Your Top 4 Priorities During Midnight Power Outages

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// When the power goes out at night, should you just "roll over and go back to sleep"? Last week, we lost power after midnight. In this video, we show you exactly what we did to cope with the middle-of-the-night blackout, how we hooked our furnace up to a portable power station, and what your top priorities should be when the lights go out.
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[@makulewahine]

I have plug in night lights that come on when the power goes out. A lifesaver for this 80+ lady. I've already seen how important that is. Then it acts like a flashlight and I can find all the other lanterns, etc. And I have lanterns all over the house and I know where they are.

[@nicolebracken8787]

You should also get lightbulbs that come on when power goes out, they will stay on for few hours after power is out and you can unscrew them and carry them around as lanterns, we have 3 or 4 in lamps that stay on all the time so they stay charged and helps my mom tremendously when the power goes out.

[@larryware1]

Good for you, Gordon! You are nicely prepared!

[@beatricealcaraz5799]

Where do you get those night lights?

[@makulewahine]

@@beatricealcaraz5799 I got most of them on Amazon.

[@valkyriesardo278]

If you lose heating during the cold winter, revise the routine sleeping patterns of your family. Think igloo. Create a nest of bedding large enough for all family members, including pets. Sleep together in a heap to share everyone's body heat, especially important for small children. Throwing a tent over the nest would be ideal to trap the warmed air. I lost heat for several days in the deep of winter, but I slept very snug and warm. It's true what they say about a Three Dog Night. I had 3 large mixed breed dogs and the 4 of us stayed toasty warm in the pile of bedding I set up on the floor.

[@SherryEllesson]

I love your story, and your name!

[@larryware1]

Excellent, Valkyrie! There are so many ways to cope. Thanks for presenting another one!

[@kristiecox7350]

Larry, I like your hair here. When the power goes out in the middle of the night, I sleep, and better than normal. I have little lights in every room that I can switch on and it lights up the room. Dollar tree 😊 I even stuck one on the wall in the bathroom if it goes out when I’m in the shower. 🤣

[@larryware1]

Thank you on the hair style. Having back-up lighting is SO important.

[@Lilnaomi3]

It may sound silly but if you find yourself in complete darkness and are having trouble navigating try crawling or scooting down stairs on your butt. It's helpful when you have issues of depth perception and balance. It will limit tripping and falling. You can always reach ahead with your hand to avoid hitting your head.

[@larryware1]

Good tip, Lilnaomi.

[@ruthierue62]

a wind up torch and wind up radio is a must no need for batteries and head torch is so useful too

[@desertcandle1]

I have a half dozen small led motion detector lights sprinkled all over my kitchen, hallway and bathroom. I charge them up via small solar panels in a south facing window or via USB plug electric. Then in living room where I sit I have a lightbulb powered also via solar I can reach if power is out. I keep a small solar power station by my bed with lights that I use everyday. Solar power stations are in kitchen and the other side of living room so in my small home I have a light source within reach in almost every room. I have been collecting items every month or two for a few years. Now trying to buy bigger solar power stations to help with a long term blackout. Love your show.

[@yellownightjar]

Thx so much as I just ordered some of these due to your comments. Thx. Prayers & blessings

[@wendyflores6577]

Thanks to your videos, I have a power bank for my CPAP, leg treatment, flashlights in each room, a propane heater for the cold weather and battery operated fans for hurricane season. Being a 70 yr old woman, living alone, a power bank works better for me than a gas and oil generator. It’s been so comforting to know I can take care of myself in a grid down situation. Your videos are so informative and I appreciate you!

[@larryware1]

Thank you, Wendy! It warms our hearts to know that our videos are touching people's lives. Thank you so much for your kind comment. We appreciate you as well!

[@wendyflores6577]

@@larryware1 I also eat plant based so love your food tips and hauls. Certainly saving money of late eating this way!! Please keep putting out videos and I’ll be there to watch them!

[@larryware1]

@@wendyflores6577 - we shall. Thanks again.

[@lf4061]

I have a couple of nightlights kept plugged into several different outlets that automatically come on when the power goes out. If the one in the bedroom comes on at night while I am sleeping, it wakes me up so I can then take note of the time electric out and get some cyalume sticks that I can also use as nightlights while moving around and checking my phone for whats going on and registering outage with power company. Also have a number of battery, wind up, solar, and usb charged lanterns I keep powered up along with small and midsize backup chargers and batteries.

[@LD-Howe]

Each bedroom has a flashlight either underneath a pilllow or on the closest night stand. Hallway and bedrooms also have solar powered motion detector lights as mentioned below....we've had quite a few blackouts during the past few years!

[@larryware1]

Super!

[@colleenwood8220]

We live in a rural part of upstate New York. We lose power about six times a month. There are flashlights with batteries on both sides of the bed and when the kids lived at home, they had flashlights as well. We lost power last week for four hours because a transformer blew. Two weeks ago, someone drove into a telephone pole. Before that, we had a heavy snow storm and it took down some wires. You never know.

[@larryware1]

So true. There are so many ways power can be cut off. I suspect our power outage was due to a car taking down a primary pole.

[@colleenwood8220]

@@larryware1 We had a power outage last year and our Facebook community insisted cows were the reason. We have no red light or grocery store. We are RURAL! 😂

[@larryware1]

@@colleenwood8220 - I wonder how cows could be the reason for a power outage. Are they packing wire cutters now?🤣🤣

[@traceyobrien8410]

I am required to use a CPAP machine at night. For a number of years, I was unable to find any type of backup power source to have available to me should the power ever go out. My search was quite frustrating and discouraging. About two months ago, my CPAP supply company told me that some of their other clients informed them about a viable option was to go to Batteries Plus. I did that on the day of a very bad snowstorm, and I was able to purchase the product for approximately $250. Yes, that might seem rather pricey to some at first (trust me, however, when I tell you it isn't), but one must remember that sleep apnea can be dangerous and potentially life threatening. I was informed by the personnel at Batteries Plus that not only does this particular item provide power for CPAP machines, but there are also portals on it for other electronics such as cell phones and laptop computers. I am very thankful to have this now.

[@kimmer6]

We had power outages in 2017 in NorCal thanks to high winds and massive wild fires which destroyed power lines. I began building battery backup units for family and friends to run their CPAP machines. I even built one for an elderly neighbor lady that could power a night light for her. I am glad you found something similar. I have been building units using trolling motor battery boxes that use lithium batteries. Not cheap, but can run a CPAP for days even using the heat function. I gave the ones that I built away for free. It does my heart good to help friends and family. We had terrible rains here at New Year's and I rigged up one unit to power a sump pump for the elderly couple at the bottom of my street. The water got high enough to soak their family room carpet. My goodie box pumped it out while the power was out. Best wishes out there and I'm glad you found help.

[@larryware1]

@@kimmer6 how nice! Thank you for thinking of others.

[@larryware1]

Glad you got back-up power, Tracey.

[@traceyobrien8410]

@@kimmer6 Fabulous! I would like to know if you make and sell those units. If you do, please give me your information (website, for instance). I thought I might pass it along to the respiratory care business in my area.

[@kimmer6]

@@traceyobrien8410 Thank you! I am just a garage tinkerer and finished my 9th unit recently. The recent flooding did some damage here, so I put my hobby on the back burner. I will probably get back to building then after the repairs get done.

[@faithrada]

Well... when I know there is a storm coming... and so COULD lose power... I first fill up some buckets of water.... to flush toilets. We also get those dishes washed. If it's COLD out we start the wood stove. We always keep flashlights in pre-designated locations so we can FIND them easily in the dark. We lose power often enough that we're pretty used to it.. ALWAYS know who your electric Co. Is AND what their phone # is. One thing we do WANT to do is get an electrician in to be able to plug in our big solar battery to out oil furnace. We also bought a big down comforter... for emergency use. Always BE PREPARED! and have a way to MAKE Coffee!!! LoL. ☕️🍪

[@ladyradiana]

It has happened to me and the worst part was that I could not see a thing. All I do now is make sure I wear a small flashlight around my neck so in case it happens again I don't stumble. I have several candles that are in different rooms .

[@alexandriawest]

I got some stick-on IKEA push lights for the underneath of the shelves in my decorative bookcase... and then bought a dozen more for round the house! They're surprisingly bright, and you're never so far away from one that you'd be stumbling around in the dark.

[@elaines5179]

Always keeping matches near your candles is also a good idea.

[@SpatchG]

Such a great video. You're so right about running through these scenarios. We moved recently, and our first night in the new house there was a neighbourhood wide power cut that lasted several hours. It happened just as my children were going to bed. It really freaked them out. Fortunately my power cut box had been unpacked and I was able to give them lanterns. But it was a good reminder to run through these things with children so they don't panic.

[@larryware1]

Yes. As prepared as we like to think we are, there is always something more we can do to be ready.

[@Sharon-gj2np]

We also have the Red Cross 'night lights' that come on when it is dark but they also come on when the power goes out. Those have been super helpful when they are in the hallway and the kitchen (they have saved my toes in the dark many times) another helpful lantern was a luminaid one we got a while back. It is solar charged/powered and has a place to charge a phone if needed too.

[@larryware1]

Super, Sharon!

[@melanienicholson2834]

Based upon if this was sink or swim, first part you would sink. Then you come up fast and did what needed to be done. You get an A for learning from your mistakes and taking it seriously!

[@UndertheMedian]

Thank you, Melanie. We definitely appreciate the grade you gave us for learning.

[@bria2596]

I learned how to prepare for long-term power outages from YOU, and from the comments of others to your videos. * One important thing I have learned from you is duplication - we all need more than one way to cook food, have light, stay warm, and have food and water on hand, and handle sanitation issues, during a prolonged power outage. I took your advice over the past two years and have been preparing. I now feel we can stay safe, have the essentials to carry us through, the next time we are without power a long time, when the next power outage occurs - because that will happen. A prolonged power outage is almost a given. ** Thank you so very much in helping us identify and get the essentials on hand, within the available budget, over the past 24 months. ** The weather people suspect we will have a repeat of Feb. 2021, power outages in Texas. You taught me things I had never heard of - and I grew up in the North. LOL. This sharing of information is going to protect lives, which is a huge blessing. May the blessings return to you ten-fold.

[@ajarivas72]

Good morning. What a great comment. I am too a fan of this wonderful 🤩 KZbin channel.

[@UndertheMedian]

Bri, wow! Thank you so much for your very kind words. We feel so strongly that preparing for emergencies is a vital part of frugal living.

[@kimmer6]

I added battery backup whole house automatic power failure lighting in my laundry room after the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. It has been upgraded 5 times with bigger batteries, standby smart charger, and all LED lights, and a roof weather vane mounted strobe light with panic switch. The system has come on maybe 60 times through the years, sometimes for seconds, sometimes for many hours. On many nights, a blaring bright light will illuminate my bedroom, a sure sign that PG&E power is out again. I'm going to mumble ''Larry and Hope'' the next time it wakes me up. Keep up the good work.

[@larryware1]

Thank you so much, Bri. We are very touched when we learn that these videos are helping people. Blessings!

[@larryware1]

@@kimmer6 Thank you! What a great back-up system you have!

[@shellylayne9704]

I was recently in the snowstorm that went through and had no power for almost 48 hours. My neighbors power was back on and mine was not. Thank goodness for all the blankets I have, yardsale partially used candles, and a full tank of gas.

[@donna-keithsmith3925]

We keep two small flashlights on the coffee table (in case we need to go separate directions), one on each persons nightstand in the house and one in the office. I use mine on my nightstand every night when I get up and move about the house, the same way my grandmother did. We have outages once in a while as well and when we do we always have flashlights to hand. After they are used they go back in their rightful place so we always know where they are. We keep all of our emergency items in one place (a large Hoosier cabinet), which includes emergency lights that are bigger for room use. We even have a self-powered GravityLight which requires nothing but gravity to work.😄 P.S. Long time watcher of your channel. Thanks for all of your hard work!!

[@logothaironsides2942]

American houses seem to have a way to plug a generator into them to power everything. That must be something specific to the USA. In England there is nothing like that. Everything plugs in separately . Our electrical connection to the boiler is hard wired. The only thing I would even think of powering at night would be the freezer. For lights we have two of those solar light that you use outside with a small panel to charge them. One is in the upstairs bedroom and comes on if a person walks past it and the other is in the pantry area.

[@larryware1]

We need to put in a transfer box to our electrical supply. Then we could hook the generator up to power most of the house. As it stands now, I have to run extension cords all over the house, and through the windows.

[@logothaironsides2942]

@@larryware1 Ah right I see! I see so many American preppers just plugging in and am quite jealous that they can do so. We use extension cords everywhere too.

[@larryware1]

@@logothaironsides2942 - they work in a pinch.

[@elaines5179]

Harbor Freight had LED light-switch like stick up temporary lights- I have one on the back of my metal front door and one up high in the hallway so I can simply put my arm up and walk to feel it on the wall., I also have one in the garage near a paddle lock and key.

[@larryware1]

Yep! We have several of those as well. I need to get them in place.

[@yellownightjar]

Yes I love these too

[@FidoHouse]

Definitely! Before going back to sleep turn the taps on to drip in case pipes freeze. Then do the tent-in-the-house arrangement for sleeping as one of your other commentators has written! Even, (especially!), if you live in an RV like I do. I have small patches of glow-in-the-dark tape on trip hazards, strategically located flashlights, door knobs, etc. - very helpful! Grades: 1. Lighting - D - with such poor & peculiar lighting you could have fallen down the stairs - your hands were busy so you could hardly hold a railing as well. 2. Communications - B - checking cell phone first would be simplest. Was your NOAA radio handy? 3. Heating/Equipment management - A 4. Routine charger readiness - B+

[@KC-dr3cg]

Terrific comment

[@UndertheMedian]

Totally fair grades. If I had remembered the battery operated light in the bathroom, it would have been much better. It is attached to the wall with velcro. I could have just taken if off and had light to walk down to the basement. My kids will tell you that I am the first to panic in any emergency. I think the rule, "Larry cannot fall asleep on the family room sofa" should be added to our emergency list. LOL! In answer to your question, the NOAA weather was in the basement, but the night was totally clear. So, it would not have yielded any helpful information. We never did find out what the "equipment damage" was. But, at least they fixed it in about four hours. You're absolutely right about the tent idea. We've mentioned that in other videos about winter power outages. We discussed adding that tip to this video. But, before we recorded, we decided to talk mainly about our experience and what we did right and wrong.

[@holly5791]

From the time that my children were toddlers, I provided them with flashlights in their bedroom in case of a power outage. They could come find us or just lay in their bed and pretend they were camping. I am very fortunate to have a gas wall heater in my basement. Not only is that good for our water pipes, but we can leave the door at the top of the stairs open and get heat upstairs.

[@larryware1]

Excellent, Holly!

[@AEvans36963]

Our national grid is aging, so at some point we can expect power outages to occur periodically. Accidents happen that disrupt power, wind storms happen, etc, so we need to always be prepared and have backup.

[@larryware1]

Indeed we do, Ay.

[@SherryEllesson]

Hope & Larry, I'm so used to having my dog wake me up in the middle of the night to go out, it almost seems that operating in darkness (or nearly so) is second nature. I have a Maglite flashlight that is not only bright but could be used as a weapon if anything outside surprises me. You guys get a C for the lights all being in one place, so I'm glad you learned better . The warmth, keeping everything charged, and having ways to run refrig circuits, etc are all A's in my book. btw, as a writer, I may steal your motto for the title of a book: Getting to Daylight. It has a nice ring to it, don't you think? Love you both from me and Pete-the-Briard who has enough fur to keep us both warm on any winter night.

[@larryware1]

Thank you Sherry. Appreciate your input, and yes, use the motto, no problem. You were so generous in grading us. I would have given us an "F." 😂. It was funny seeing Hope wake me with the computer for light that night. I'm going to make sure there are lanterns scattered throughout the house now.

[@stitchergary]

I just had a power outage night before last....Went off at 5:30pm and came back on at 12:28am...7 hours total....temperature was below freezing, but not so cold I was worried about frozen pipes....good advice and thanks for the video

[@larryware1]

Thank you, Stitch. Glad your power was restored and you didn't have to take drastic measures.

[@candaceott8949]

You guys always give great information. Nice hair style Larry. Love your show. Thank you

[@larryware1]

Thank you, Candace!

[@kelsiereid5513]

Yep! It happened a few times when I was a kid. My parents (mostly my dad), would get up and check a couple things and if everything was good go back to bed. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@cbass2755]

My flashlights are all over the place, even hanging on door knobs. Those small ones have a loop that fits over the knobs. And, night lights that come on when power goes out. I have two light bulbs that come on when power goes out. I’m covered for power outages. I have enough lighting to help me go and do everything else I need to do…like get my generators, heaters etc….

[@SherryEllesson]

Sounds like you've got straight A's!

[@larryware1]

You are well prepared, Cbass!!

[@escapeartist25]

My house is at 60 degrees day and night to save fuel. Great tips, thank you!

[@narelleworks8448]

When I first moved to Queensland there was a week of blackouts. Something I’d not experienced before. The newly stocked fridge and freezer was useless by the end. Even if you are careful in not opening these units. There was no power back up. No solar, etc. I marvelled at how long nights could be. The stove was/is gas and could be lit without electric start easily. For us here December to February is hot and very humid. We wilted without fans and aircon. Soon after that event there was a rush for lanterns of all sorts. I have since put motion sensor battery powered lights in each room. Bedroom has one, wardrobe/cupboards have one each inside. My Den has 2 of these lights, bathroom has one and a plug in night light, toilet has a push down battery powered light. These lights allow me enough time and light to grab the emergency kit/lights neatly packed away. I can also grab something I left in the den at night. I don’t have the tripping hazards I used to. The best part is I can enter or leave a room with enough light to see by and have my hands full. I do have a battery replacement reminder for each light so they are all working properly. 💡

[@larryware1]

Experience is always the best teacher. Sounds like you're very prepared now! Thanks for your comment, Narelle.

[@dianeburk5905]

I have 6 motion sensor lights that run on Double-A batteries. These lights are spread throughout the house and on the stairs. For a senior citizen it's great always having light when you walk into a room. But when you lose electricity it's really good.

[@richardelliott9511]

another great video! I especially like these that really showcase your personal experiences, these also light up the comment section with even more great ideas.

[@tracycaldwell1736]

I usually set the alarm on my cellphone as an alarm clock. I've had numerous times where the power went out while I was asleep, which almost caused me to be late for work, because the alarm clock didn't go off. I also have flashlights, and nearby rechargeable led lamps. More recently I got some solar lanterns. I also have an Oupes 1800, thanks to your channel, and a small Bluetti.

[@9FatraBbits]

Ya - we have flashlights/led lanterns under /beside every bed, and at front and back doors. We have frequent storm related outages. Also we have organized Emergency-Neighbourhood “POD” which distributes emergency information, checklists, and helpful tips about being prepared. I even keep a pair of slip on footwear near my bed and I’m surprised how often I’ve needed these! Thanks Hope and Larry.

[@maralenestrom9222]

One of the ways I am sure of a light source is to get those dollar tree small flashlights and hang them on the door knobs of doors, ie bathroom, bedrooms, hall doors, in junk drawer in kitchen, in my laundry room cabinet...always extra ones in our vehicles. Also, have candle on dining table and side table in living room w cig lighter, and small candle to use to light candle if cig lighter cant go deep into container candle is in. Other option is to have the long nose lighters close by to light candles.

[@yvettesummers1339]

I just decided to put new batteries in all the fairy lights around the lounge - some in ficus plants etc and put two in a glass bowl in our bedroom. the very next day our power went out as we were going to bed and I switched on my bowl of fairy lights which lit up the bedroom a treat. not just good for Christmas decorations ha ha

[@LD-Howe]

I have purchased several solar lights they are approximately 9 or so inches wide by 4 inches high ( so they produce a good amount of light.) They are motion dector lights so only go on when you move. I use them as night lights so when my husband and I need to get up in the middle of the nigh,t the lights go on. They are postitioned on a night stan across from where we slee, and go on as we move out of bed. They work great and they are great for power outages as well.

[@larryware1]

We love solar rechargeable lights and own one made by Hybridlight. They charge all day in the window sill and are always ready for an emergency.

[@Tru575]

Thank you for sharing. I give you an A for your transparency. I think I’ll keep a charged headlamp near my pillow for starters.

[@XBloodwork1]

Living in Germany and power outages are very rare here. most people have some flashlights but i dont know anybody with a generator etc

[@fourdayhomestead2839]

If I remembered to check batteries in my bedroom lantern, I could make it downstairs to stoke the wood stove (my oil lamp is on my other night stand).

[@kimharris6649]

Thanks for the great information and I love love Larry's hair swept over the side looks great and of course yours always looks great Hope ,blessings! 🙏❤🙏😘

[@annahanley8389]

We live in CA earthquake country. Everyone has a flashlight in there extra pair of shoes next to bed. We have security lights that turn on with power failure pointed at stairs.

[@whitepinehomestead]

We keep lanterns or flashlights next to everyone's bed in each bedroom. Our children are younger, but they know the drill. We have power outages often. But our heat is wood, so frozen pipes are not a big concern for us thankfully.

[@larryware1]

Nice!!

[@lifewithmisty1]

Great tips!😊👍

[@InMy_PNW_Garden]

We have the blackout buddy emergency flashlight/nightlight sold by the Red Cross. Plugged into a wall outlet, it comes on in the event of a power outage. Can be unplugged from the wall and used as a flashlight.

[@lizworkman9967]

Make sure you turn on your cold faucets just to drip so they won't freeze.

[@janetogrady]

How much do I rate you on dealing with your outage? 10 out of 10 for enthusiasm and putting across to us lessons learned... thank you.

[@jc10907Sealy]

I always have lanterns on my nightstand and battery lightbulbs in my kitchen and bathrooms.

[@yvettesummers1339]

Oh I only put the batteries in the fairy lights because you guys have been making us aware of being prepared and the power company here in Western Australia has been saying to expect planned outages because everyone here has too many air conditioners running in the heat for the supply

[@vincentbitner2935]

To keep my pipes from freezing I leave my faucets dripping to help keep water flowing through the pipes. I do not have a basement to worry about flooding.

[@larryware1]

Excellent, Vincent!

[@RetiredLovingIt]

We have lost power in an ice storm in the middle of the night. Thankfully we had a wood stove at the time!

[@KC-dr3cg]

I have learned EXACTLY where everything is in my home so that I can function in absolute darkness. ... just to make it to daylight

[@larryware1]

Super, K C!

[@isabelleandmichael]

Don't forget that smart phones have a built in flashlight icon. Its very bright and I have used many times.

[@davidpotter9462]

4 of the last 5 days were raining or cloudy. Still have enough power. The twenty big marine batteries are at 24.7 volts. With the freezer running. Hoping for some 🌞 sunshine tomorrow. I'm going after wood for the stove tomorrow, it's supposed to get down really cold next week. My aunt gave me an electric blanket she had bought that the cord was gone off of. I fixed the cord, and have used it a few times. ( When I didn't want to get up and light a fire) I plugged it into the kill a watt meter and it says 137 watts. I left it on once just to see, and it seemed like it warmed the room up a few degrees. I'll be putting up a 1 kw Hurricane Vortec wind generator soon to help the solar system. I will be adding six more batteries for a total of 26. That will leave it at 32.500 watt hours. Either the 🌞 sunshine or wind will charge them up before three days. So theoretically I should have power, and never have low battery voltage. I will very seldom use the generator for that. A couple of weeks ago there was a tornado that went about two miles north of me. Knocked out some power poles so the small town North of here was all out of power. They put all new poles last week going into that town. Things like that makes me appreciate my solar system. I had power the whole time. My big wood stove that I made is keeping me warm tonight. If you had one like that in the basement, it would heat the whole thing easily. I put four big 🔥 fire bricks in it. Making it burn hotter. Having them in there made it cook better. Stays at cooking temp longer, I guess. When wood is added, the combustible gases are fed through the coals of the wood already burned, making a much hotter complete combustion flame. It's a design I came up with. It keeps a coal in the back so it's easy to get started going again. It snowed a little bit, but I left the damper open so it was melting off the roof of the barn because I had to have the door open. It was 80 degrees inside here. Just from a few pieces of 2X4s. I get free scraps at the truss company, already the right size. I have a pecan 🌲 tree trunk in five pieces that I need to cut up tomorrow. For the coming snow storm. It's been seasoned two years. I like the title, dark, cold, no power... okay. What's after that? Coz I got those three covered. That's like the three things that I'm not into...lol I absolutely cannot stand being without power and heat. When I was able to make it work with almost no cost, a few bucks for gas. Great source of heat in a snow storm. My stove burns so well most of the time that you can't tell by the smoke if I have a fire going because there's not much of it. It makes it easier for me because it's always easy to light or keep it going. I just turned 67 last Friday. Having something easy to use, and near zero cost is a lot of help. 60 degrees is too chilly for me. I usually have a good warm 🔥 fire going by the time it drops to 62-3. It's 77 in here now and it feels good to me. I've been adding some insulation board to the wall, and that has helped. I burn wood slowly, but it stays nice inside. Having no power or heat bills making it so I can get solar and wind things. Keep on prepping, you all. I'm going to get as ready as possible. It's almost 5 a.m., showing 24.5 volts, it'll be charging again in a couple of hours. And it just keeps working, lol.

[@larryware1]

What a good system you have, David. Wow! If we were going to be off-grid I would want solar, wind, and a back up generator to keep the batteries charged and working. We've had little to no solar here in the past two months. A wind generator would really help. Keep up the great work!

[@judithscharf6318]

After watching a previous video, we got better flashlights and added lanterns. However, they were all stored in the same place. After watching this video, we scattered them as you suggested.

[@UndertheMedian]

We're so glad it was helpful. We certainly learned that we had too many items all clustered in one area.

[@JonTanOsb]

All mobile phones have a built-in light. Flip the main screen up, from the very bottom, and you'll see a little icon shaped like a flashlight. Poke it and you have light. You can also ask Siri to turn it on. If you have an older phone, with Siri, you hold the button and ask. No need to use your watch for illumination if you have your cell phone. I just roll over and go back to sleep. Or use my cell phone or my battery or USB solar light to find my way to the bathroom and back to bed. The fridge and freezer will be good for days. No panic. If the power is still out in the morning, I deal with it then. Jon in rural BC, Canada

[@narelleworks8448]

Thank you for the tip. I had no idea that my phone had a flashlight. Or I’d simply forgotten.

[@mimisabundantlife]

Larry great hair cut. Nice style

[@UndertheMedian]

Thanks! He's not certain about it, but I love his new hair.

[@NYHalfassprepper]

Some thoughts in no particular order: with natural gas available a home standby generator whole house style like the champion 8.5kw is a no brainer. In the northeast, no self respecting Prepper would be caught dead without an off grid backup heat source, yeah battery backup can get you through the night but a kerosene ,propane heater or wood stove will get you through a furnace breakdown as well. Again with natural gas look into installing some smaller wall mounted heaters for such occasions. On comms the most useful thing I ever bought was a police scanner. You will know what is going on down to the local level. On your pipes, protect any vulnerable pipes by insulating them, sealing up any drafts, or replacing them with pex. They make little flashlights that plug into an outlet, they light up when the power fails, and you can remove them and use them like a regular flashlight, a couple of them especially in your basement would help. Otherwise good job better than most sheeple out there.

[@larryware1]

We do have three kerosene heater that we could keep the entire house warm with. We used them when the furnace went out before Christmas at 11°F. They kept the house toasty warm. Thank you for all your tips and advice. It's so important to be ready.

[@yellownightjar]

I have small flashlight hung on each door knob as I either taped a loop of yarn on each light & hung on door.

[@nt6719]

I have one of those switch type battery operated lights in each room. Two of those are in the main bedroom in different spots near the bed. The Dollar Tree in my area has had ones similar to the one you showed in the video. There's have a much bigger switch on it. Buying a few of those and the batteries for them is an inexpensive investment to provide some safety. I also have a wind up alarm clock. I know where it is. So I could set that from my watch and use that to get a little rest off and on throughout the night. That way I would safe the charge that was on my cell phone. It's cold where I am now so I have the doors to the pipes in the kitchen and bathroom and the doors to the laundry closet open. During the storm that happened before just before Christmas I was also streaming water from all faucets at night and from the bathtub 24/7. In my opinion it's better to pay somewhat more on the utility bills than it is to risk a frozen and possibly busted water pipe.

[@phil16woman64]

Larry’s hair looks great parted on the side.

[@melissawright4040]

I have experienced that happen when hurricanes have hit

[@shelly8387]

Oh yes yes yes. My c-pap let's me know immediately.

[@kathyfountain5452]

I hang small flashlights hanging next to wall switches around the house . I hang them from Comand hooks

[@debraadamsadams6955]

Look into a battery for your sump pump.

[@heather333]

😁 You need to follow Funky Prepper. He advocates for bug-in stuff to be dispursed through out the house, where its needed. I have battery operated led 'stick-on' push lights at the front door in case i come home to a powercut, in the bathroom and on the upper floor bedroom landing. A battery lantern near the front door, lounge, kitchen and by the bed. Can you confirm if your gas generator runs on petrol or propane (gas in energy context = natural gas or propane outside the US, but i know you refer to petrol as gas when you fill your cars). Another great episode👍

[@UndertheMedian]

It's a gasoline generator. You can get generators that run on propane, but ours does not. Thanks for the recommend on Funky Prepper. I'll check him out. The idea of bug-in stuff i each area of the house is brilliant. It would have saved me navigating through the house to get to the light source. Of course, if I'd remembered that I had. light in the bathroom that would have helped a lot, too. LOL!

[@abbeyl6115]

@@UndertheMedian Please keep in mind, most of not all apartments do not allow gas generators. They are too dangerous. Instead please consider electric rechargable generators. Recharging at night is cheaper than daytime rates.

[@wattsadonnasaurs4810]

There are light bulbs that recharge and will be on in a black out also outside solar can be brought in all night put back out in day

[@Your32Maker]

I have Milwaukee lights, one is magnetic, mounted to the wall by the garage door.... My TV is powered through an APC UPS which keeps TV on for 90 minutes...I now have 2 Ecoflows Delta 2 system...

[@jeffenwaldomyspanishadopti9283]

our utility compagny gives an estimate of the time it takes. and you can asign for a sms when power goes on again. I was in my brothers house watching their cats while they were away for christmas and boom christmas eve..and boom 23.0 at night no power.. i navigated with my phone to the nearest candle and lit it ...and searched for power problems on my phone it after checking other things. don't open fridge or freezer without need. If your house is insulated you shouldn't have any problems with items freezing over night.. after 5 hours power was back..if you keep fridge and freezer closed..no problem ..after the sms i checked the house and fridge and freezer..and some lights that were on..tv i unplugged..so i needed only my phone ,lighter and my hands..i don't find it difficult to move in the dark when i know the house

[@vincentbitner2935]

Usually I am a sleep and I do not realize it until the next morning when the clocks are blinking to reset them. Luckily it does not stay out that long.

[@larryware1]

That would have been me if Hope had not been up. 😆

[@NOVAFrugalFamily]

We keep the lanterns in each bedroom or bathroom but it made me chuckle don’t keep your lanterns in one place. Our lanterns also have a twist off top with matches in case you need to light a candle if something happens with the batteries

[@gailpurcell3209]

I keep my cellphone nearby and turn on the flashlight feature to move around in the dark.

[@Oneeyefroggy]

No disrespect, but as a blind person, I can’t believe how much time/energy/thought goes into making sure you have light during power Outages. You all might want to consider learning some simple mobility tricks. 😅

[@fh2020]

Depending upon the Fitbit (or smart watch model in general) there is probably a flashlight app available. Not something you want to run for an extended period of time, but good until you can find something else.

[@patrickstevens3482]

First thing I do is call the power company to alert them of the outage so my street will get on their list.

[@jane6517]

I immediately call (on speed dial) and report outage. Flashlight in every room

[@Gabi-lt4mx]

In my family there are lights in all rooms. Furthermore I know how many steps my stairs have so I'm safer if i habe to use them with no or less lights.

[@nathandingman6846]

I did the same thing with my furnace. Had a plug installed. Now if the power goes out i can plug in my ego nexus battery powerstaion in.

[@georgebanks8804]

Two Words : Generac Generator ! With A Back Up .Generator WEN 11000 - W . With A Transfer Switch. I Travel With A Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer / With Jackery Portable Solar Panels. I Been Prepping For Over 15 Years. In All Area’s.

[@southerngal7899]

I bought a headlamp that actually is $1.00 at Walmart that I keep by my bed. Im on SS so can't afford a generator. Purchased several little $3.00 blankets.

[@yellownightjar]

Thrift stores often have many prepping items

[@southerngal7899]

@@yellownightjar Ty but I don't have a running car, disabled and no running water since 2018 so can't get around. Appreciate your thoughts though. 🙏🙏

[@traceydufault297]

Exactly I go yoll

[@marizaanvisagie9537]

We have that everyday

[@solarandwindinsouthtexasda1473]

If i loses power in the night I will find the mini split remote and go back to sleep because the only thing I loses is the water heater and the sentral a/c and if the light donot comes back in 6 days and the sun doesn't comes out and my battery bank goes down my generac 24kw will start and change my battery

[@kathybullmer8884]

Sorry I am sick so I missed your show

[@tracypeel6424]

Hope you feel better soon Kathy

[@chrisnutter6933]

The power goes out, Slide the locks over on your garage doors because they can be lifted by thieves or worse

[@georgevavoulis4758]

I have lots of flashlights 🔦and BBQ

[@debbieghalib]

Yup back to sleep.. just the freezer

[@GEAUXFRUGAL]

My cellphone Motorola. Near feature shake 2X light on , Twist 2X your camera is on. I've got at least 7 different light source at reach from bed. 2 lanterns that also have beam lights, cellphone, a light for patios umbrella I rigged over head, a flashlight on the shelf over my bed , . Once I'm up I have both sides the room string lights USB mkted as tv light. I'm running them year around . Power goes out I get rechargeable battery plugged in . The kind you get that could fit 3 in a box of smokes. Then I go outside and I power my light over my table ~5W led. Use battery backups found in the dumpster. I could rebuild them and get top performance but they're free and did good enough last out. People buy them for computer battery has to be changed if they don't power your computer in outage. Generally after 4 years they under perform. I'm taking 5W an hour so what. Like I said Free is the best I can do.

[@box420]

Its not good for batteries to be up 100% it's best to store them at 80-50% and keep in mine that they self discharge. So check on them ever few months. BUT have a plan to get them changed up to 100% after the power go's out. Like from a generator or your car.

[@Your32Maker]

Young generation, teach your parents how to use the flashlight on their smart phones... you'd be surprised how many don't know it even has the option...

[@georgevavoulis4758]

To save electricity how about one day a week pretend you have no electricity and use wood burning stove to heat home and cook food .

[@heathermccall8015]

I would have stayed in bed. Deal in the morning

[@lindawade9647]

I thought you had mini flashlights on door knobs.

[@UndertheMedian]

We have suggested doing that in videos and we do have small flashlights. They aren't on the doorknobs, though.