Climate change has increased the risk of natural disasters. In 2024, there were 27 confirmed weather disaster events with losses exceeding $1 billion each in the United States. The number is rising steadily. 1980-2000 statistics show 75% of disaster-related costs were due to billion-dollar disasters. The rate increased to 80% by 2010 and was up to more than 85% by 2023.

America is still reeling from the California wildfires that burned 50,683 acres, destroyed 16,1888 structures, and resulted in 28 fatalities, but that is just another notch on the belt of countless weather-related events that plagued the country. Many can easily recall the Texas Deep Freeze of 2021 and the devastating Hurricane Katrina.

Weather events bring their share of catastrophic effects, but power loss is a significant factor. Without power, businesses lose hundreds of thousands of dollars, people cannot call for help, and food goes to waste. Outages also mean people may be without electric-powered medical equipment and medication that requires refrigeration.

People often feel helpless when weather events impact their communities. However, there are things you can do to keep yourself and your family safe and maybe even help a few neighbors. Keep emergency supplies handy, ensure pet safety, and establish access to communication.

Emergency solar power can help with many of these strategies, helping to prevent the impact of weather events.

Have Emergency Supplies and Kits Ready

Households should have an emergency supply kit ready. Here are some everyday items to include:

✅ Bottled water

✅ Store emergency rations such as nonperishable food items (canned food and a can opener)

✅ Tissues

✅ Toilet paper

✅ A whistle to call for help

✅ A pen and paper to take notes or play games

✅ Personal hygiene items such as travel-sized deodorants, wipes, and dry shampoo

✅ A list of emergency references

✅ Pet food if there are pets in the household

✅ A dust mask to filter the air

✅ A battery-powered radio and NOAA weather radio

✅ Plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter in place

✅ Cups and utensils

✅ A change of clothing

✅ Paper towels

✅ Rain gear

✅ Fire extinguisher

✅ Cards and games

Place survival ration items in a sturdy bag and store them in an area where you might seek shelter, such as a basement. Certain items, such as food items and batteries, may expire. Check your pack regularly and replace items as needed.

Food Spoilage Prevention

Households should stock up on canned goods to ensure they have food during outages. However, they can also integrate the following strategies to prevent refrigerated food from spoiling.

• Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed: Limit opening doors to keep the cool air in.

• Use Ice or Dry Ice: Consider transferring the food into a cooler packed with ice or dry ice.

• Prioritize Perishable Items: Transfer items likely to spoil quickly, such as seafood, meat, and dairy, to the iced cooler first.

• A Full Freezer is Better: A full freezer will maintain its temperature better than a partially filled one. Consider transferring some refrigerator items into the freezer.

• Check Food Quality Once Power is Restored: This measure will prevent you from consuming spoiled food.

Stay Connected

Today, many of us rely on electronic devices to stay connected. During a power outage, we may not have the means to power these devices, which will leave us unable to connect to others during an emergency. The following tips ensure you can stay in touch and call for help.

• Charge Your Devices: It’s always advisable to charge devices regularly. However, this practice should be reinforced when a weather event is predicted in your area. Ensure your computers, phones, and tablets are well-charged.

• Battery-Powered Radio: A battery-powered radio will inform you of emergency updates when the power goes out.

• Mobile Hotspots: A mobile hotspot is a portable device that allows devices to connect to the internet with a wireless connection. You can get a hotspot by opening your phone’s settings. Then go to ‘Connections” or “Networks’ and select ‘Mobile Hotspot” or “Personal Hotspot” to turn it on. It will transform your phone into a Wi-Fi network others can connect to using your data plan.

• Portable Chargers: Portable backup or solar chargers may be used to recharge your phone during an outage.

Medical Needs

A power outage can interfere with medical needs. Many people require refrigerated medications and electric-powered medical devices. When the power is out, machines won’t work, and medications could spoil.

However, certain strategies support health during an outage. Here are some to consider:

• Talk to Your Doctor: Talk to your doctor to devise an emergency outage plan. They may help you develop alternative storage methods or backup power options for medical devices.

• Utilize Backup Power During Storms: These include an uninterruptible power supply (UPS), generators, and traditional and solar batteries.

• Coolers: You may keep medication cool by placing it in an iced cooler.

• Communication Plan: Prepare a list of your essential medical contacts, including your pharmacy, doctor, and local emergency service.

• Alert Neighbors: Make neighbors aware of your health needs so they can assist if necessary.

• Special Needs Registration: Contact your local emergency management agency to register as a person with special needs. They will assist with emergencies.

Caring for Pets

Pets may not be the first thing on your mind during emergency planning, but once an emergency occurs, you will understand the need to get your furry friends to safety. Here are some planning strategies that ensure pet wellness during emergencies.

• Gather Pet Supplies: Ensure pet supplies are included in your emergency kit, including pet food and bowls, pet care items, sanitation items, leashes, favorite toys, and medications.

• Have a Carrier Ready: Have a carrier ready to transport each pet if necessary.

• Identification: Ensure your pet wears a collar with an ID tag. Consider microchipping them so they can be located if separated from the family.

• Identify Caregivers: If you are displaced, you may have to leave your pet with a friend, family, member, or local shelter. Gather information so it can easily be transferred to your caregiver, including your pet’s daily routines, behavior issues, nutritional needs, and the name and number of your veterinarian.

Rely on Emergency Solar Solutions

Solar energy is an excellent backup for power outages. It will continue producing energy in weather events, providing the following benefits:

• Ensures devices are charged so you can call for help and stay in touch with friends and family

• Keeps refrigerators running to prevent food and medications from spoiling

• Powers medical devices

• Supports creature comforts such as light, electric-powered heat, and access to devices

• Helps businesses remain operational

Emergency solar power is not available 24/7. When the sun goes down, your system will stop producing power. However, you can keep power production consistent with solar batteries. They will store energy so you can use it at night. 

You can make the most of the energy available by using it to power energy-efficient appliances and devices. Monitor your solar power performance and battery levels before and during storms to ensure optimal efficiency. Ensure your panels are installed to capture optimal sunlight.

Solar America Can Help You Connect to the Top Providers in Your Area

The increasing occurrence of weather events enhances the need to go solar. Solar America can support your journey by helping you connect with the best providers in your area.

Fill out our online contact form. Our database will return a list of the top installers in your community. Compare companies to determine which is best for your needs. Our competitive system ensures affordable results.

Contact us to take the first step in keeping your family safe during emergencies.