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Surviving a power outage is something I am well experienced in, having lived in Florida for several years. Hurricanes and tropical storms can knock out power for quite a while, and if you're not prepared, it can make your life miserable. Power outages involve more than the inconvenience of having no lights. If the outage was caused by a storm, likely as not, the water is contaminated. And with no power for cooking, store shelves will be cleaned out within hours.

Most of us don't realize how dependent we are on electricity until we lose it. We not only lose lights, but also lose the refrigerator, stove, television, computer, radio, heat, air-conditioning and fans. Those who have a well pump that runs on electricity not only have no running water, they also can't flush the toilet.

It is always prudent to have a well-stocked emergency supply in order to survive any kind of emergency situation, and power outages usually accompany most disasters. The emergency supply should include basic requirements for each household member for at least three days.

- Drinking-water
- Food which requires no refrigeration, including baby food and pet food if it applies.
- First-aid-kit and prescription medications.
- Tools such as a hammer, screwdrivers, pliers and knives.
- Battery operated lights and radio with an ample supply of batteries.
- Toothbrushes and toothpaste.
- Cash
- Garbage bags and paper towels.
- Clothes
- Bedding such as blankets and pillows.
- Toilet paper
- Matches or lighters
- Full tank of gas in your automobile.
- Mild soap (bar or liquid)
- Car charger for your cell phone

Power outages bring out the worst in some people. They panic and run to the stores, buying up batteries and flashlights. They clean grocery store shelves of water and non-perishable foods as if they believed the power is never coming back on. I'm sure many have noticed the panic that usually arises during power outages. People have been known to actually resort to violence over a single loaf of bread or a bag of ice.

With so many things happening in the world today like the earthquake in China and the Myanmar cyclone, we need to realize that natural disasters can strike any of us at any time. We could be faced with power outages that last for weeks. If roads are blocked, bridges down, supplies can't get in.

Most Christians believe we are living in the times that Jesus talked about in Matthew 24. He called it the "beginning of sorrows." He went on to say that tribulation such as the world has never seen would be on our doorstep.

For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows. For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.

Therefore, an emergency supply should be kept stocked and updated every year, replacing food, water and batteries. Make sure with each update that your radio and car phone charger are functioning properly because in the event of an emergency, it could be your only means of communication and news about the situation.

Learn more about this author, Pat Lunsford.
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