The majority of cold-season power outages occur when winter storms bring freezing rain and sleet. These high winds can cause damage to power lines and equipment. If you do not have a reliable supply of heat, your home could be affected by dampness that can damage walls, floors, plumbing, and other components.
1. Winter Power Outage Dangers
When the electricity goes out, a number of things can happen around your place ranging from inconveniences to life-threatening situations.
No Heating
Electric heaters and furnace blowers will stop working if the Com Ed supply goes off. Winter can be very uncomfortable because of the lack of heating. Also, your water pipes could freeze if there is no heating.
Danger From Alternative Power Sources
Many people have a plan B in case of power outages. This could be a gas-powered generator to maintain essential electrical functions in the home or a fireplace or wood-burning stove to heat us in winter. However, using these alternate heat and power sources can prove dangerous. Generators can produce deadly carbon monoxide. Wood stoves create smoke that contains particulate matter and carbon monoxide.
No Phone
Today's house phones rely heavily on fiber-optic networks. These networks may have battery backup, but will usually shutdown after eight hours.
Water Woes
The pump could stop working if you have a well to supply your water. You should always have plenty of bottled water. You won't be able to heat water until your electric water heater is turned on again.
Damage To TV & Electronics
Televisions, stereo equipment, and other expensive electronics are all sensitive to power fluctuations and can be damaged by the electric surge when the power is restored.
HVAC Problems
After an outage, power surges can cause damage to HVAC components such as heaters, motors and air conditioners.
2. How To Plan For A Winter Power Outage And useful Tips
We all know how crucial it is to be prepared in case of a power cut. Power lines can be damaged by heavy snow, sleet and ice, as well as wind. The furnace and boiler also go out if the electricity is lost. There are ways to prevent the situation from becoming an emergency. Learn how to prepare for a winter power cut in Illinois. We have your winter power outage survival guide. Continue reading to learn how to prepare for a winter power cut, what to do during it and what to do after it is over.
Before a power outage:
Make sure to check flashlights and portable radios powered by batteries. Also, make sure you have enough batteries. Radios are a great source of information for weather and emergency information in the midst of a storm.
You should have enough heating fuel in case your regular source is cut off. You will need an emergency heating source, such as a fireplace, wood-burning stove, or gas fireplace to keep at least one room livable. Make sure that the room has good ventilation.
Insulate your home properly. Weather-strip windows and doors to keep out cold air.
To provide insulation, install storm windows or cover windows from the inside with plastic.
Learn how to turn off water valves.
Never use a torch, open flame or torch to melt a pipe. A hair dryer's warm air may be enough to melt a frozen pipe. Begin by heating the pipe as close as you can to the faucet, moving on to the coldest part of the pipe.
If your water supply is interrupted, fill your bathtub with water and any spare containers. The water in your bathtub should only be used for sanitation and not for drinking. To flush the toilet, you can pour a full pail of water directly from the tub into the bowl.
For medication that needs refrigeration, consult your pharmacist to learn how to store it properly during extended outages.
.Check out the manual operation of an electric garage doors or upgrade your entryway with an energy-efficient door.
During a power outage:
Layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing are better than one heavy layer. Water repellent outer garments must be tightly woven. Better than gloves are mittens.
Wear a hat, as most body heat is lost through your head.
Protect your lungs by covering your mouth with a scarf
You should be aware of signs such as loss of sensation, pale skin, and pale appearances at the tips of your nose, ears, and fingers. If you notice any of these symptoms, get medical attention immediately.
Hypothermia can be identified by uncontrollable shivering and memory loss. If the victim has symptoms, move him to a warm place, take off any wet clothes, and warm the victim's center. Seek medical attention as soon as possible.
To prevent voltage irregularities from occurring when power is restored, unplug any sensitive electronic equipment including stereos and TVs.
Be careful when using gasoline-powered generators. A generator should never be used inside a home. It should be placed outside, with the exhaust facing away.
After a power outage:
If you are going outside to check for damage caused by a storm, be extra careful. Snowdrifts, branches, or other debris can conceal or hide downed or hanging wires that could be dangerously live. Do not touch or move any downed wires. Children and pets should be kept away from downed power lines. Keep your children and pets at least 25 feet from any downed power lines.
Pay attention to your neighbors, especially seniors and people with functional needs.
Power lines can touch any object, including fences or tree branches. Never touch anything power lines touches, such as tree branches or fences. Any outage-related issues should be reported to your utility company.
Do not call 9-1-1 for information about power outages.
Bottom Line
How to prepare for a winter power cut in Illinois can make a huge difference in how comfortable and warm you are while you wait for it to turn back on. No one likes to be without central heating during the coldest months. Sometimes, though, disaster strikes. When it happens, you will be happier knowing you and your family have everything you need.
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