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How to Stay Connected When the Lights Go Out
In our increasingly digital world, the need to stay online, even during power outages, is paramount. In the MidSouth, over 45% of homes reported power outages recently, with longer outages becoming more common. This creates a pressing need for homeowners to strategize on maintaining connectivity. In this guide, we explore several innovative solutions alongside practical tips to ensure you remain connected.
Understanding Your Power Situation
Before panicking when the lights go out, first assess the situation. Have you blown a fuse? Check your breakers and try turning lights on and off in multiple rooms. If all attempts fail, and cell phone service is still active, itâs likely that you can still access the internet through your phone.
Utilizing Your Smartphone as a Hotspot
During short power outages, your smartphone can become a lifeline. Activate your mobile deviceâs hotspot feature to connect tablets or laptops. This can drain your phone's battery quickly, so consider investing in a small DC backup battery to keep your devices charged. For example, some phone plans allow for mobile hotspot usage without extra fees, making this an accessible emergency solution.
Backup Power to Keep You Connected
For unexpected longer outages, backup power options are essential:
- Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS): A UPS can keep your modem and router operational, preventing downtime.
- Portable Power Stations: Donât forget to charge these before outages. They can power your router for hours. Some portable power stations come with solar charging optionsâideal for prolonged outages.
- Generators: While gas generators are effective, solar battery systems like Jackery are excellent for eco-friendly power. Just remember to run gas generators outside to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Power Inverters: If you have a car, an inverter can let you tap into your vehicleâs battery, generating power to keep your devices running.
Boosting Your Home's Internet Resilience
Several home internet providers offer strategic solutions to help you stay connected during outages. For example, Xfinity and Cox provide battery-powered Wi-Fi extenders that can switch to cellular internet during outages, giving you peace of mind. Alternatively, Amazonâs Ring Alarm Pro offers a battery reserve for seamless connectivity during blackouts.
Preparing for the Unexpected
Planning is key. Here are practical steps to prepare for outages:
- Charge all devices regularlyâphones, tablets, and laptops should always be topped off.
- Ensure your generator is filled with gas, and have extra on hand.
- Keep your vehicle fueled up as it can be another source of energy for powering devices.
Making the Most of Your Community Resources
Itâs also beneficial to connect with neighbors or local community centers that may have backup power or resources available during outages. As noted in Southern California Edisonâs outage preparedness guide, some local facilities provide free Wi-Fi for public use, which is invaluable when your home goes dark.
What You Need to Know About Communication Tools
During power outages, communication becomes challenging. Establish a plan where all family members know where to find each other and how to communicate if the phones die. An emergency contact chain or a simple notification system with neighbors can be beneficial, enhancing community ties and personal safety.
Ensuring Youâre Prepared
Donât wait for the next outage to think about your connectivity strategies. Preparation helps alleviate stress and ensures you can stay online. Consider creating or enhancing your emergency preparedness kit, so you are never caught off guard.
In conclusion, while outages can be disruptive, a proactive approach will keep you connected to the world. Remember that planning ahead is essentialâcharge your devices, have backup power on standby, understand the resources available to you, and stay informed!
Stay Connected and Prepared
Whether it's rolling blackouts or unexpected outages, being ready ensures you're never completely cut off. Create your connectivity plan today and ensure your home will stay online when it matters most.
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