Huge storm causes 1 million power outages: Here's how to stay safe

Severe winter conditions are blasting the country with snow and sleet. Power outages rippled across the U.S. recently, leaving millions of Americans without power or water. Many seek preparation plans to protect themselves from natural disasters in times like these.
Buying a portable generator is an excellent way to prepare for power outages. These helpful devices will keep things running when needed, but you must take a few precautions. Tap or click here to choose the best generator for your situation.
No matter the time of year, you should always have a backup plan if you lose power for a couple of hours or days. Consider this your storm survival guide.
Step 1: Get the supplies you need
When you’re crafting your backup plan, you need high-quality tools at your disposal. The number one gadget you need is a flashlight to help you see.
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You should also invest in a battery-powered portable radio. Here’s our recommendation:
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Of course, now that we’re in the 21st century, we’re not limited to the bare essentials. For instance, if you know bad weather is possible, make sure your phones, tablets, laptops, rechargeable flashlights and portable battery chargers are charged.
Beyond hand-held chargers, consider investing in a larger power station from brands like Anker and Jackery, which can charge phones multiple times. Add an uninterruptible power supply, or UPS, to your modem, router, and home office. A UPS battery doesn’t last long, but they’re great at keeping you online when it counts.
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If you have a bit more to spend, try this powerhouse.
Battery backup: 5 of the best UPS backups for your electronics

We’ve all fallen victim to unexpected power outages. Just like that, hours of work disappears in the blink of an eye. It’s frustrating and stressful — but it’s also preventable.
An uninterruptible power supply, or UPS, keeps your computer and other electronics up and running, even when there’s a blackout in your neighborhood. The backup battery allows you to finish your projects, save progress and close down programs safely.
5 simple ways to protect your home this winter

Winter months can bring some serious challenges for homeowners. Icy driveways, slick walkways and frozen pipes can cause a lot of damage.
Whether you tough it out or take off to warmer climates, you want to keep your home safe over the winter months. That means you need protection from thieves while you’re away. Protect your home with the security system that protects Kim’s family, SimpliSafe. Visit SimpliSafeKim.com today to save 40% on a home security system and get your first month free when you sign up for Interactive Monitoring.
18 must-have items that help you survive any emergency
Life has a way of sweeping you off your feet. Not in the romantic, exciting way — in the dangerous way that turns your whole world upside down. Take, for example, the power outages that rippled across southern and central states last year.