This shop has been compensated by #CollectiveBias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone.
Living along the Gulf Coast, we are no stranger to rough weather. As a matter of fact, we keep Duracell Batteries in the cabinet at all times because you can find us searching for fun things to do in a power outage at least once a month.
From summer thunderstorms to tornadoes to hurricanes and even ice storms, our erratic weather means we have to be prepared in every season for power failure with a box of items to make life more comfortable when the lights go out as well as for family entertainment during stressful weather.
Our #PrepWithPower Emergency Box
Inside our plastic storage box for situations when the lights go out, you will find:
- Flashlights (for adults)
- Flashlights (for kids)
- Camping Lantern
- Touch Tone Phone
- Manual Can Opener
- Extra Duracell Batteries in all sizes
- Card Games
- Shadow Puppets
- Candles
- Matches, Lighter
- AM/FM Radio with CD Player
Since we do not have a basement, the #PrepWithPower box is stored in our laundry room.
Our state has a special tax free holiday for emergency supplies, so we always stock up on Duracell batteries in various sizes at Walmart using the battery coupons available online. Typically, our emergency supplies require batteries in sizes AA, C, D, and 9 Volt.
You can find Duracell batteries close to the checkout lanes as well as in the electronics section.
So that no one has to walk to the bathroom in the dark, we make sure that each person has their own flashlight and keep extra Duracell batteries available to reload the flashlights as needed.
Keeping the Family Happy When the Power Goes Out
Boredom can creep in quickly when the lights are off and if the wind is blowing, fear can also make tensions rise. Our family finds it important to have activities set aside for these special occasions and have come to enjoy blackouts so much that our children ask, “Will the power go out today?”
What can you do to keep your family happy when the power goes out?
Play board games
We love Operation because the buzzer always makes me jump and it is great for fine motor development.
Charades
Challenge your children to act out their favorite movie characters, foods, songs, games, and more with this silent and silly game.
Listen to audio books
Our family enjoys listening to history lessons, Bible theater, and read-a-long books.
Karaoke
Pop in your favorite movie soundtrack for a fun family sing-a-long. Don’t forget to use a flashlight to spotlight your featured singer!
Glow in the Dark Fun
Use glow in the dark jewelry from a dollar store to host a fun fashion show. What silly creations can your children make using the neon necklaces and connectors?
Hand Shadows
A favorite activity in our home, hand shadow puppets are a great way to use the imagination. Check out a great assortment of hand shadow puppets here.
Shadow Puppet Theater
Use bamboo skewers and tape to create shadow puppets and host your own story-time theater. Puppets can be cut from thick black construction paper, found in special shadow puppet books, or printed on cardstock using the free printables below.
This printable pack includes everything you need to create a special fairytale:
- Dragon
- Branch
- Tree
- Knight
- Sword
- Shield
- Castle x2
- Canon
- Princess
- Carriage
- Crown
- Mirror
- Frog
- Fairy
- Butterfly
- Wand
Get the Fairytale Shadow Puppet in the Boredom Busting Busy Hands Printable Pack.
You receive:
- 6 complete printable packs for preschool through early elementary
- 1 ebook with printables
- 1 printable bingo game
- 3 BONUS resources and printables
What do you do when the lights go out?
#CollectiveBias
Stephanie says
You have some great tips and items on your #PrepWithPower Emergency Box list! Thanks for sharing the shadow puppet printable too! #client
Christine Smith says
Thank you for the shadow puppets. The will be used in my classroom
Christine Smith says
sorry….They
wingye says
HI dear, how can i download the Shadow Puppets please? Can you send it to my email please
wing0530@163.com
Bambi Spann says
I can’t get to it either…Please send via email as well.
Hannah Brame says
I can’t find the shadow puppets when I sign in.
Josefina Miller says
I can’t find the shadow puppets when I sign in either. Do you mind emailing them to me? @jjandex3@gmailcom. I’d love to use these for my daughter’s Kinder Fairy Tale Ball this week.
Christine Davis says
I am not finding the shadow puppets in the free printable library.