Power Outage (Electricity Loss Part 2)

A power outage (also called a power cut, a power out, a power blackout, a power failure, a power loss, or a blackout) is the loss of the electrical power network supply to an end user. ... Other critical systems, such as telecommunication, are also required to have emergency power.

2.1 10 Common Causes of Power Outages

1. The most common cause of power outages: severe weather

By far, the most common cause of power outages is severe weather. But there’s often more than a single cause of a power outage; you can have multiple reasons for a blackout. For instance, lightning can bring down a tree that cuts through power lines. Heavy rains can lead to floods or mudslides. Extreme heat and extreme cold can also damage components of the electricity grid.

A study found major outages caused by severe weather occur at these rates:

8% by wind, including hurricanes, tropical storms and tornadoes

3% by lightning that can zap a transformer or fry wires

5% from snow and ice, leading to winter power outages

Natural disasters

Weather isn’t the only natural reason for power outages. Earthquakes, wildfires, floods and mudslides can wreak havoc on systems too. Less commonly, volcanic eruptions and tidal waves can also be reasons for power outages. Major events like these can knock down transmission lines, damage transformers and destroy substations.

2. Motor vehicle accidents near power lines

Motor vehicle accidents can be a cause of power outages on a local level. A car or truck can skid out of control, hit a utility pole and bring down power lines and equipment. Driver impairment, a momentary lapse of attention or a patch of slippery pavement is all it takes to lead to disaster. This kind of random power outage usually affects a relatively small area.

3. Equipment failure

Like any kind of equipment, the components that bring power to customers can be faulty, break or wear out with age and exposure to the elements. Transformers can fail. Insulators can corrode and break. Insulation on cables can crack, and wires can snap. Power distribution requires a lot of complex equipment. It can stop working properly in any number of ways, leading to just as many causes of power failure.

4. Fallen trees

Power lines along the road and leading into your house are vulnerable to damage from falling trees and branches. High winds and the load from heavy snow or ice can cause trees to snap and bring down utility poles and wires. A random power outage can happen simply when an old or diseased tree topples over without warning.

5. Wildlife looking for a new home

Wildlife can also be a factor that causes power outages. Birds, squirrels and other small animals can chew through power lines, knock down components while foraging for food or short-circuit connections while building nests. The warmth and hum of flowing electricity also seems to attract some animals.

6. High energy demand

You might wonder: Why did the electricity go out on a perfectly nice day? A common and unexpected cause of a power blackout might be caused by too many people drawing too much power in a given area at one time. On a hot summer day when everyone’s air conditioner is working overtime, excessive demand can overload the system and lead to an outage.

7. Power line damage from construction work

Power outages occur all too often as the result of preventable accidents. What causes power outages in these cases is human error. Construction equipment can knock down utility poles. Excavators and landscapers can cut underground lines.

Considering how often power outages occur because of these kinds of mishaps, many utility companies have created hotlines so you can check before you dig. Be sure to report a power outage if it occurs. For power outage safety, keep people clear of the damaged equipment to prevent serious injury.

8. Damage from the public

Professionals aren’t the only ones whose errors cause power outages. People have been known to take down the power simply doing yard work. More sinister reasons for power outages include vandalism and deliberate acts of destruction. And thieves risk serious harm to steal wire and other components for the copper inside, selling it for scrap. The result can be a random power outage.

9. Disruption of power from foreign cyberattacks

An uncommon reason for power outages, at least in the United States, is caused by a deliberate attempt to disrupt operations by a foreign power or terrorist group. Power suppliers have extensive security measures in place to safeguard power systems so that these types of attacks are rarely successful.

10. Planned power outages

Why did the electricity go out? It could be a planned outage instead of a random power outage. Your electricity supplier may have reasons for power outages, like the need to conduct routine maintenance. How often power outages of this kind occur can vary with the age and configuration of the system.

Your provider won’t leave you wondering why the electricity isn’t working, though. They do their best to give you advance warning.

Different types of power outages

There are three main types of power outages:

1. Permanent fault: Despite the name, a permanent fault isn’t actually permanent. Examples of faults are abnormal or unbalanced voltage or current, or a disruption in flow. Once the fault is cleared, power is back on. It’s called a permanent fault because it won’t fix itself or reset without someone going out to deal with the fault.

2. Brownout: The difference between a brownout and a blackout is that power is temporarily reduced in a brownout, not totally cut. This type of outage can keep the grid from being overloaded and going into a full blackout. Rolling brownouts are when power is reduced section by section across the power grid.

3. Blackout: When the whole system fails, a blackout occurs. This is the most severe power outage. Recovering power can be difficult, especially when power stations are tripped and knocked off the grid. These outages can last hours, days or even weeks.

How power outages can affect communities

Being prepared is key when it comes to what to do when power goes out. Although the negative effects of a power outage are hard to fully calculate, what blackouts can mean for individuals or businesses can include any of the following:

*No lights or air conditioning

*A possible interruption of water and natural gas service

*A dangerous interruption in the running of life-sustaining medical devices

*No cell phone service because cell towers are out

*Damaged electronics

*Spoiled food in your refrigerator

*Inoperable traffic signals and limited travel

*Lost revenue for your business

2.2 Power Outages

Extended power outages may impact the whole community and the economy. A power outage is when the electrical power goes out unexpectedly. A power outage may:

*Disrupt communications, water and transportation.

*Close retail businesses, grocery stores, gas stations, ATMs, banks and other services.

*Cause food spoilage and water contamination.

*Prevent use of medical devices.

PROTECT YOURSELF DURING A POWER OUTAGE:

*Keep freezers and refrigerators closed.

*Use a generator, but ONLY outdoors and away from windows.

*Do not use a gas stove and ovens to heat your home.

*Disconnect appliances and electronics to avoid damage from electrical surges.

*Have alternate plans for refrigerating medicines or using power-dependent medical devices.

*If safe, go to an alternate location for heat or cooling.

°Check with your local officials for locations of cooling or warming centers. Locations may have changed this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

°CDC has provided cooling shelter operators with guidance to help protect people from COVID-19. This guidance can be used for warming shelters, too.

°If you go to a public cooling or warming center, keep at least six feet of space between you and individuals who are not a part of your immediate household.

°Wear masks when in public spaces. Masks should not be worn by children under 2 years old, people who have trouble breathing, and people who are unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove them.

°Try to bring items that can help protect you and others in the cooling or warming center from COVID-19, such as two masks for each person age two or older in the household, hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol, and cleaning materials.

°Review the CDC’s guidelines for “Going to a Public Disaster Shelter During the COVID-19 Pandemic.” 

*Be a good neighbor. Check on the welfare of others.

*Sign up for email updates about coronavirus from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Follow the latest guidelines from the CDC and your local authorities to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

HOW TO STAY SAFE WHEN A POWER OUTAGE THREATENS: 

Prepare NOW

*Take an inventory of the items you need that rely on electricity.

*Talk to your medical provider about a power outage plan for medical devices powered by electricity and refrigerated medicines. Find out how long medication can be stored at higher temperatures and get specific guidance for any medications that are critical for life.

*Plan for batteries and other alternatives to meet your needs when the power goes out.

Install carbon monoxide detectors with battery backup in central locations on every level of your home.

*Determine whether your home phone will work in a power outage and how long battery backup will last.

*Review the supplies that are available in case of a power outage. Have flashlights with extra batteries for every household member. Have enough nonperishable food and water. Be sure to include hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol to use in case you are unable to wash your hands with soap and water.

°Include non-perishable foods, cleaning supplies, and water for several days, in case services are cut off in your area. If you are able to, set aside items like soap, hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol, disinfecting wipes, and general household cleaning supplies that you can use to disinfect surfaces you touch regularly. After a power outage, you may not have access to these supplies for days or even weeks.

°Being prepared allows you to avoid unnecessary excursions and to address minor medical issues at home, alleviating the burden on urgent care centers and hospitals.

°Remember that not everyone can afford to respond by stocking up on necessities. For those who can afford it, making essential purchases and slowly building up supplies in advance will allow for longer time periods between shopping trips. This helps to protect those who are unable to procure essentials in advance of the pandemic and must shop more frequently. In addition, consider avoiding WIC-labeled products so that those who rely on these products can access them.

*Use a thermometer in the refrigerator and freezer so that you can know the temperature when the power is restored. Throw out food if the temperature is 40 degrees or higher.

*Keep mobile phones and other electric equipment charged and car and generator gas tanks full.

Survive DURING

*Keep freezers and refrigerators closed. The refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours. A full freezer will keep the temperature for about 48 hours. Use coolers with ice if necessary. Monitor temperatures with a thermometer.

*Maintain food supplies that do not require refrigeration.

*Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Generators, camp stoves or charcoal grills should always be used outdoors and at least 20 feet away from windows. Never use a gas stovetop or oven to heat your home.

*Check on your neighbors. Older adults and young children are especially vulnerable to extreme temperatures.

*Go to a community location with power if heat or cold is extreme.

*Turn off or disconnect appliances, equipment or electronics. Power may return with momentary surges or spikes that can cause damage.

Be Safe AFTER

*When in doubt, throw it out! Throw away any food that has been exposed to temperatures 40 degrees or higher for two hours or more, or that has an unusual odor, color or texture.

*If the power is out for more than a day, discard any medication that should be refrigerated, unless the drug’s label says otherwise. Consult your doctor or pharmacist immediately for a new supply.

Continue taking steps to protect yourself from COVID-19 and other infectious diseases, such as washing your hands often and cleaning commonly touched surfaces.

*Engage virtually with your community through video and phone calls. Know that it’s normal to feel anxious or stressed. Take care of your body and talk to someone if you are feeling upset. Many people may already feel fear and anxiety about the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19). The threat of a power outage can add additional stress. Follow CDC guidance for managing stress during a traumatic event and managing stress during COVID-19.