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Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
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I have never found a fan to me of much use once it gets over 80 inside, but fortunately our power never goes out in summer. You can get a small window AC for just $109 (Walmart) with 8,000 BTUs that will cool a room of 350 SF. Stay in that room or sit in front of it, and run a small generator that can handle it. Since it only uses 1,000 watts, you can get by with a 1,250 watt generator, and Harbor Freight has them for under $200. We typically have power outages in winter, and with a gas furnace, use a generator to plug in the furnace for the fan. We actually have two generators now, a big 6,000 watt that will run a munch of things, and a quieter 2,000 watt inverter generator.
Don't forget pets. Tens of thousands died along with seven hundred humans during the 1995 heat wave in Chicago. If you see dogs digging at the bases of water bowls or cats panting (cats only pant when they are in deadly danger) get them under running water or soak them in a bathtub immediately. Once they're wet evaporation will cool them. This can be very difficult in humid climates so watch them carefully.
Remember that if humans become hotter and stop sweating they are having heat stroke as well and must get into cold water. Heat stroke is an emergency for both humans and animals. Keep your bathtub filled. Have plenty of ice on hand.
My grand plan for a power outage is to get in my car and run the AC.
If necessary, drive north. In fact, we're hoping to leave June first and come back only sporadically until fall.
We have a small inflatable pool, but it heats up to over 100° during 110° days.
Water from the cold tap comes out at nearly 80° during the summer, so it's not very refreshing.
Another thing people do here is hang shade cloth from their eves in front of their windows. It doesn't interfere with ventilation but it blocks all the sun's heat from coming in. We used to grow hibiscus in front of the windows for the same effect, but the coqui frogs took a liking to them so we let the goats eat them.
It depends on how long the power is out.
Years' ago i bought a slightly used Honda EU2000i generator for $600. It works well. I use non ethanol gas. It stays good longer. I usually add Sta-Bil, for my small engines gas.
You can add a gas shut off valve. You let gen run until out of gas in the fuel line. EU 2000i instructions are on You Tube.
We freeze gallon jugs of water in our freezers. When power is out, food & ice can be put in coolers. In the heat of summer sometimes we put water in a walmart kiddie pool on our deck. We run floor fans where needed.
I bought a Gazeled (F15) dc fan. I like it. Operates a long time off D batteries or USB connection. Keep a stock of D batts on hand. https://www.amazon.com/Battery-Opera...v%2C306&sr=8-3
I have never found a fan to me of much use once it gets over 80 inside, but fortunately our power never goes out in summer. You can get a small window AC for just $109 (Walmart) with 8,000 BTUs that will cool a room of 350 SF. Stay in that room or sit in front of it, and run a small generator that can handle it. Since it only uses 1,000 watts, you can get by with a 1,250 watt generator, and Harbor Freight has them for under $200. We typically have power outages in winter, and with a gas furnace, use a generator to plug in the furnace for the fan. We actually have two generators now, a big 6,000 watt that will run a munch of things, and a quieter 2,000 watt inverter generator.
I have a similar backup to a backup solution. A 5,000 BTU AC that will run off a 1000W Yamaha inverter. I also have a 3000W Yamaha inverter, and a 11,700W Dewalt generator.
One thing no one mentioned: Plant low water use trees. Yes, it will take some years, but they absolutely make a difference in reducing the need for air conditioning over time.
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