Why You Shouldn't Put off Your Annual AC Inspection

When a Boy Scout goes camping, the expectation is for them to be prepared for anything they encounter in the woods. Being prepared is a good thing. Since we never know when disaster will strike, it helps to plan ahead. Here are some basic lessons the Boy Scouts can teach us about meeting basic needs in any situation:

Heat

Boy Scouts are taught to carry plenty of matches with them. They know how to gather twigs, paper and logs to start and maintain a fire. This will keep them warm, even if they are outside. How will you keep warm in the event of a power outage during the winter?

If you have a wood stove, then you most likely already have chopped wood and fire starters. If not, what options do you have? A standby generator from a company like Original Donnelly Heating Cooling & Electric is a simple solution. When the power goes out you can switch to a different power source. Of course, this only works if you have a supply of gasoline on hand to fill the generator!

Food

One thing Boy Scouts know how to do is to eat. If there were a natural disaster that prevented you from leaving your home, would you have enough to eat? Planning ahead like a Scout would include keeping at least a three day supply of food on hand, just in case an emergency happened that cut you off from civilization. 

Remember that if you do not have a generator, the food supplies you choose to stock need to be items that could be eaten without added heat. Things like ravioli in a can may not taste as good cold, but they are still nutritious enough to fill your stomach. 

Water

Boy Scouts make sure they know where streams are located that offer a fresh water supply. Do you have water available if you are stranded? Without power, the spigot in your house will be unyielding. Having a stash of water bottle cases will offer safe drinking water when it is otherwise unavailable.   

Being prepared for short-term disasters is wise for everyone. You cannot live without food, water or heat during cold weather. Plan ahead with at least a three day supply of food and water; and consider buying a standby generator to power your home during a disaster. This way you will be as prepared as a Boy Scout if a tornado, hurricane or flood should strand you in your home.