An portable Jackery power bank plugged into a wall inside a house

July: Energy

A disaster almost always means a power outage as well. How will you power the essentials when the lights go out?

BASIC

  • Analyze your household energy needs. What is essential? What can you do without for 30 days?

  • Make sure you have the following supplies:

    • Chargers for all devices

    • Outdoor grill or camp stove (outside use only)

    • Solar power bank

    • Solar and battery-powered lanterns

  • Learn how to turn off your utilities in an emergency.

ADVANCED

  • Store the following supplies:

    • Portable ceramic heaters and fans

    • A solar-charged portable power bank with portable solar panels

    • A power inverter to convert the DC charge from solar panels or vehicle batteries to AC.

    • “Cigarette plug” connectors and cords so you can plug your inverter into your vehicle.

PRO

  • Invest in a generator and fuel.

  • If you’re on a well system, install a generator for your well so you can pump water during a long power outage.

Documentation

Submit the required documentation.

Submit

Prize

Your submission will be entered in a drawing to win the July prize: A solar power bank.

You may submit your documentation at any time up until the end of the first Friday of the following month. You may submit early for ensuing months. Remember to stamp your passport for each completed month.