UH-OH! PT 2-ELECTRICITY

In the last UH-OH! video, I talked about losing the internet. That's bad enough. What about losing your electricity? Are you prepared if the power grid goes down?

Losing electricity affects everyone. The banks, the stores, the gas stations, your ISP's, and yes...even the internet in your area. Your frozen foods will need to be cooked and stored, you won't have hot water, and maybe your water gets turned off, too.

Some industries will have backup generators. They'll continue to work as long as their power sources have the fuel needed to keep them going. You can get backup generators, and maybe even solar panels to help out. But, again; without the fuel, the sun, wind, whatever you're depending on, it's not going to last long. It might not even be enough to keep more than a few appliances running.

What should you do if you want to be ready? Well, this isn't a "preppers" show. It's a practical look at what you need to do regarding your computer and your data.

In the last show, I mentioned what you should do to get your banking and financial life in order. Let's face it; with the power gone, you're not going to keep your computer plugged into a wall socket and expect it to work. So, here are some suggestions. Please feel free to comment your ideas below:

1. Get a UPS, or Uninterrupted Power Supply system for your computer. This will allow you to properly save and/or print out whatever you need for a few minutes. There are many on the market, and try to get the best one for the money you can put into it. I'm not sure what will happen with a Linux system. I'll just be honest about that. But, I have personally experienced system problems with Windows PC's that were not shut down properly because the power was cut off.
2. Before things go to far, print out your important documents. Put them in a file folder, and then put them in a filing cabinet, a drawer, a box, or any other place to which you have easy access. You never know if you'll need an account number, your latest statements, or even scanned in images of your driver's license, social security card, wedding certificate, etc.
3. If you have an alternate power supply system that can run for a while, make sure that if you have WiFi enabled equipment that you can also hook them up by USB cables or whatever else you need. Let's look at this practically. Do you want to keep the meat in your freezer cold, your lights on in your home, or drain that power source unnecessarily trying to get your modem and/or router going? Do what you need to do quickly, and then shut off the computer!
4. Don't try to rely on your phones if you can't charge them back up. Does your phone have replaceable batteries? Most new phones don't. If you happened to be lucky enough to have replaceable batteries, consider getting a back up battery (or two) and keep them charged up. Keep the phone off when you don't need it.
5. You can load up on batteries to keep a radio going, but eventually they drain out, too. Another option is to consider getting a hand crank radio. Some will even allow you to charge your phone by cranking on that radio. Having a radio can help you know when your area might/should be back up on power.
6. This might sound trite, but there's something else you should do if the power goes out. Weather permitting, go outside! Take off your shoes and socks and wiggle your toes into the ground! Just mind the fire ants, bee hives or poison ivy. Is the weather not fit for man nor beast? Stay in, read a book. You know, those things that have a front, back, spine and pieces of paper in-between? They also hold information and entertainment. Your imagination might get a jump start, and you'll find you have some creative juices moving that you didn't know you had. Have anyone living with you? Have some cards or board games handy. Way back in the day, that's how people spent their time. Learn to be a good loser and, more importantly, a gracious winner. Spend time with your animals if you have any. If you have kids, show them how to have a good time with less. This might be a good lesson to show them that sometimes less is more.
7. Most importantly, though...stay safe!

On that note; Remember our Words of Wisdom:

Don't drive drunk!
Don't drink and drive"
Don't got to eBay, Amazon, or use MS Edge Shopping all buzzed up because you think you're going to get the latest and coolest stuff...You're probably not.

In the meantime, Bottoms Up & Later Dudes!

https://www.techradar.com/news/best-ups

https://securitynerd.com/best-home-safes/

https://www.hamtronics.com/best-hand-crank-radios/

https://www.healthline.com/health/grounding#risks

https://www.thespruce.com/best-family-board-games-4151145

https://rochester.kidsoutandabout.com/content/100-things-do-kids-during-power-outage

https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/264.Books_That_Everyone_Should_Read_At_Least_Once