First rule to surviving a power outage is to have a standby generator. Second rule to surviving a power outage is to check out our guide to surviving a power outage. Third rule to surviving a power outage is to have fun and play some games! At Norcal Electric & Pump Work it’s our main priority to ensure that you have the proper generators to keep you going through a blackout, but if for whatever reason, you have not invested in a portable or standby generator, we have created this fun list of games to play. Fair warning: some may require flashlight, candles or some sort of light source. Are you ready for the games to begin? So are we. Here are some of the best games to play when the power goes out:
- Charades – Nothing beats a good game of charades. One word, first word, two syllables galore! This game is a classic game that provides endless amounts of fun! What are you waiting for? Oh, you can’t remember the rules. That’s okay – here’s a quick video reminding you of how to play:
- Card Games – from solitaire to war, to go fish to poker, to card games like Uno – the amount of fun you can have playing card games is endless. Whether you’re by yourself during a power outage or with a group, this is a great way to stay calm and move on when the lights are off.
- 20 Questions – there’s no time like the present to get to know your family and friends a little bit better. Whether they’re fun and light hearted or deep and serious this is your opportunity to get to know your friends and family better.
- Cards against Humanity – this is the best game of all times. Seriously. It’s a game that everyone should play at least once in their lifetime. We highly recommend everyone having it at their home, just in case. Be prepared it’s wildly ridiculous and inappropriate so you might not want to play it with young children or people on the conservative side.
- Apples to Apples – another classic game that we think everyone should have in their homes. More than your typical board game, this game is fun, lighthearted and always brings out laughter.
- Flashlight tag – what game can be better when you’re stuck in the dark? Nothing like a good ole game of flashlight tag.
- Encore – whether you have the actual game or not isn’t relevant because you can pretty much play this game no matter what. You might just have to put your own spin on it. The point of this game is to come up with a song that contains particular words–and then sing lines from the song that contains those words. Want to know more about the rules? Amazon has a great description of it. 😉
- Name that tune – as old school as it is, every household should have a battery operated radio, boombox, or some sort of ability to play music and ideally listen to the news. If you have some music going, you can always play name that tune – although sometimes the radio will give the name of the song away. Whoops 😉
- Pictionary – yes, another word game! If you don’t know how to play you’re missing out! It’s okay though because it’s pretty simple. The team chooses one person to begin drawing; this position rotates with each word. The drawer chooses a card out of a deck of special Pictionary cards and tries to draw pictures which suggest the word printed on the card. The pictures cannot contain any numbers or letters, nor can the drawer use verbal clues about the subject he/she is drawing. The teammates try to guess the word the drawing is intended to represent.
- Make believe – it sounds ridiculous but sometimes it can be fun to partake in make believe. Whether it’s role play or playing dress-up, this is your opportunity to play pretend and have a good time. I mean, let’s be honest, what else would you be doing?
- Jigsaw puzzle – It’s time to start puzzling. Pull out those puzzles that have been in your closet since the holidays – it’s time to put them together.
- Mancala – Mancala can be played with a board game or with stones, either way – it’s always a good way to pass time. Wanna learn how to play? Watch it here:
- Coloring contest – Bust out the markers, crayons, and colored pencils – it’s time to start drawing and see who has the most talent. Ready, set , go.
- Fort Contest – It’s time to see who has the best fort building contest skills. Time to tear apart the couch pillows, bring out the sheets and get your build on. Be as elaborate or as simple as you want, it’s up to you. Have fun and let loose.
- Hide ‘n Seek – whether you’re a kid or an adult, hide ‘n seek can be found – it’s all about expanding your mind and busting out your creativity. There’s no spot too big and no spot too small (okay maybe there is) but your house and its surroundings are your limits, start hiding and seeking!
- Scavenger Hunt – last but not least, find some fun items you have and create a scavenger hunt. Up the antes and let finders be keepers. This is a great way to kill time and the challenge is rough when the lights are out.
These are just a few of the ideas that we have to keep you entertained during a blackout. It is always our first recommendation that every home and business has either a standby generator or portable generator. A generator is the best way to ensure you that you have power when you need it most. If you’re interested in finding out more about our generators let us know, if not – enjoy these games the next time your power is out and let us know what your favorite game was.
Norcal Electric & Pump Work is Chico, Paradise, Oroville/Yankee Hill and Northern California’s one-stop-shop for all your Electrical and custom construction project needs. From Generator sales and repairs to HVAC sales and repairs – we’re here for you every step of the way. We pride ourselves on going above and beyond to provide our customers with practical solutions for their Electrical needs. Please give us a call today at one of the following numbers and we’d be more than happy to take care of whatever you need from generators, heating and air, electrical and lighting, and more!
- Chico: (530) 345-5003
- Paradise: (530) 872-3922
- Oroville/Yankee Hill (530) 538-9350
