constant power outages

[Luci]

a bit of background history first: i live and go to school on the same small island. we're separate than actual galveston,tx. my apartment is practically on campus but somehow the whole entire island has the same electrical system.

this morning in one of my computer classes, a thunderstorm passed over us and caused the power to go out every 10 minutes. luckily, i was able to make it home and check on gizmo. he was doing quite well despite the ac going out. gave him some ice packs and chin chillers and i stayed with him until the power came back. my concern is that we're expected to have storms until next tuesday. luckily i live near campus, but i wont always be able to leave class like i did today. we've been fortunate enough to not have any threats of hurricanes this season; but im still so nervous about all these thunderstorms. ive already been through an AC scare earlier this summer so i know what to do in regards to getting him to another location. however, its a bit difficult this time because everyone is back at school or work. any suggestions?

 

[Rickman]

I'm gonna look into a invertor from a car battery and charger - kind of like the "ace in the hole" sump pump idea!
No clue on cost or how long it would last, but it would help - maybe plug computers in, too!

 

[AZChins]

How long do the power outages last? If it's not terribly hot and the A/C goes out for an hour or two, everything should be alright. Freeze some waterbottles just in case - those rectangular cross section juice bottles are awesome for that. Chances are everything will be alright if you lose power and you can be home fairly soon. At least it isn't as hot as it was about a month ago....

I wish that you wouldn't have to worry about it. I'm right there with you...I won't leave the house for more than a couple hours if no one else is here in the summer.

 

[Rickman]

Luci - I looked into the "ace in the hole" specs, and that won't work, as the sump pump is 12 volt.
Did find a Duracell Power-Pac 600 for emergency situations that might work, though. Call them with your A/C specs @ 1-408-987-6030. Ask; if you leave it plugged in on threatening days, will the charger keep up with the A/C load and not kill the battery?
Price is $136.78 with free shipping - cheap insurance!