Emergency Energy Sources
[an error occurred while processing this directive]Last Updated 2/13/2003
Overview
Where to find energy around the house after a blackout or other emergency occurs and you're not prepared.
Emergency Energy Sources
Lighting
Candles, matches, lighters, flashlights, glow sticks
Heating and Cooling
If you have hot water, you can heat by taking a shower or bath or making a hot water bottle. Don't try to use the BBQ grill to heat the house. You can burn newspapers when rolled into log shapes in the fireplace.
If you have cold water, you can cool off by taking a cold shower or bath. Don't open the refrigerator unless absolutely necessary - all the cold air will spill out when the door is opened.
Electricity
dry cell batteries, the car battery, the lawnmower battery, anything solar, one of those wind-up flashlight/radios, etc.
Cooking
The BBQ grill (charcoal or propane), firewood, Sterno, alcohol, a camping stove, gas from the car or mower.
Security
A dog, a shotgun, dry-cell batteries or rechargeables that can be charged from the car battery
Transportation
Walk, hitch, bicycle, carjack, etc.