Crafts & DIY
Here Are 15 Genius Emergency Preparedness Hacks
I can't believe how many times I've actually needed #5. I had no idea you could do that!
D.G. Sciortino
06.04.18

With summer approaching, it’s likely we can also expect some unpredictable weather. So you’ll want to be prepared to make sure you and your family have everything you need in the event that a storm hits. But there are some tips and tricks that can make storm preparedness much easier.

Here Are 15 Genius Storm Preparedness Hacks:

1) Use Your Washing Machine As A Giant Cooler

Your washing machine can be used as a cooler. Just fill your washing machine with a ton of ice and put whatever you need chilled in it. The washing machine is designed to drain water and will do so once the ice melts.

Daniel Villa
Source:
Daniel Villa

2) Pizza Box Solar Oven

Just because your power went out doesn’t mean that you have to eat cold pizza. You can turn your pizza box into a solar oven. Learn how to make one below.

3) Olive Oil Candles

Out of candles? Don’t fret! All you need is a wide mouth jar, olive oil, a paper clip and a wick. Get the details on how to make them here.
Little House Living
Source:
Little House Living

4) Clay Pot Refrigerator

If your power goes out, you can say goodbye to the food in your fridge. However, you can keep a few things cold by making an improvised refrigerator. Learn how in the video below.

5) Turn AAA Batteries Into AA Batteries

Don’t get stuck without batteries during a storm. If you only have AAA batteries, you can turn them into AA batteries with a little tin foil. Get the details here.
Lifehacker
Source:
Lifehacker

6) Crayon As An Emergency Candle

If you need a candle in a pinch, crayons will work just fine. Just melt the tip and ignite the paper. It should burn for 15 to 30 minutes.

7) Keep Important Documents in a Binder

It’s important to keep your documents in a safe dry place. Try placing them in plastic slipcovers inside a binder so everything is safe in one place. You can grab that binder and go when you need to. You’ll also want to keep phone numbers in this in case you can’t get them out of your cell phone.

yourownhomestore.com
Source:
yourownhomestore.com

8) Dryer Lint Firestarter Balls

Start collecting your dryer lint. You can make firestarter balls out of them. All you need is some petroleum jelly and lint. Details are available here.

Chica and Jo
Source:
Chica and Jo

9) Get Drinkable Water

We’re always told to fill our bathtubs with water during a storm. But who wants to drink or cook with tub water? A Water Bob goes in your tub and can be filled with 100 gallons that never touches the inside of your tub. You can buy one for around $45 here.

10) Headlamp Water Jug

Make your headlamp do double duty. You can buy one at the dollar store. If you fasten it to a water jug it can be turned into an ambient light. You can also do this with a flashlight.

11) Keep Items Dry in the Dishwasher

If you’re at risk for flooding, the dishwasher is a place where you can keep things dry. Place photos and important documents or belongings in your dishwasher. It’s sealed so water won’t get it. You can put it in sandwich bags to be double protected but putting it in by itself should be fine.

Anna Kerns
Source:
Anna Kerns

12) Flower Pot Heater

If it gets cold, you can still keep warm without power, even if you don’t have a fireplace. You’ll just need a clay pot and candles. Learn how to make it in the video below.

13) Freeze Water in Gallon Bags

Fill gallon-sized Ziploc bags and freeze them before the storm. This will help your freezer stay colder longer. You can also melt them and use as drinking water.

Amanda Orem
Source:
Amanda Orem

14) Sandbag Alternatives

If you don’t have sandbags, there are alternatives. Filling a garbage bag with water will have a similar effect. You can also fill a trash bag with sand or pebbles if you don’t have official sandbags.

Edward Obediah Sweat
Source:
Edward Obediah Sweat

15) Elevate Your Furniture

HomeAdvisor
Source:
HomeAdvisor

If you expect a flood you can safeguard your furniture. Use paint cans to elevate your furniture off the ground. This will only help with moderate flooding.

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