ENERGY TIPS AND IDEAS

Power

A. Heat

     In cold climates, lack of heat can be life threatening. The ill, the elderly and small children are particularly susceptible. The same is true of very hot climates. If the power goes off, It likely you will not be able to heat your home if you use electric, or electric fired gas or oil. If power does not go off, you may still be vulnerable if your home temperature control system shuts down. Ask the manufacturer of your system if it will function.

     If you depend on air-conditioners, etc., you face the same problems. A cool, darkened basement may be good refuge during the heat of the day. Also, battery powered fans should help keep the air circulating, making you feel more comfortable if not cooler.

     Always drink plenty of water to combat dehydration in hot climates, and dress accordingly. Restrict activity to the cooler parts of the day. Cover the inside of windows with aluminum foil to reflect the heat away from the house, or use a blanket or sheets. You can also rig a shelter on the shady side of the house using a large tarp; or rig a tarp to shade the front of the house to keep interior heat down.

     If heat is cut off, your fireplace, wood stove, freestanding kerosene heater, or even cans of Sterno may act as an alternate heat source. Since heat circulation without fans is difficult, restrict yourselves to one or two rooms of the house and shut the doors on the rest. Try not to enter or exit the house from the room of the source of your primary heat. However, do make sure there is adequate ventilation to prevent the build up of carbon monoxide, other gases or smoke. Buy a battery powered carbon monoxide detector.
     Pile up mattresses, sleeping bags, thick blankets and pillows across from the heat source, but not too near it. Expect to wear additional clothes indoors, such as sweaters or sweatshirts, and thick socks -- even to bed. If you have children, have them sleep together, between you and your spouse, and/or with the family pet. Dogs, in particular, are great sources of heat (ever hear of a 3 dog night?). Also great alarms if there are any problems in the night.

B. Light

     Though not necessary to our physical survival, light is very important to our emotional health and stability. Light sources include candles, hurricane lamps, flashlights, battery powered camping lights, etc. Fireplaces and wood stoves can also make cozy evening light. Don't expect to light a room as you're used to with electric light. It won't hurt your eyes to use subdued lighting, even for an extended period of time.

     Make sure any open flame is well away from children, pets, or flammables, and secure from accidental contact. Always keep a fire extinguisher close at hand. For safety, use a flashlight when using the stairs or accessing darkened cabinets or rooms.

     If you need light close to children (to change diapers, etc.), battery powered is by far the safest. You might consider giving them their own small flashlights for fun and as a way to make them feel more secure (but have plenty of batteries!).

     Whatever light source(s) you use, be sure you have an adequate supply of fuel or batteries. Store them where easily accessible, safe, and away from children and pets.

     For information on generators, check:

• Virginia Cooperative Extension
  Select the Right Portable Generator
• Convert your Gas engine/generator to propane

For more information on wind, solar and alternative power check:

• Generating Methane Gas From Manure Build your own biogas digester
• Northwest Energy Storage Alternative energy products & appliances
• Building your own generator on the cheap
• How to Stay Cool in the Hot Desert, reprinted from Home Power Magazine.
• Bowjon International Wind-powered water lift pumps
• Bay Winds sells Jacobs wind turbines.
• Bergey Windpower manufactures small wind turbines for power generation.
• Kretzschmar & Son Aermotor windmill generators.
• Northern Arizona Wind & Sun Solar electric systems and components.
• Energy Outfitters Products for energy independence.
• Backwoods Solar Electric Systems Solar power info and systems.