Emergency Energy Sources

by Bryan A. Thompson

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.

Unless otherwise specified, the text and images in this page are the copyrighted property of Bryan A. Thompson, 1996-2008.  All Rights Reserved.