What Causes Winter Power Outages?

Winter storms, including blizzards, ice storms, and freezing rain, are the main culprits behind winter power outages. These conditions often cause trees or tree branches laden with snow or ice to fall onto power lines. The weight from the ice and snow can bring down entire power lines or cause a power pole to break, leading to widespread outages. Additionally, high winds associated with winter storms can also damage electrical equipment and contribute to power disruptions.

How to Prepare for a Winter Storm Power Outage

While it's impossible to prevent all winter power outages, there are steps you can take to ensure you and your family are prepared for an emergency. Here are some things you can do before the winter weather hits:

• Create an Emergency Kit: Assemble a kit with essential supplies such as flashlights, batteries, non-perishable food items, and bottled water. Keep this kit in a readily accessible location.

• Have a Backup Power Source: Consider investing in a backup generator to provide temporary power during an outage. Make sure you have enough fuel on hand to keep the generator running for several days.

• Trim Trees and Branches: Keep trees near your home trimmed, especially those that are close to power lines. This will help prevent branches from falling onto electrical equipment during a storm.

• Know How to Shut Off Your Electricity: In case of an emergency, it's important to know how to turn off your electricity at the main breaker. This can help prevent electrical hazards and fires.

• Stay Informed: Monitor weather reports and stay informed about any potential power outages in your area. Make sure you have a battery-powered radio on hand to receive updates.

What to Do During a Winter Storm Power Outage

In the event of a winter storm power outage, here are some steps you can take to stay safe and comfortable:

• Stay Warm: Bundle up in warm clothing and use extra blankets to stay warm. Avoid using gas or charcoal grills, camp stoves, or generators indoors as they can produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide.

• Avoid Opening the Refrigerator and Freezer: Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed to prevent food from spoiling. Food can stay cold in a closed refrigerator for about four hours and up to 48 hours in a full freezer.

• Use Flashlights Instead of Candles: While candles may seem like a good alternative, they pose a fire hazard and should be avoided. Use flashlights instead.

• Unplug Electrical Equipment: This can prevent damage from power surges when the electricity is restored.

• Check on Neighbors: If you have elderly or vulnerable neighbors, make sure to check on them during an outage and offer assistance if needed.

What to Do After a Winter Storm Power Outage

Once power is restored, there are still some steps you should take to ensure the safety of your home and family:

• Check for Damage: Inspect your home for any visible damage from the storm. If you see downed power lines or damaged electrical equipment, stay away and contact your utility company.

• Dispose of Spoiled Food: If the power was out for an extended period, it's important to discard any food that may have spoiled in your refrigerator or freezer.

• Turn On Appliances and Electronics Carefully: Wait a few minutes after the power is restored before turning on appliances and electronics. This will prevent a surge of electricity from damaging them.

• Restock Your Emergency Kit: Replace any items in your emergency kit that were used during the power outage, such as batteries and non-perishable food items.

Conclusion

Winter storms can bring unexpected power outages, but with proper preparation and knowledge, you can keep yourself and your loved ones safe during these events. Remember to stay informed, have a plan in place, and take necessary precautions to minimize the impact of a power outage. At B Town Electric, we are committed to helping our community stay safe and prepared for any electrical emergency. 

If you are experiencing electrical issues in your home during a storm or after a storm, contact us for prompt and reliable service. Our electrical services include emergency repairs, generator installation, general electrical services and more. Stay safe this winter season and when it comes to electrical issues in your home or business, leave that to the electrical experts at B Town Electric.