In stormy weather, it pays to always be prepared in times of emergencies. One of the things you must have on standby is a first aid kit, and you should always have an adequate supply of food in your home. In weather like this, it is not advisable to drink water from your taps, so have some bottled drinking water in your storage, too.



What else do you need to prepare for in case of an electrical storm? Also have candles, matches, flashlights and batteries on hand, in case the power goes out. If in case the phone lines will be down, ensure that your mobile phone has enough power left. During an electrical storm, it is highly unadvisable to get in the car and evacuate your house. There are instances when lightning can strike a vehicle, plus there are other road hazards that can make driving very dangerous in bad weather.

During an electrical storm, there is a huge probability that a power outage may occur. Electrical posts are highly attractive to lightning strikes, and if it does happen, you must be prepared for a sudden loss in power. For this, you need to have a portable generator, so you have enough power for your lights and other appliances at home, until power is restored in your area.

There are different types and sizes of portable generators you can purchase, depending on how large your house is, and what kind of power output you need. There are diesel powered ones as well as propane portable generators, which are run on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Some of the well-known brands of portable generators have features like a fuel gauge and cooling system to prevent overheating. You can have your generator hooked up to your fuse box in your basement or garage when this happens, so you have a back up energy supply.

When you are running on back up power with your portable generator, keep your electrical consumption to a minimum. Don't switch on unnecessary appliances, only the ones you need, like your radio and TV for news updates, electric fans, or your lights. Even when there is no storm warning, make sure your portable generator should have enough fuel, in case of emergency. You can also use your generator even when you are camping, so it is a worthwhile investment.

Having some extra food around that is quick and easy to prepare is helpful too. Whenever you shop, grab a few extra cans of food to have around in case of unexpected storms or electrical outings. That way you won't be caught needing to bake potatoes when your oven is out of power!