How to Prepare for a Hurricane Power Outage?

What are your worst fears related to a hurricane? High winds? Heavy rainfall? While these are scary too, you should worry about power outages the most, which might take days or even weeks.

When the power goes out, it affects even the smallest things, such as keeping your food fresh, charging your phone and powering medical equipment. That’s why you need a backup plan, and a portable power station can be an ideal power backup.

So, are you prepared for the power outages this hurricane season? Join us as we talk about what you need to be hurricane-ready, and how solar powered generator can do the job for you.

Why Hurricanes knock out power so easily

Strong winds, fallen trees, flooding and lightning can destroy power lines and transformers. Utility crews can require days to restore service, even more when it is a large-scale damage or a road block. Hurricanes cause 15 to 20 major outages on the grid on average annually in the U.S..

In 2022, Hurricane Ian left more than 2.6 million Florida residents without power in its wake. Such power cuts are inconvenient on a mass level, but they are a life threat to someone who depends on powered medical equipment (CPAP).

What to do before a Hurricane hits

When a hurricane warning is given, time is an important factor. Doing the right things will keep you in control while ensuring your and your property’s security. Here is what you can do:

Build a basic emergency kit

Gather essentials like:

● Bottled water (at least one gallon per person per day)

● Food that lasts 3-5 days

● Medicines, first aid supplies

● Batteries and flashlights, a hand can opener.

● Battery-powered or hand-crank radio

● Power banks or a portable power station

● Backup generator with solar panel

Prepare your home

● Secure loose outdoor items.

● Trim trees or branches that could fall.

● Reinforce windows and doors.

3. Power backup essentials

Make sure you have an alternate power source ready:

● Charge all devices fully, including your portable power station.

● Set up your solar power station or check your backup generator with solar panels for readiness.

● Make sure your solar panels are clean and ready to deploy when needed.

● When using portable solar generators for home, test them and ensure that they are in working condition.

Making preparations beforehand will ensure that you do not panic and you will be in better control when the hurricane arrives.

Why do you need a portable power station

A portable power station is a compact powerhouse that can be recharged using either solar, a wall outlet or even your car. This portable device can power your essentials when you are traveling, camping or when the grid power goes out due to a storm or any other reason.

While traditional gas or fuel generators are also a backup power source, they can be too noisy and require constant refueling. A portable solar generator, on the other hand, is quieter and more eco-friendly, as it is quiet, emits no fumes, and you do not need to refuel it as often.

Unlike gas generators that can only be used outdoor due to carbon monoxide risks, portable solar generators are safe to use indoors and are easy to operate.

Portable power stations are designed for emergencies. These units charge through AC outlets, car ports, or even solar panels, and come with multiple output options like AC, DC, and USB, so you can run everything from a fridge to a CPAP when the grid goes out.

What size power station do you need?

Not all power stations are made for you, so think about your power needs before you buy one. In an outage, you need to power only the most essential devices, like:

● Refrigerator

● Phone and laptop chargers

● Lights or fans

● Medical equipment (like a CPAP machine)

● Internet modem/router

A medium-sized power station (1000-2000Wh) will keep a small fridge running and can charge your devices for several hours. Larger units (2,500Wh+ and above) offer longer run times for your appliances.

Choosing a bigger power station will be costly and a smaller power station might not be able to power all of your emergency appliances. So, consider the wattage range of your appliances to choose a portable power station based on that.

Combining solar with portability: A smart strategy

A solar power station paired with solar panels allows you to recharge your unit when the sun’s out, even if the grid is down for days. This arrangement offers constant availability of electricity when the traditional power sources are not available.

Investing in high-quality, monocrystalline solar panels will maximize solar input and charge your power station faster. Oupes Mega 2 comes with fast dual charging in only 0.6 hours, making you power ready in literally no time.

Final tips for Hurricane season

● Fully charge your portable power station once a storm is announced. Waiting until the last minute is not a good idea.

● Store solar panels safely and accessibly. You’ll need them ready to go if the power stays out for several days.

● Test your power system regularly- make sure all the cables, ports, and devices are tested before the storm arrives.

● Label your charging cables to avoid confusion during an emergency.

● Visit OUPES to explore hurricane-ready solutions and backup systems that suit your home and power needs.

In a hurricane, even a minor outage can become serious. A bit of pre-planning will help you a lot when the lights go out.

FEMA advises all households to be prepared to be self-sufficient in case of natural disasters for at least 72 hours. This can be so much easier with a portable power station, no fuel lines to get in the way, no startup noise, just plug and go.

FAQs

Is a portable solar station better than a full solar system?

Yes, for emergencies. It is portable, simple to install and does not cost as much as a full solar system with panels and wiring.

What will my portable power station do during a hurricane?

Depending on the wattage of the battery and the size of the battery, it can be used to charge phones, Wi-Fi, LED lights, laptops, small fridges or medical devices.

Can I charge it with my car?

Yes, the majority of portable power stations can be charged using a car with a 12V outlet, but it is slower than charging via a wall or solar.

Do solar stations have panels?

Not always. Sometimes the solar panels come in bundles but in most cases, they are sold individually.

Conclusion

The hurricane season can often leave us with long power outages, and having a portable power station can keep our homes powered.

A power station is only good when it's fully charges, so be sure to charge it in advance, store solar panels properly, and test everything ahead of time. When you're ready, check out our smart, storm-ready power solutions that keep your lights on no matter what.