The Anatomy of An Outage

Power outages are an inconvenience whether they last 5 minutes or several days! When these outages occur, it is easy to become frustrated with your utility company and feel like they are restoring power to everyone but you! We would like to take the time to help you better understand the restoration process and the method behind the madness.

The first priority for power companies is to restore power to critical facilities such as hospitals, and public safety facilities (fire stations, police departments, 9-1-1 centers). Next they focus on the major lines and substations that serve the largest number of customers. They want to get the largest number of customers back in service as quickly as possible. Next they focus on smaller neighborhoods, businesses and private homes. This "plan of attack" is utilized industry wide during large outages.

When power companies are able to plan ahead for an outage, such as those suspected to occur with the arrival of Irene, they often deploy workers from other states to help with the work load and speed the restoration process. Per PPL's Twitter page, they deployed 150 employees from Kentucky to PA in anticipation of the outages!

We assure you that your power companies are working diligently to restore power to your area. With outages in nearly 1/3 of the state, it will likely take some time and patience is key! We remain in contact with our local power companies and will keep you posted as we know more!

Tips for an outage...
1. Never run a generator in your home, basement, or other indoor space where exhaust fumes may accumulate.
2. Stay clear of downed power lines.
3. Stay clear of electrical equipment where there is standing water, such as a flooded basement.
4. Do not use gas ovens or ranges to heat your home.
5. Turn off electric ovens, ranges or space heaters that may have been in use when the outage occurred.
6. Unplug sensitive home electronics that can suffer damage when power is restored.
7. Avoid candles and use flashlights instead. Candles can cause a fire if tipped by animals or people, or if they come in contact with a combustible item.
8. Keep warm air in during winter by using doors as infrequently as possible. This includes closing your garage door while you shovel snow.
9. Close off unoccupied rooms.
10. Keep your refrigerator or freezer closed as much as possible.
11. Remain calm and stick together.