Power outages and preparedness

After a long, snowy journey, I finally arrived in Port Orchard, WA today (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_Orchard,_Wa). The drive from Olympia was somewhat better than yesterday, as the snow had let up, and the freeway was fairly well plowed. The side streets, however, are still packed with snow, and my vacation rental is on a hill. Thank goodness for four-wheel drive!

After unloading the car and making a trip to the grocery store, I start the “settling in” process. I’ve found the best way to avoid feeling like you’re “living out of a suitcase” is to not live out of a suitcase! Whenever I get to a new place, I spend about an hour getting unpacked, putting things in their place, and getting set up for the duration of my trip, even if it’s only a couple of days. This really gives you a sense of place, and will instantly make you feel more at home (not to mention, it’s easier to find things when you need them!).

As I was getting online tonight to do this blog entry, the full effect of winter hit: a power outage! Luckily it only lasted a couple hours, but I’m obliged to write a word of warning here about travel preparedness.

Always carry a flashlight, both in the car and in your suitcase. If your flashlight takes batteries, make sure you have extra batteries with you. You can also opt for a wind-up flashlight, which can be a lot less hassle. Carry a couple of small travel candles, as well as a box of matches or a lighter. Be sure to have water available, as well as some food that doesn’t require cooking (fruit, trail mix, and protein bars are great). Keep your cell phone charged as much as you can, using a car charger if necessary. Finally, if you’re on the road, make sure you know the address and phone number to the place you’re staying. This information is vital in the case of an emergency.

For a complete list of what to do (and not do) during a power outage, visit the CDC’s Web site: http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/poweroutage/.