dought the prices can seem overwhelming but when you look at what they can save you just in lost food from lost refrigeration, it behooves you to do whatever you can. I got by quite nicely a few years ago during a 5 day power outage with a 2000watt inverter hooked up to one of our cars. It easily paid for itself during that one episode by keeping our fridge and chest freezer running at a fraction of the cost of a complete solar generator set up.

[@pepelapew2724]

I have a well for water I need lots of POWER.

[@lynclarke6184]

Grid down in Bangladesh. 140million with no power! Get prepared.

[@sophiawolthof1238]

👍👍👍

[@rg-mi5hh]

We have been using 4 solar landscaping lighrs indoors for lights for several weeks. It saves. The solar powerpacks are of real interest to us. We just want to stay warm with a space heater and cook from an electric skillet or single burner. Went through no electric for two days last winter without heat and want to avoid that ever again.

[@richardelliott9511]

Unfortunately providing heat is generally considered a very poor use of the limited power that these units can provide. For cooking and space heating it is far more effective to use a fossil fuel and use the solar generator for things that can only be done with electricity like a fridge or freezer, medical equipment, sump or well pumps. Happy days!

[@SUPERCOCKROACH666]

When I went to your Uploads page....there was no way to: Play All

[@sandiemom8888]

How can you figure out what you need for a furnace? That thing you have to plug things into to see what you need. I don't think their is a plug for the furnace or if their is I don't know where it is? Thanks.

[@natashapeters5414]

We are wondering how to keep water pipes from freezing if there is no heat?

[@heather333]

How do you work out the initial surge power? I want to run a 56W small chest freezer off a 400W car dc12v to ac230v inverter running the unit from the car 12v plug - using the car as a generator. I've heard it's 3x the running wattage, so would be 168W. Does this sound right? Does a wattage meter register the surge power?

[@davidpotter9462]

It's usually twice the running watts... my freezer takes 190 watts to come on an 90 to run. The Kill- A-Watt meter will show the surge watts for moment. The 56 watts will take about 80 watts from your battery, let's say 6.8 amps. So the startup amps will be about 15 probably.

[@onlyvistarick3607]

What if you really can not afford a generator. What do you do then?

[@tamaraking8259]

You work out what you can do. It is not the only option and in many situations it’s not a feasible option at all.

[@krafterpc]

Hi, do u have a link for the printable appliance usage form?

[@UndertheMedian]

It is a part of this bundle: xwww.subscribepage.com/menu-planning-bundle

[@krafterpc]

@@UndertheMedian great form but $$$$ yikes $17. 😢

[@UndertheMedian]

@@krafterpc , I only sell it in a bundle. The form is just part of the Kitchen Savings eBook. The bundle also comes with my menu-planning eBooks.

[@dianek5602]

Derechos

[@jaccourt9531]

Generators have to be 5 ft from everything.

[@truthseeker6370]

I am so not tech-savvy. It's just not my interest/thing. My cell phone is over 5 yrs old. I use my work computer proficiently for my job needs in medical. I haven't had a home computer in 8 years. Living also in the midwest, I don't know how to provide an alternative power source. Some of the preppers I've watched have evaluated solar units- in warm, sunny climates. Not applicable to us in the midwest with cloudy, gray skies. I live in an apt style condo with limited storage. Interested in learning if a generator would be a possible backup power source. I don't have a sump pump to worry about. Mostly cell phone power to connect with others and power company , heat, refrigeration and cooking ability. I have a manual can opener.

[@KC-dr3cg]

Sometimes you can get walkie talkies at Target or Walmart for under $20 and no kidding they come in handy if you have no cell phone or no landline

[@squirrelcovers6340]

I lose power for several days at a time every winter. No big deal. Use common sense