Is there anyone in Nebraska that could tell me if they lose power very often in the winter?

 The Question:

My son moved to Nebraska earlier this year. So, this will be his first winter there.

Is there anyone in Nebraska that could tell me if they lose power very often in the winter?

My son is on military disability and his budget is very tight. His birthday is next month, and I'm considering getting him a portable propane heater that is safe to use indoors. I'm watching prices and looking for a sale. But I don't want to waste money if its not something that will he useful.

Would you think this would be a frugal option for a heat source? Do you have any suggestions for other things he'd need in a power outage that won't break my budget?

What did people say?

⇒ Rita: That will depend a lot on where in NE he is located. I’m just over the border from NE, lived here 25 years, and can’t remember losing power for more than 2-3 hrs ever. And even then, it has only been a handful of times in all those years during the winter. But I can remember a few during warmer months when construction crews cut a line somewhere.

It would probably be good for him to find out from people in his town/area what their experience has been. I’ve got several family members in the Omaha and Lincoln areas and power outages for them have been rare.

He might want to check to see if there is a community location for power outages and tornado sirens (if he doesn’t have basement access). He should be able to reach out to social services or city hall to find out some of their emergency management plans.

⇒ Marybeth: Totally depends on what part of Nebraska. I live here, east side 50+ miles west of Omaha. Moved back 3.5 yrs ago, have lost power maybe 2 times. Out western Nebraska and central Nebraska is different! Generator is always a good idea. But really we've. Never had one.

⇒ Mary: Around a city, I wouldn't really be concerned. If power goes out, the power company works very quickly to restore it. If in a rural area, power may go out more often. Having a generator can be helpful. Also, gas or propane is better than electricity for the kitchen stove. If electricity goes out, you can still cook and heat the room by using the oven. Good state to live in.

⇒ Jessica: My husband is a power lineman. Power outages are inevitable everywhere. Everyone should be prepared. Everyone should have a generator if possible, backup heat source(propane or kerosene or wood stove), flashlights/candles, and a nonperishable supply of food.

⇒ Kelly: A couple of flashlights are always a good idea in the event of a power outage. I also have a couple of solar phone chargers. Actually they also work as a flashlight. And I have a a.m./FM radio that also has a Flashlight in a USB port for charging a phone. It is solar charged but also it can run on batteries. It was very affordable on Amazon.

⇒ Kody: I am in Kansas and even if you don’t lose electricity sometimes having a heater in the room you use most helps the house heater not need to run as much and save on utilities.

⇒ Dawn: I have a ventless propane heater. Give him a good quality carbon monoxide alarm with it...just to be safe.

⇒ Wendy: Where in Nebraska? Also, big city vs house in the country makes a big difference.

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