Essential Steps to Prepare for a Blackout
An online power outage statistical report shows that during the last two decades, power outages affecting at least 50,000 customers per outage have happened in a majority of states. While some clearly struggle more than others, all states are vulnerable to long-term power outages that can wreak havoc for the unprepared.
Disaster Planning
A short-term power failure is considered any loss of power that lasts a few minutes to 48 hours.
On Average
How common is a short-term outage throughout the United States? You most likely have experienced an outage that is represented in the stats here.
average outage: 2 hours
average outage: 8 hours
average outage: 7 hours
Causes
is the most common cause.
overloads the system's ability to produce.
often due to vehicle collisions or construction mishaps.
caused by lightning strikes.
Disaster Planning
A long-term power failure is considered any loss of power that lasts 48 hours and longer.
Recent Examples
A severe storm system led to the worst energy infrastructure failure in Texas history, affecting 4.5 million Texans. It lasted for a total of 2 weeks and 3 days. On February 16, over four million Texan customers suffered a total blackout. Two days later, this figure stood at 687,102. While most customers had their power restored within a couple of days, others were without power for a significantly longer period.
Tropical storm Isaias affected over 750,000 homes and businesses statewide. It took almost a week for some customers to have power restored.
Causes
is the most common cause.
including hurricanes, earthquakes, wildfires, and mudslides. Note: wildfires have become a recurring reason for preemptive power shutoffs, especially on the west coast.
caused by antiquated power facilities or faulty wiring.
caused by both physical and cyberattacks.
Disaster Planning
Thankfully, long-term power outages are rare in the United States, but if you’ve ever experienced one, you know how critical advanced preparation can be. Below are the risks and consequences of being unprepared for a power outage, listed in order of urgency and impact.
Health Risks: Without power, people are vulnerable to extreme temperatures, which can lead to serious health issues such as hypothermia or heat stroke. Additionally, individuals who rely on electrically powered medical equipment, such as oxygen concentrators or dialysis machines, may face life-threatening situations.
Food Safety: Without refrigeration, perishable food can spoil quickly, increasing the risk of foodborne illnesses.
Sewage and Water Treatment Issues: Power outages can disrupt operations at water treatment plants and sewage systems, potentially leading to temporary service interruptions if backup systems fail. In some cases, this may result in a lack of clean water and sanitation issues, which could increase health risks from contaminated water or exposure to raw sewage.
Safety Risks in the Dark: Without lighting, there’s an increased risk of accidents such as falls, injuries, or fires caused by candles. This risk is particularly high for families with children, older adults, or individuals with limited mobility.
Difficulty Accessing Fuel: Gas stations rely on electricity to pump fuel. During a power outage, refueling vehicles or generators may become difficult or impossible, limiting transportation options and the use of backup power sources.
Economic Impact: Families may face unexpected expenses related to spoiled food, backup power, or alternative accommodation.
Mental and Emotional Stress: Extended outages can cause anxiety, frustration, and a sense of helplessness, especially for families with children or those living alone. A lack of information or updates on when power will be restored can exacerbate these feelings.
Disaster Planning
Food & Water
-
food:Learn how to build a food supply that will see you through a short or long term power outage.
-
water:Learn how to build a water supply that will see you through a short power outage. Be prepared for a more sustained power outage with long-term water storage.
-
water purification: During natural disasters, the city's water supply can become contaminated. Learn how to treat unsafe water should the health of the water be affected.
Alternative Fuel
-
devices & appliances:Learn about alternative fuels that will help power appliances and devices such as fuel generators, solar generators, power stations, and other charging options.
-
cooking, lighting, & warmth: Learn about other alternative fuel options that will help you cook hot meals, boil water, and provide light and warmth without electricity.
Alternative Equipment
cooking:Make hot meals for your family - learn more about alternative cooking methods.
lighting:You don't have to sit in the dark - learn more alternative lighting methods to light any room or outdoor area as little or as much as you'd like.
warmth:You don't have to be cold - learn more about alternative heating methods you can use to stay warm.
Freezer Care
Install a freezer alarm:It will trigger if your freezer temperature goes beyond the lowest and highest temps set.
Keep freezer at least 70-80% full:If you don't have the food to do this, place jugs and baggies full of water in the freezer until it is. This way the freezer stays colder for longer in the event of a power outage.
Disaster Planning
Freezer Care
First 24 to 48 hours:Do not open the freezer if possible. A half-full freezer will last about 24-hours. A fully stocked upright freezer should stay cold enough for 48 hours unopened. A 70 to 80% stocked chest freezer may remain at safe temperatures for approximately 48 hours, though duration can vary based on ambient conditions and freezer efficiency.
Wrap with blankets:Wrap your chest freezer in blankets to help insulate it further.
After 24 to 48 hours:Plug the freezer into a generator. It doesn’t have to run all day. Depending upon your wattage, you can get by with 2-4 hours per day.
Home Equipment & Devices
Unplug electrical equipment:Unplug electrical equipment and appliances to prevent damage from potential power surges when the power is restored.
Phone battery:To conserve battery power, switch the phone to a power-saving setting such as airplane or economy mode.
Test alternative devices & fuel sources:Take the time to access your choices for alternative equipment and devices. Learn what works and what doesn't so you can improve your plan for the next power outage. Are you missing anything? Keep a running list.
Check on Your Neighbors
Check on your neighbors: If it’s safe to do so, check on your neighbors. Your neighbor may not be as prepared as you are. See if you can help.
The elderly: A power outage can turn deadly if an unprepared person is caught in extreme temperatures in an extended power outage. This is especially true for the elderly or those with special needs.
Stay Informed
Use an emergency radio: Use a battery-powered or hand-crank radio to stay informed about the situation.
Follow local guidelines: Follow guidelines from local authorities and emergency services. They may provide instructions on where to find emergency shelters if necessary or provide other critical updates.
Disaster Planning
Once Power is Restored
- Check for damage inside and outside your home.
- Check for spoiled food in the refrigerator and freezer.
- Slowly reconnect equipment previously unplugged.
- Reset digital devices like clocks, timers, alarms, network routers, etc.
- Restock your emergency supplies as soon as possible.
- Look at the list of items you wished you had on hand: stock up on these items for the next outage.
- Review how well your emergency plan worked during the outage. Make updates or improvements based on what you learned.
- Check on your neighbors to make sure they are okay, especially if they are elderly or have special needs.