In February of 2021, I found out the hard way that my state, Texas, was the only the only state in the country with its own power grid. Then I found out again in February of 2022.
Sometimes it seems like we lose power whenever the weather turns.
A blackout is a power outage caused by a sudden disruption in electric service. There are several different types of blackouts, including those that are planned and those that occur unexpectedly.
If you find yourself in the middle of a blackout, there are some things that you can do to stay safe and help others. If it is daytime, try to stay inside as much as possible to avoid heat exhaustion. If it is nighttime, be sure to have a flashlight handy so that you can see your way around.
If you are using candles for light, be sure to blow them out before you go to sleep. And, if you have a battery-operated radio, listen for updates from local officials about the status of the power outage.
Most importantly, stay calm and help others who may be panicking. Blackouts may be disruptive, but they do not have to be dangerous. Just follow these simple tips and you’ll weather the storm just fine.
· Types of Blackouts
There are several different types of blackouts that can affect your home or business. The most common type is a planned outage, which occurs when power has to be shut off temporarily in order to make repairs or upgrades to the electric grid. Planned outages typically last for several hours and are announced in advance.
An unplanned blackout, on the other hand, occurs without warning and usually lasts longer than planned outages. Earthquakes, hurricanes, and wildfires can all lead to unexpected power outages by disrupting substations or transmission lines. Other causes of unplanned power interruptions include accidents involving utility poles and transformers, wildlife interfering with electrical equipment, lightning strikes, and fallen trees or limbs breaking power lines.
· How to Stay Safe During a Blackout
Whether it is planned or unplanned, a blackout can be disruptive and even dangerous. That’s why it’s important to know what to do before, during, and after an interruption in service.
· Before a Blackout:
Charge your cell phone and other electronic devices.
Make sure you have fresh batteries for your flashlight.
Know where your gas shut-off valve is located and how to turn it off.
If you rely on electrically powered medical equipment, talk to your doctor about what to do in the event of a power outage.
· During a Blackout:
If possible, stay inside in a cool, well-ventilated place.
Drink plenty of fluids, even if you do not feel thirsty.
Avoid using candles or other open flames for light.
Do not use your gas stove for heating or cooking.
Listen to a battery-operated radio for updates from local officials.
· After a Blackout:
Throw away any food that has been exposed to heat or spoiled as a result of the power outage.
Do not use your home’s generator indoors, as it can emit harmful fumes.
Report any downed power lines to your local utility company.
Inspect your home for damage before turning on any appliances or lights.
Blackouts can be annoying, but by following these simple tips, you can stay safe and help others do the same. And, if it is a truly unexpected outage, remember that these tips may minimize damage to your home or business as well.
With so much riding on the power grid, blackouts are an inevitable part of life in modern society. However, by taking simple precautions before and after an interruption in service, you can be sure that you’ll weather any storm with ease!
Thank you for reading