At 4:30 a.m. this morning the electricity went out due to a rain shower (had there been thunder, I slept through it, which is rare). My husband, who had been watching a movie while lying in bed (he just dozes at night), got up and went to the bathroom (which woke me up) and he tried to turn on the lights. He went to the bathroom, and on his way back to the bed, fell. He wasn't hurt, just disoriented. I got up and helped him up and tried to explain that the power was out and that we needed to stay in bed until the power came back on or until daylight. No matter HOW I phrased it, I wasn't getting through to him. I tried to help him sit on the bed, crawl on the bed, feel the bed - all to no avail. He was like a non-moving manikin. I hugged him, I told him that I needed for him to lie down so I could call the electric company. He hugged me back, but didn't move othewise. I know that it was close to 15-20 minutes before I finally convinced him to crawl into bed. I was then able to go back to my side of the bed where the old-fashioned Princess phone (that works no matter what) rests on my nightstand. I called the operator and asked her what time it was, and by then it was 5 a.m. and I asked her to call the electric company for me. She asked me if I had the number, and I explained that even if I did, I couldn't read it! She said "Oh!" and then got information on the line with us, got the number and dialed it for me to report the outage. I thanked her profusely, then hung up. I was afraid to go back to sleep, for fear of being late for work, so I lay there holding my husband's hand and waiting for time to pass.
About 20 minutes later, it dawned on me that my cell phone had the time on it! It was also on the nightstand (and I could have used it to call information - another thing I didn't remember at 4:30 a.m.!)
At any rate, I got up and used the light on my cell phone to get to the kitchen and light candles. Those circular lights that you touch to light are in my basement, but it was raining and I have to go outside to get to the basement and decided candles would do. <grin> Within 10 minutes, everyone was up. My husband sat in his recliner and went back to sleep. My daughter, grandson and I had a nice conversation (amazing because none of us had coffee!) while we waited and hoped that the power would be back on by 6 a.m. Our wishes were granted, and we made coffee and visited a little longer before getting dressed for work. My husband still seemed disoriented and kept dozing.
The total darkness really did a number on him when the power went out. He lost all perspective and didn't know where he was or what to do or even to let me lead him. I'm going to buy some more of those circular lights to keep in the bedroom for when the power goes out next time. I had not been prepared for this eventuality, so I thought I would tell my story so those of you who are at our stage (late 6) who might be interested could be better prepared than I was.
My son bought me two black and decker emergency centers. They turn on a strong light if the power goes out. They are small orange boxes, I think he bought them at walmart. they also have 2 plugs that you can plug the tv and dvd or anytthing you need to power for about 4 hours. they recharge and they also recharge in the car if you need the dvd for longer trips. they have been very useful. I keep one in the bedroom and one in front room, that way they are handy for which ever end of the house I am in if the power goes out. I also found some nite lights that plug into the wall sockets that are "solar" they absorb the light and when the lights are off they glow, kinda like the solar lights on the driveway.
Several weeks ago our power went out, and I was very surprised by how distressed my husband was by the lack of electricity. He is still fairly high functioning, and I thought the lack of lights wouldn’t be a big thing for him. I was wrong. We both wound up staying up for hours until the power came back on. Fortunately we had lots of candles and I got him started playing a game, which helped. But it was another one of those things I didn’t think would be a problem—until it was. Thank you for the reminder that I need to have more things on hand for the next time this happens.
We lost power one time about 3 years ago. At that time, my husband was still in the earlier stages (maybe 3-4). I was so shocked that he was so upset by that. It seemed like he was off balance. He did not have any idea on what to do with himself. It wasn't too bad when it was still daylight but as it got darker he was more and more lost. At that time I could usually settle him if I put on a movie that we could watch together. Unfortunately, no power, no movie. Shortly after that, I got a rechargable DVD player. We didn't use it for him often but it was nice when I did need it. Now I use it when I am cooking in the kitchen to put on a movie to keep me company while cooking.
Moral of story - think ahead an plan for life's emergencies. They may not be a big event to us, but they can certainly do a lot to throw them.
At this point I've got two emergency lights. They are brighter than ususal night lights most of the time, but if the power goes out they will turn into emergency lights. I've also got a battery operated lantern with two sets of batteries for it, and a battery powered lamp. There are flashlights in strategic places (my bedside table and right behind my chair in the living room). And I've got a crank powered radio, so I can have noise if I need it.
I have three old fashioned kerosene lamps filled and ready, plus two big flashlights and candles out the gazoo, but none were in the bedroom where we were! And I couldn't let go of him due to his confusion - and he wouldn't move! I love the idea of Shellseeker's emergency center that will allow my husband to watch a movie while we wait for power! And therrja, I have a portable DVD player, but for some reason it won't work off the battery any more, only electricity or car battery. I hadn't thought about using it in the kitchen. Starling, I should get a battery powered radio in the bedroom as well. Next time I'll be better prepared.
You guys have just help me with my Christmas list , as my LO is on Oxygen the emergency center would be agreat idea, and the prtable DVD would help out when we have a difficult time he could watch anthing anywhere.. I just love all you help and ideas .thank you
Thanks to this site I'm looking for a Black and Decker emergency center when I go out today. We've candles and a battery powered camping emergency light and radio, BUT .... AND I'm going to get extra lighters for candles and locate some in strategic places other than our "mud room" where they are now. Thanks for reminding me to BE PREPARED before our winter starts.
My kids got me the emergency center many years ago because of the hurricanes. You can charge your cell phone and plug in small appliances like a fan which in the Florida heat would be a blessing.
So much good information. We haven't had a power outage for a year but DH is declining and he does seem to get obsessed with different things. I just know a power outage would really upset him. Thanks, all of you!
yes, those emergency portable units ar awesome, i have one in my car and i have used it SEVERAL times to jumstsart my dead battery! yep even learned to do this on my own..and i hate anything electrical..these are good for outages and can plug a lamp into one as well or tv. divvi got mine off QVC! 80dol..
i just bought one for my son for xmas from QVC.com, item #V25827 I-TEC portable power station w/jumstarter and 400power inverter, with s/h total was $99dl. i think lowes home depot or any hardware would have some too. also amazon.com has several power stations -black and decker and Xantrax which is more $$. hopes this helps anyone who wants to get one. divvi maybe walmart or target?
Didn't find the Black & Decker Storm Station yesterday in our small town; but found it at an Ace Hdwe store in next larger city today for $99 + tax, of course. It's charging as I write. Has a flashlight, emergency light that comes on immediately when power goes off (gotta keep it plugged into power source, of course), AM/FM radio + National Weather service weather station, receptacle for cell phone charger or cordless phone station--just as writers here have described. Home Depot had a smaller unit, but not the Storm Station. Thanks for recommendation and testimonials! Another reason I'm glad Joan found me on another site. Incidentally, and off topic, today my hsbd says he believes his dementia has gone away. Heh heh, whatever. Also from this site and your experiences recorded here, his statement wasn't a surprise since I've read posts that say this happens.
I'm just sorta waking up to this thread. A couple of years ago I got a Grundig thing as a premium for a donation to PBS; I looked it up and it's on Amazon for $49.95. I have used it for a couple of years as a radio (AM, FM, SW); it also has a SIREN, a LIGHT, and a crank so you can use it even if your batteries are run down and the power's off. And a cell phone charger.. I've used it on the island every year and love it. Mine does, however, have cookie dough splashed on it from when I unthinkingly turned on the mixer near it. Works anyway.
Here's the url: Don't forget to order through Joan if you get it at Amazon.
I get a great deal of satisfaction from our station - actually, it's NPR, not PBS, and it's one of the talking ones, not just music. So I don't mind donating to it. Main problem is that it's on AM, not FM and it's hard to find the little players that are any good that have AM; I like to listen to it when I walk.
Stormy season; our power went out very briefly a couple nights ago. BUT, because of this thread, I was prepared for it and had my emergency Storm Station up n ready. Another example of help from Joan's efforts. Thanks folks for cluing me in on the B&D storm station.!
I never thought of something like an emergency center I am all alone and I don`t like the dark when the power goes out, I am going to look into this, thanks for this post Mary I would just use candles and I would not find lighter to lite them lol. Gail
marygail the storm center lights up when the power goes out. I also have lights always plugged in and charging in my hall so I always have something bright on. Thet barely glow until the power goes out-then they are very bright
Oh my goodness, ............. you poor people! (grin)............ We live in the Houston/Galveston Gulf Coast Area and on September 13, 2008, Hurricane IKE came ashore and we were without power in THIS HOUSE for eighteen days. Imagine, no power, a demented husband, hot humid weather, and even our water wasn't drinkable for over a week. Gas pumps didn't work (they run on electricity, you know)..and grocery stores that did open had dim generator lighting only. This is in a Metropolitan area.
Don't even get me started on FEMA. Their 18 wheelers with ice donated from as far away as Canada sat 200 miles away from this area in the San Antonio area....and they let it melt. We never saw a FEMA truck in our part of Houston. Millions of dollars worth of frozen foods, supermarket foods, home freezer foods were ruined.
EIGHTEEN days, my friends, with no power. Thank God! I have a gas cook top in my kitchen. Had to light the burners with a match, (it usually ignites with an electric spark), many have all electric kitchens.
An important reminder- Do not forget the medications.....in event of a power loss, the pharmacies also will have no power.....there is no feeling like running out of needed medications when you need it most..So keep an extra supply on hand.....
Aha! Hadn't tho't of having extra meds on hand for emergency, phranque. We live in the country; so I keep the van 3/4 full most of the time. Have extra water stored, too. BUT 18 days w/o "amenities (needs)??? Cook on the grill 'til the propane ran out. No ice; no fans. whew. I better review the whole thread.
Having a self contained RV in the barn is our ace in the hole for surviving long duration storm induced electrical outages, which aren't too uncommon here on the Florida coast. The RV's stove, fridge, and water heater work on propane, and there's a roof mounted A/C that runs on electricity produced by an on board gasoline powered generator, so we can "survive" in relative comfort for quite a few days -- even backwiring the generator to run the pump for our home water well and even a few appliances in the house if we really wish to. Haven't had to resort to any of that since the DW became so feeble that getting her aboard the RV would be a major project -- keeping my fingers crossed..... For shorter duration outages, flashlights on the bedside tables (and another here near my computer where I spend a good bit of late night time), as well as a weather radio, old timey transistor radio, kerosine lamp, candles, etc.
Glad I found this thread...a great idea getting a storm station..it sounds like the thing we all should have, especially here in Jax,Fl...we are in Hurricane Season, don't like this time of year, it gets scary, when you are alone, and DH, is not much help...Rosalie
We lived through the big hurricane that tore up Pensacola a few years ago. We didn't have power for 3 weeks. We did have the ice trucks and the GI meals and ate a lot of peanut butter sandwiches. I now have 2 lamps that operate on batteries handy. I only remember one time here in NW Alabama that the power was out for 48 hours. And once in 58 years is not bad.
Generators powered by gasoline were fought over during Ike. I went to Home Depot one day to buy some gasoline cans and we could only buy 2 each. Who knew that I would ever wish for ten or more gasoline containers. I went in twice and checked out w/different clerks. The line was out the door for generators that were due in any time. Then I heard on the loud speaker that only 75 generators had been received and only those people holding tickets up to the number 75 would receive one and the othes needed to go home. Same with grocery stores. Because of the dim lighting and limited resources, they'd only let so many people inside the store at a time. When 4 left, 4 more could enter. The lines were a block long. I had never seen anything like that in my life. We managed, but the ordeal is a book unto itself.
And Nancy B there was no cold stuff at our grocery stores. I have never seen so many huge trees down and so many blue roofs. We had had a tree service cut down a large live oak that was a foot from our bedroom and several other trees trimmed. We also had just put a new roof on the house and it came through okay. My neighbor's tree missed our house by inches. It was a scary time but when this journey is over and if I survive I'll be headed back to the Sunshine State. As one lady said It's the price you pay for living in paradise.
I just re-read the Hurricane site on the home page, and tho' I don't worry about hurricanes (for myself, but yes, for you), there's lotsa info for those of us who live with other weather threats. Ya see, I don't always remember what I've read where and what suggestions I've noted and forgotten--noted for the short-term, I guess.
Exactly. For the rest of you, a blue roof was only a tarp that stretched over the existing (or shall I say, "remaining" ) roof on homes. Drive out I-10 East of Houston, towards the gulf area, and there are still blue tarps on roofs...10 months later. I had to replace the roof on my rental property in Pearland closer to the gulf. Hundreds of thousands of trees were downed, homes wiped out, leaving no trace of them ever being there, cell AND home phones were out, and emergency services (911) could not be called.
And, this was in HOUSTON, 60 plus miles inland from Galveston.
There are no words to describe that time in my life and I will NOT EVER live in hurricane country again...that's a promise.
Imohr...When we lived there and DH would worry about damage from hurricanes I would always tell him it would be a good excuse to redecorate. He never found that amusing. I have decided for the time being to stay put. After seeing all the advise about needing to own my home and not go the rental route it seems the only sensible option. I think I could handle the rental part but having to sell this townhouse and then looking for another place to buy, probably in a short time period, with DH at stage around 6 would be to hard to do. Then when this is over and if I survive, I'll go back to NW Florida.
Oh, Bama, you are a survivor so you'll be okay! If you don't have to sell now - wait - hopefully the real estate market will improve. My sister and 91 year old Mom (in NH), lives in NW FL.
well Bama if that happens again this season come on up to Mich for a few weeks til things settle down we have two bedrooms that arn't being used an that will give me time to convert ya from a Saban follower to a Tigah fan lol
Wont happen, ol don. We are hearing a lot about football this week. It's SEC Media Days in Hoover. It's going to be interesting this year. I get really excited during the game but once it is over...it's over. I miss going to the games. I have been to the LSU game several times and really enjoyed staying in the French Quarter. Now that was an education for this ole country girl. One of our dear friends finished at LSU and was a big fan. He passed away several years ago and if we get beat I know Mickey is smiling.
You Tide fans have evidently heard the last of Ken Stabler's color commentary during broadcasts of the games -- he was recently fired after conviction of drunk driving in Robertsdale, AL.
I think Stabler moved to California and I don't think he wanted to come back. Or so the story goes. wasn't the first time Ken had a little to much to drink and wont be the last time. He was a colorful personality. Okay, Mary I'll do the same. Wont be easy but I will. ol don...He does make a lot of money but he also gives away a lot of it to some very good causes. I really don't think money drives him....it may be the challenges and you have to admit Bama was a big one.