Short and Long-Term Electrical System Outages

When power interruptions or blackouts occur, people lose their sources of light, heat and water. Safety is a concern in a power blackout situation. Here are some things to do if you know there is a chance of power blackouts:

Getting prepared for power outages

  • Register life-sustaining electrical equipment with your utility.
  • Consider purchasing a small generator or know where to rent one if you use life-sustaining equipment that requires electrical power.
  • Post the telephone number of the New Construction, Repairs and Power Outage listing of your local utility.
  • If you own an electric garage door opener, learn how to open it without power.
  • Prepare a power outage kit. For short outages, consider having glow light sticks, flashlights, battery-powered radio, extra batteries and a wind-up clock on hand.
  • Make sure you have an alternate heat source and a supply of fuel.
  • Have a corded or battery-powered phone available (cordless phones do not work without power).
  • When installing generators, follow the manufacture's instructions and have it inspected by the utility company and the state electrical inspector.
  • Unplug computers and other voltage sensitive equipment to protect them against possible surges (even if you have surge protectors) when power is restored.

Large Scale Outages

A storm, an accident or widespread loss of electrical distribution system capacity can cause an extended power outage.

When the Outage Could Be Lengthy

  • Report power outages to your utility company.
  • Once you report your outage, do not use your telephone or cell phone. Phone lines are needed for emergency use. Do not call 9-1-1 unless you have an emergency and need a response from police, fire, or emergency medical personnel.
  • If power is out in the neighborhood, disconnect all electrical heaters and appliances to reduce initial demand and protect the motors from possible low voltage damage.
  • If you leave home, turn off or unplug heat-producing appliances.
  • Stay away from downed transmission lines and report them to your utility company (This would be an accepted emergency use of your phone).
  • Conserve water, especially if you are on a well.
  • Keep doors, windows and draperies closed to retain heat in your home if the outage occurs in the fall and winter.
  • Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed, especially in summer. If the door remains closed, a fully loaded freezer can keep foods frozen for two days. Carefully check thawed food for contamination, and when in doubt, throw it out.
  • Be extremely careful of fire hazards from candles or other flammable light sources.
  • When using kerosene heaters, gas lanterns or stoves inside the house, maintain ventilation to avoid a build-up of toxic fumes.
  • If your house is not pre-wired for proper generator connection, connect lights and appliances directly to a generator, not an existing electrical system.
  • Leave one light switch in the on position to alert you when service is restored.

For more information, call your local emergency management office, utility, or county extension agent.