Power Outage Safety and Activities For Families

Power outages at home are most likely to occur during the winter months due to high winds, snow and ice, and deep cold affecting electrical systems. When the power goes out, it can affect your entire family’s routine. It can also be a chance to slow down and spend meaningful time with your littles.

Preparing for the Unexpected

It’s a smart idea to create a power outage kit to make the unexpected lack of electricity less stressful for everyone.

• Create a power outage kit. Keep a box of essentials handy with items like flashlights, extra batteries, a portable phone charger, glow sticks, and a first-aid kit. Keep non-perishable food and snacks that keep well are also great to always have on hand.
• Store a few gallons of extra water. If your house relies on an electric water pump, keep a stash of bottled water for drinking and sanitation purposes.
• Keep plenty of blankets on hand. Camping gear like sleeping bags and thermal layers are a fantastic idea. Staying warm is essential to staying safe.

Safety First

Staying safe is always our first priority during a power outage. Here are a few things to keep in mind.

1. Double-check your flashlight stash. Don’t plan to rely on your cell phone flashlight. Keep a stash of lights with extra batteries. They’re much safer than candles or open flames, which are magical, but much less safe around kiddos and pets.
2. Unplug your electronics. Power surges when your electricity returns can damage your smart devices. It’s a smart idea to unplug anything you’re not using.
3. Keep the fridge door closed! Limit the number of times you open your refrigerator and freezer to keep food cold for as long as possible–especially if the power outage might last for a while. Food in an unopened fridge can stay cold for around 4 hours and up to 48 hours in a full, well-sealed freezer.
4. Be smart with a generator. If you have and are going to use a generator for power, keep it outdoors and away from windows to avoid the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
5. Be a good neighbor. Check on your neighbors, especially any elderly ones, who may need help to stay safe and warm.

Making the most of an unexpected power break

Once you’re assured that your family, neighbors, and home are safe and sounds, it’s time for some power-outage fun! Embrace the lack of electricity to connect as a family.

Tell stories by flashlight

Grab some blankets and pillows and cuddle up in the living room for some good old-fashioned storytelling. Read a favorite book, make up your own fairy tales, or share old family memories that your kiddos may have never heard before. If it goes a spooky direction, don’t forget a flashlight under your chin for a dramatic effect!

Make shadow puppets

If your power-outage lasts past sunset, turn your walls into a theatre with a flashlight and your hands. This is a big hit for younger kids, but can be entertaining for everyone. Try a challenge for the silliest shadow figure while you’re at it.

Pull out the low-tech games

Hello good old-fashioned board games like Hungry Hungry Hippo, Candy Land, and Monopoly. Don’t forget classics like Charades or 20 Questions!

Get creative

Pull out the paper, scissors, and crayons–it’s time for a family art session. Try cutting up some old magazines and creating mosaics or do a paint your partner challenge.

While power outages are inconvenient and often unexpected and frustrating, they can also afford us extra time for what’s most important: meaningful time with family. When the lights come back on, you’ll come back to your typical routine with a sense of togetherness and new core memories.