How To Prepare for Increasingly Common Blackouts

The United States experiences more power outages than any other developed country, and power outages are becoming more frequent in the United States as the electrical grid ages and climate change leads to an increase in severe weather. Recent hurricanes have left hundreds of thousands of homes without power, often for days or even weeks.

But our homes and businesses are designed to be powered 24/7. During a power outage, our homes are dark and inhospitable. Food in the refrigerator can spoil, home offices become unproductive and pipes can freeze when heating systems are turned off. What can you do to prepare for power outages and minimize their impact?

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Why are power outages becoming more common in the United States?

Unfortunately, due to increases in extreme temperatures, severe weather, and energy demands, power outages are likely to become more frequent in the future. The average annual number of weather-related power outages increased by about 78% in the period 2011-2021 compared to the previous decade.

For example, hurricanes can destroy power lines due to high winds, flooding, and falling trees and debris. Less rain and snowfall can reduce hydroelectric power production and increase the risk of fire. In wildfire-prone areas, utility companies can make power cuts for public safety by intentionally turning off power to prevent wildfires when there is a serious risk.

How can I prepare for power outages?

There are many steps you can take to protect your family and prepare for power outages.

Find out about the weak points in the power grid in your area

Maine has the most frequent outages of any state, averaging 3.9 outages per utility customer per year, but Florida leads the country with the longest outages, averaging 14.6 hours.

The 10 states with the most frequent power outages are:

• Maine
• West Virginia
• Louisiana
• Alaska
• Tennessee
• Florida
• Montana
• Mississippi
• Georgia
• Oklahoma

Power outages are much less common in other states, including Wisconsin, Massachusetts, Arizona and Pennsylvania. Knowing the likelihood that you will have an extended power outage and what time of year you can determine how prepared you need to be and what the conditions are.

For example, if power outages are more likely in the winter and you live in a cold climate, think about ways to keep warm and keep the pipes from freezing. If your area is likely to experience outages during heat waves, consider ways to stay cool.

Consider the effects of No Power

First and foremost, think about home security. Most heating and cooling systems require electricity to operate. Even most furnaces and boilers that run on natural gas and propane require electricity. Could a power outage mean your home is reaching unsafe temperatures?

Do you have medical equipment that relies on electricity? Does your garage door require electricity to open causing your car to get stuck in it? If so, determine how to open the gate without power or how to unplug an electric garage door opener so it works manually. If you drive an electric vehicle, make sure you charge it when you’re likely to lose power.

stay informed

The power often goes out at reasonably predictable times. If you find yourself in a severe storm or hurricane, prepare in advance. If you live in a high fire risk area, check the local news to see if a power shutdown is likely for public safety. It’s also helpful to know if there are places in your community to stay warm in the winter or cool off in the summer.

Operate a generator safely

Many homes rely on portable generators to provide backup power during power outages. If you have one, never run it indoors as the exhaust will make your home unsafe. Be sure to place it a safe distance from windows and doors to avoid deadly gasses building up. There are also solar powered generators that produce no harmful emissions.

Consider buying a portable solar system with batteries

There are many portable solar systems for home use that can charge devices such as cell phones or flashlights. Some contain batteries, which you should make sure they’re fully charged if a power outage is likely.

Stay cool during heat waves

Unfortunately, summer heat waves can cause brief power outages when the increased power consumption overloads the utility grid. When the power goes out, it’s time to stay cool. Close the curtains, shades, or blinds on the east, west, and south windows and spend time in the coolest rooms of the house, like the basement or rooms on the north side of the house. Close the door to the hottest rooms in the house to keep other areas cooler.

Consider buying a battery-powered fan and use water to cool off. For example, getting your hair wet or putting a wet scarf around your neck can help prevent you from overheating. Also, make sure you have plenty of water on hand to stay hydrated, which is crucial during heat waves.

Stay warm during winter storms

During the 2021 Texas power crisis, many homes were without heat for extended periods and hundreds of medically vulnerable people died. An additional heat source that does not require electricity, e.g. B. a wood stove, can help to keep your home warm. A kerosene heater can also be useful, but make sure it is properly vented.

Use sleeping bags and warm clothing to stay warm, or consider staying with friends, family, or a hotel if that option is available. If you are concerned that the pipes will freeze, take steps to prevent this, such as: B. by running the taps with a quick drip.

Save water for emergencies

Staying hydrated is important, and some homes run out of water during power outages. The CDC recommends at least 1 gallon of water per person per day for proper hydration and hygiene. Refilling bottles you already have is probably the most environmentally friendly way to do this, but you can buy containers specifically for water storage. It’s also helpful to have hydrating drinks nearby, especially in the summer.

When a power outage is likely and your home is without water, consider filling the bathtub. Although you don’t want to drink this water, it can be useful for cleaning and hygiene. For example, you can flush the toilet with a bucket of water.

Have non-perishable foods on hand

If you don’t have a lot of food at home or tend to cook yourself, make sure you have food available that you can easily eat, especially if driving is temporarily unsafe. Avoid opening the fridge or freezer to maintain cooler temperatures and prevent food from spoiling.

Look at the lighting

Lighting is vital during power outages, especially when they occur in winter when the nights are long. Make sure your flashlights are properly charged or have adequate battery life. Also consider your lighting needs. For example, do you need a hands-free flashlight to help you complete tasks or a lantern to illuminate the room?

Think about food safety

If your power has been out for more than a few hours, it’s important to determine which foods are no longer safe to eat. If your fridge stays at 40 degrees or less, the food should still be safe to eat afterwards. However, if it’s above that temperature for more than a few hours, beware of spoiled food.

A freezer will keep food frozen for up to 48 hours without electricity, especially when full. If you have space in your freezer and a power outage is likely, fill up water bottles and place them in your freezer. Likewise, the same water bottle trick will help keep your fridge cool during a power outage. Large zippered pockets can also work if you don’t have spare water bottles.

Who do I know who may need help?

Power outages are also a good time to pull together and help friends, neighbors, and family members in need. Remember to check on people who may be at risk, as power outages can be particularly distressing for them.