Picture this: you are having a nice time with friends, watching an intense football game with a bottle of beer in hand, and suddenly, the power goes out. That would be an unpleasant experience, right? As much as they can’t be controlled, power outages are unpleasant and circumstantially hazardous. If you reside in Idaho or plan to reside there, you should know something about Idaho power outage and how to stay prepared when one occurs unexpectedly/unplanned.
Idaho power outages are not unusual for residents of the state of Idaho, U.S. Although it isn’t planned, it can be expected to happen when there is a gruesome storm, a wildfire, or something of such nature, which would most likely cause damage to the power source or power line transmitter to homes in Idaho. In other circumstances of such occurrence, it could be an eventual cause that can neither be expected nor planned for.
Right here, we have put together a brief discourse on what you need to know about Idaho power outages and how to be well prepared when one occurs abruptly.
Idaho power outages vary from a few minutes to a few hours to a few days, depending on the cause of the power outages or the gravity of the damage done to the power transmitters by certain causes. This can cause some unpleasantries and/or danger to state residents.
How to be prepared for an Idaho power outage
Preparing for an Idaho power outage requires that you know or are aware of certain things and that you have certain things kept/stored. We have put together detailed information on what to know and do before, during, and after an Idaho power outage to help you stay safe and ready in case of one occurring.
What to know and do before an Idaho power outage
1. Prepare a go-to emergency kit that will help you stay safe and prepared in case of an occurrence of a power outage. The kit should contain things like money (ATMs don’t work without electricity), a flashlight and batteries or a rechargeable flashlight (very important), a rechargeable hand fan, and supplies for first aid (also very important).
2. Prepare an alternative source to charge your device (smartphone) to keep it on and functioning in a power outage. A portable charger or power bank is the best option for this.
3. Constantly charge any rechargeable devices, especially a rechargeable flashlight and a rechargeable hand fan, so they can be available for use in a power outage
4. Be aware of the manual use of every device or appliance that has both automatic and manual control. This will be helpful when the (obviously default) automatic option is unavailable in a power outage.
5. Buy plastic ice containers and make & store ice in your refrigerator that you can use to preserve your food in case of a power outage, which will make your refrigerator stop working for the time being
.
6. Buy and store some gas in a safety plastic can so that you will be able to fuel your car if there is a power outage when gas stations (which run on electricity) will momentarily stop functioning. Although gas stations today launch a backup power generator when there is a power outage to keep running, it’s better to have some gas safely stored for emergencies
7. You can learn about the emergency plan on your state’s website so that you can be able to find a cooling or warming shelter in your area.
8. You can get a backup power generator (if it can be domestically owned in your area). This will be helpful if a power outage happens
What to know and do during an Idaho power outage.
1. Access your emergency kit and keep it close to get what you need from it when needed.
2. Ensure that all electronic devices and appliances are switched off after the power goes
off, but keep a light bulb on to be a signal for you to know when the power comes back on. This action will protect your devices and appliances from possible power overload damages when the power comes back on.
3. Ensure that your refrigerator door(s) is/are closed to preserve the cool temperature in it after the power goes out. After a few hours of the power outage, you can place your food close to the ice you made earlier for such a situation.
4. Stay cool or warm depending on the weather temperature by going to a cooling or warming shelter or a place of convenience available for public consumption.
5. You can opt to use a backup power generator if you own one. This will serve as an alternative to the power that has now gone out.
What to know and do after an Idaho power outage.
1. When the power comes back on, don’t turn on your devices and appliances immediately. Wait for a space of 20-30 minutes before you switch on any device. Also, don’t switch all devices and appliances altogether. Give a space of 5 minutes before switching on a device before switching on.
2. Check your food in the refrigerator to see if they are still good or fresh, and throw out any that have turned bad.
3. Replenish used equipment in your emergency kit and store them for another power outage.
Conclusion
An Idaho power outage is an occurrence that, unfortunately, cannot be predicted or accurately planned for. Still, with some simple actions, you can be ready for one and avoid being unaware of its consequences.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What number can I call during an Idaho power outage?
You can call Idaho Power on 800-488-6151 if you are in an Idaho power outage.
- How long does an Idaho power outage last for
Depending on the cause, an Idaho power outage can last for about a few minutes to a few hours. If there is serious damage done to the power source or transmitter, it can last for some days.
