Power Outages

Widespread power outages threaten Stearns County during periods of extreme heat, and when other natural and technological disasters strike. Power grids, generating plants, transformers, power poles and lines and buried cable are vulnerable to damage and disruption.
Power lines
Power outages are more than an inconvenience; the loss of electricity, heat, air conditioning and running water can be a life-threatening situation, particularly for the elderly and young.

Rolling blackouts are power outages initiated by power companies when energy demand surges beyond capacity.  Power would be temporarily cut off to a regional power grids in succession.

Preparedness

What to do before a power outage

  • To minimize your electricity use (and monthly bill!) and help prevent rolling blackouts, follow simple and effective energy conservation measures.
  • Consider safe backup heat sources for your home, like wood-burning stoves. Get the advice of an electrician before purchasing a generator.
  • Cordless phones will not work during a power outage. Have a backup cell phone or standard telephone handset.
  • If you use electric wheel chairs, breathing machines or other electric life support devices, purchase extra battery packs and keep them charged.
  • Keep a multipurpose fire extinguisher (Class ABC) and other firefighting materials in the home.

Response

What to do during a power outage

  • Turn off lights and electrical appliances, except for the refrigerator and freezer. Leave one lamp on to signal you when power is restored.
  • Never use heating or cooking devices that emit carbon monoxide indoors: gas or charcoal grills, gas ovens or ranges, portable or propane heaters. If you burn candles for light, create adequate ventilation by opening a window. Flashlights are the safest source of light.
  • Minimize driving to conserve fuel; gas pumps cannot operate without electricity. If traffic lights go out, treat every intersection as a 4-way stop as required by law.
  • If possible, check on family members and neighbors to ensure they have adequate heat or air conditioning, water and food.
  • Avoid downed power lines, damaged utilities and trees.
  • Don’t get wet if you have no way to get dry.

Recovery

What to do after a power outage

  • When the power does come back on, wait several minutes before turning on major appliances.
  • If the power is out for less than 2 hours, then the food and medication in your refrigerator and freezer should be safe to consume.

For More Information:

Center for Disease Control - Power Outages