Electricity is one of the many discoveries that have shaped people’s way of living. For most of us, it is nearly impossible to live without electricity because it helps us cook our foods, give us light, and power our appliances. Well, most people, when they think of the electricity going out, the first things that usually come to their minds are lights, television, and the internet. Most will say that it’s fine to have no electricity because they can still read a book and play board games when there’s no internet and gadgets to be used.
However, when the power is out and will not be back for a longer period, lights, television, and the internet won’t be the only things that you should be concerned about. The best people who can tell what they’ve realized when the power is out are those who’ve experienced it first-hand. In fact, today, there’s an off-grid revolution. It’s started with people who are leaving their modern and convenient lives and disconnecting themselves from the power companies.
If you are wondering what it would be like when there’s no electricity for a long time due to a calamity, here are some of the things you might realize.
It Is Really Dark at Night
If you haven’t been miles away from civilization on a cloudy night, then it’s likely that you haven’t experienced a really, really dark night. Most of us are used to walking into a room and pressing a switch to turn the lights on. However, when the power is out, that is not going to happen. That’s the time you will realize how dark it is even outside because there will also be no street lights. It can really be unnerving when you are not used to it.
Some of the things that might help you are flashlights and electric lanterns. But their batteries will run out eventually. You can also turn to fire-based sources of light like candles and fuel lanterns. However, those are both fire hazards. When they get knocked over, your whole house and be burned in just a few minutes. Aside from that, they are also not as bright as electric lighting.
People Are Too Reliant On Appliances
When the power is out, you will also realize how reliant you are on appliances that use electricity. Some examples are electric ranges, microwave ovens, coffee makers, blenders, and food processors. You will not be able to use them to help you prepare foods when the power is out. It means that if you have dozens of appliances that require electricity, they will be useless without power. To prepare food, the only choice you will have is to cook over a fire. Therefore, a wood stove or a fireplace will come in handy if there’s no electricity. But you also need to make sure that your home has proper ventilation to be able to cook over a fire safely.
Summer is Not Very Fun
For modern people, it’s easy to get by the hot summer season because they have air conditioning systems at home. However, when the power is out, air conditioning systems or even electric fans will no longer work. This means that you need to get through the hot summer season with other cooling solutions or techniques that do not require electricity. Maybe you can take a cold shower before sleeping at night to get through a hot summer night. When there’s no electricity, you might wish that you are nomadic and just go somewhere cooler in the summer months.
Gym Membership is No Longer Needed
Today, people who live a modern life needs to go to the gym to get the exercise they need. But when there’s no electricity, most of your appliances are useless, meaning there are lots of tasks to do manually. Therefore, you can get the exercise you need when doing those tasks, and your gym membership is no longer needed.
Some of the tasks are strenuous, including washing your clothes by hand and carrying wood beats. Doing these chores daily will get your body to become more fit. Aside from that, if you want to talk to your friends, you will be walking to their houses instead of calling them via phone. When you get used to these things, it will no longer feel that they are strenuous tasks. They will simply be just a part of your everyday life.
You’ll Learn How to Finish Chores on Time
Most people today tend to procrastinate when it comes to doing chores. However, when there’s no electricity, you need to learn how to adjust your schedule and follow it strictly to make use of daylight efficiently. For example, you cannot procrastinate on cooking your dinner because when nighttime comes, it will be too dark to see the ingredients, and it might not be fun to cook dinner with candlelight.
Sewage Will Back Up
Most people won’t be thinking about sewage when it comes to a long-term power outage. But think about it. When the water stops running due to lack of electricity, it means that aside from not being able to access water from the sink and shower, you will not be able to flush your toilets as well. In the long run, this will be a major cause of concern because of the spread of bacteria.
Without electricity, you have two options in dealing with sewage. It’s either to burn it or bury it. Either option requires you to dispose of the waste at least 250 feet away from your house and any source of water.
An Emergency Fund of Cash is Important
Another thing you’d realize when the power is out is the importance of having an emergency fund of cash at home. When there’s no electricity, it means that you won’t be able to access your credit cards and debit cards to buy your necessities like foods and toiletries. You will be reduced to using cash, therefore, having some at home would be smart.
But did you know that cash could potentially become useless, as well? Yes, because it’s just paper. The only reason it is valuable is that we believe that it has value. But when survival is the issue, that belief could change. This means that in a long-term power outage, bartering could also take the place of cash. Therefore, keeping some barter items that you can trade for food and supplies is also ideal.
No Electricity is Boring
During a blackout, entertainment is important to stay sane. However, most modern families use television and video game consoles to be entertained, which will not work when there’s a power outage. That’s the time you’ll realize how boring it is when there’s no electricity. It’s time you’ll appreciate other activities that do not require electricity such as reading books, playing an instrument, or playing board games and charades with the whole family. Aside from those, you can also start a garden, go fishing, exercise, or go for a swim.
These are some of the things you might realize when the power is out. With disasters and calamities happening all over the world, having a long-time power outage is possible. Therefore, you need to be prepared for it. To be able to survive a blackout, you need to think like how our forefathers did before electricity was discovered. Try to limit your reliance upon electricity and challenge yourself some days when you shut down most of the power in your home. This way, you’ll be able to be ready when the power goes out.