This post is for all age groups. It is about survival, emergency preparedness, and the fact that Mother Nature can be a bitch. Occasionally, she will flex her muscles and whap you. Last summer, we had an epic windstorm with winds over 70 mph (112 kph). Tree limbs broke, 18-wheelers blew over, and the sky was filled with debris. In some parts of our county, roofs were ripped off and trees fell onto houses and roadways. On our patio, dirt piled up around our sliding doors like tiny sand dunes.
Our power went out for eight hours. Luckily, this was during the day so we were able to function almost normally. We figured it was good practice for The Big One, and put a smiley face on it. This was an opportunity to unplug and live organically for a while. We read, did little chores, and tried to stay out of the refrigerator.
Unfortunately, we were housebound, as the world outside was too hazardous (to breathe, or to drive a car), and we couldn’t use our computers (the modem was offline). Also unfortunately, my cellphone was running out of juice, so I couldn’t use it.
- Even though it had perfect reception (cell towers were working.)
- Even though the power outage was limited to a very small area, and our family and friends were unaffected.
In spite of all that nice solar electricity outside, I was unable to get online and access the world. As I sat there with a dying phone in my hand and stared at all the lovely sunshine pouring onto my house (between gusts of dirt and sand), I realized my mistake.
I could have had free electricity! Tons of juice, and for nothing – well, you have to buy the equipment, but still – if I had only thought ahead! Living in southern California, we are blessed with sun. Almost too much.
I could’ve been charging up all manner of devices, if I’d only had the sense to own solar chargers. So right after the power returned, I went on Amazon.com and ordered up.
Backpackers have a ton of cool solar equipment. I found this fold-up, canvas-covered model designed to hang off one’s pack while hiking. I keep it in my car, since in SoCal we drive the freeways a lot and all it would take is one wreck to force an overnight stay.
Folded, it’s the size of a computer tablet. This is what it looks like opened up.
For home, I bought two chargers and a bunch of batteries. The charger on the left has all kinds of connectors so I can charge up my phone, tablets, or computers. The one on the right is for four different sizes of rechargeable batteries. I bought batteries, plus a couple of lanterns they will power. BTW, my friend Indy Quillen blogs about self-reliance, including emergency preparedness, at this website.
All in all, this wind-induced power outage was a good reminder of all that we take for granted. I suppose you could read that metaphorically as well.
Every night when I go to bed, I think of five things I’m grateful for that happened that day. I rarely think to be grateful for the comfortable circumstances of my modern life (thank you for clean running water, Lord) but maybe I/we should.
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You can easily build a Tesla device at home that generates free electricity, I found the instructions & video proof at http://reviewcrewtv.com/how-to-create-a-tesla-free-energy-device-that-generated-free-electricity/
Thanks! I will check it out.
Great post Lynne, and thanks for sharing. Yes we tend to forget to be grateful for all the daily things we take for granted..like waking up in the morning, able to breath and smile, etc. etc.
Thanks for the info on the chargers. It’s good to have a non-emergency emergency every now and then to prompt us to take action. Here in earthquake country, it’s only a matter of time.
That’s the truth, Janis.
Good read about things we too often (as in almost always) take for granted. Am going to forward it to my kids. Thanks, Lynne.
You are very welcome, Judy!
Great post Lynne! And Thank You for the shout out. I agree that Mother Nature gives us lots of nudges to remind us that we really don’t have the control over our environment that we sometimes think we do! Better to be prepared and not need it. And like you, every night when I lay down for sleep I take a moment to be grateful for a roof over my head, that I had food to eat and clean water to drink. So many can’t say that…
Awesome blog!
Thanks, Indy, and back atcha!
I thought for a minute there you were going to say you were in Sydney – we are having storms an power outages over the last couple of days. I live in a block of unit so I can’t take advantage of solar power, but I just love being retired and listening to all the stories on TV knowing that I have been able to stay inside. No power outages in my street yet but I feel for the holidaymakers on the cruise ship which has not been able to berth because they have closed the harbor……Thinking twice now about that cruise….
Hi Maddy, If you have a small charger and a sunny window, you can charge batteries. Thanks for the heads up about the story. Will check it out now.