topic Re: Power Outage Idea in Community Chat

Power Outage Idea

On It — Tue, 16 Jan 2024 14:10:17 GMT

We are being asked to conserve energy again this morning in Texas. I thought some of you might need this in case of an outage. An outage can happen anywhere, anytime, for any reason. I would think the smaller the amount in the pan, the warmer it would get (if it works at all.) I would cover the pan with a lid to hold in the heat.

Re: Power Outage Idea

amyb — Tue, 16 Jan 2024 14:08:33 GMT

Wow...wonder if that really works!

Re: Power Outage Idea

Desertdi — Tue, 16 Jan 2024 14:10:01 GMT

You could charge a solar light during the day...and bring it inside the house at night...

Re: Power Outage Idea

Imaoldhippie — Tue, 16 Jan 2024 14:10:18 GMT

NC also has been asked to conserve energy also.

This makes me some what angry and mystified. Utilities all know that extreme weather will occur, why arent they prepared? Also what is the electric going to do when we have all electric vehicles?

I will not go any further with this as it could be considered or turn political.

Re: Power Outage Idea

CelticCrafter — Tue, 16 Jan 2024 14:12:28 GMT

I think the candles would be melted out before the pot of water boiled.

Re: Power Outage Idea

On It — Tue, 16 Jan 2024 14:15:59 GMT

@CelticCrafter wrote:
I think the candles would be melted out before the pot of water boiled.

I do not think it would get boiling hot, just warm. I am thinking of warm water or warm soup instead of ice cold. I really think it would be far less warm than we would normally enjoy.

Re: Power Outage Idea

LindaSal — Tue, 16 Jan 2024 14:30:21 GMT

@On It I think it's a good tip for a power outage. It would probably work so so but it is certainly better than nothing! We are fortunate as we have a gas stove so we are able to light the top if we need to cook or warm something but my adult kids both have electric stoves so I will pass this on to them.

Re: Power Outage Idea

tends2dogs — Tue, 16 Jan 2024 14:48:05 GMT

An outdoor gas grill.

Camping equipment.

We have solar powered lanterns purchased at Cosco that are extremely bright.

We have rechargeable floor fans. Our dog loves having a fan.

Extra water.

I have lined the bottom of both my freezers with blocks of ice about the size of cake pans. I have them sealed in plastic bags. When our power went out for three days, I didn't lose a thing.

If an outage ever became long term (God forbid), it is surprising how long canned food really lasts. I check into this, and you will be surprised. There are also several things that never spoil. Sugar, salt, honey, and coffee are a few.

Re: Power Outage Idea

Still Raining — Tue, 16 Jan 2024 15:10:38 GMT

As an veteran of no gas lines and smaller whole house generators, turn off the electric hot water heater. NOW.

Then turn down the thermostat.

Better to be a little inconvenienced.

Re: Power Outage Idea

Group 5 minus 1 — Tue, 16 Jan 2024 15:15:26 GMT

And it's not like the utilities are free.

Re: Power Outage Idea

RedTop — Tue, 16 Jan 2024 15:29:50 GMT

Candles inside tin cans work as light and heat sources in power outages. Votive size candles work great in a 15 oz size can. Larger 4-6" candles work great in a tomato juice size can. We used a small amount of sand in the bottom of the can and set the can on a ceramic or metal trivet.

Re: Power Outage Idea

Lakelife62 — Tue, 16 Jan 2024 15:30:56 GMT

@Imaoldhippie wrote:
NC also has been asked to conserve energy also.

This makes me some what angry and mystified. Utilities all know that extreme weather will occur, why arent they prepared? Also what is the electric going to do when we have all electric vehicles?

I will not go any further with this as it could be considered or turn political.

How do you pump gas during power outages?

Best bet is to buy a generator. With climate change full steam ahead, we'll all need one, even if for short periods of time. Have used mine already twice this winter season. That's twice as many times as I used it last winter and it's only January.

Re: Power Outage Idea

Sooner — Tue, 16 Jan 2024 15:34:13 GMT

I vote for a cheap Lodge cast iron pot with a lid, Dutch oven, and set it beside the fire in the fireplace and cook some beans! Best beans with a little smoky taste!

Re: Power Outage Idea

cheriere — Tue, 16 Jan 2024 16:02:13 GMT

@Sooner I used to make meals like this whenever I had a fireplace. Soups, kettles of beans, baked potatoes etc. I sure miss having one now. I've found all these tips to be very good. I would've never thought of most of them. Thanks for starting this thread @On It

Re: Power Outage Idea

ThinkingOutLoud — Tue, 16 Jan 2024 16:14:13 GMT

Haven't seen this idea before. Hopefully, being asked to conserve energy again will help more people see that wind turbines and electric this that and the other isn't the answer and this nonsense will stop soorner than later.

Re: Power Outage Idea

Sooner — Tue, 16 Jan 2024 17:27:05 GMT

@cheriere Yep, it's fun to cook in the fireplace--and good!

And @On It you did start a fun, informative, and very timely topic!

Re: Power Outage Idea

Kachina624 — Wed, 17 Jan 2024 03:50:13 GMT

when camping in their motor home without electricity to run their auxiliary electric heater, my parents would invert a terracotta flower pot over a burner on the propane stove. It radiated a lot of heat.

@On It. Funny this appeared on Facebook today after I wrote my post.

Re: Power Outage Idea

RedTop — Tue, 16 Jan 2024 18:31:25 GMT

My girls still talk about me making baked potatoes in the ashes of our basement wood stove during a long power outage in the late 80's.

Re: Power Outage Idea

Texas Gray Wolf — Tue, 16 Jan 2024 18:44:41 GMT

@Kachina624 wrote:
when camping in their motor home without electricity to run their auxiliary electric heater, my parents would invert a terracotta flower pot over a burner on the propane stove. It radiated a lot of heat.

Great idea!! WOW, Kachina, you are almost at 68,000 posts!

Re: Power Outage Idea

SaveTheTurtles — Tue, 16 Jan 2024 20:31:13 GMT

My power was out for 3 days here in WI. We stuck it out for 2 days and then went to a hotel--there was no way I'd be cooking with tea lights when the air temp in my house was 48. Nope.