A couple summers ago we had a terrible storm in June and lost my power for 8 days. I used the gas grill for cooking. And borrowed family's bathrooms. After that experience, the treadle came upstairs out of the dark. Now it is near my front door so I can sew if the power goes out again. I also have a hand crank machine that will get practice next time I lose power for a long time. I always keep large bags of ice in my freezer and extra water.