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The Northeast Blackout of 2003? Actually, this photo was
a hoax!
Power Outages
In the past:
Power outages are a fairly common occurrence in Tompkins County, especially in the winter. Ice storms or blizzards often have enough force to knock down power lines, and slow maintenance crews who are fixing the problem. Essentially any natural disaster can cause disruptions in electrical supply: floods, earthquakes, fires, wind storms, snow storms, ice storms, thunder storms, etc.
Electricity is a wonderful thing, but to live in the Northeastern United States, one must learn how to do without, just in case!
The last major power outage in Tompkins County was the August 2003 Northeast Blackout, which affected parts of the County. It was caused by an old, decaying power grid. One more example of why we must be prepared!
Risk to Tompkins County residents:
Blackouts can happen at any time, anywhere. Tompkins County is no exception. There are some factors that make a blackout more likely than others, however. They include:
- Weather. Snow storms, lightning storms, ice storms, wind storms... anything that has the force to blow down or weigh down power lines.
- Time of year. The peak periods are winter (with demands for heat) and summer (with demands for air conditioning).
- Demand. If the demand overloads the power grid, blackouts could result.
- Age of the system. This factor received a great deal of attention right after the 2003 blackout, caused by an age-related failure in the Northeastern power grid.
How to prepare:
- If your power goes out:
- Turn off any electrical devices you were using at the time. The drain from electronics left on may make it harder for crews to restore power.
- Check your home's circuit breaker or fuse box. It may be simply that one of your home's circuit breaker was overloaded and tripped.
- If your circuit breakers or fuses have not tripped, check on your neighbors. If they are also without power, it is likely a more wide-spread problem.
- Have your emergency supply kit ready, and review your family communication plan. Make sure you have your flashlights and extra batteries!
- DO NOT use candles! House fires started by candles are the number one cause of property loss in a power outage. If you must use candles, do not leave them unattended, even for a minute!
- Emergency generators may be useful in a power outage. Before buying one, however, read about emergency generators (PDF from NYSEG.com) for advice.
- If you use electronic medical devices, be sure your utility company knows.
Talk to your doctor to make plans on where to go if the power goes out and
you need your equipment to work.
- Utility companies prioritize hospitals and clinics first, then neighborhoods. You will probably still need to do without power for a time.
- Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed to keep the food inside cold. Once the power is restored, be sure to take stock and throw away any spoiled food.
- Keep at least one corded telephone in the house -- ideally an old rotary-dial phone. These phones will still work without electricity.
- Portable telephones need power to the base station in order to work.
- Cellular towers require electricity to operate. Even if your mobile phone still has a charge, you will likely not get a signal!
Additional Resources
NYSEG -- Tompkins County's main energy provider. Please note: NYSEG is now owned by EnergyEast, a super-regional energy supplier.
Emergency Generator Safety (PDF) - A Guide from NYSEG; a great reference for anyone looking to buy a generator.
American Red Cross - advice on how to prepare for a blackout.
Centers for Disease Control - Health issues that arise when the power goes out.
California Energy Commission - a list of tips about ways to deal with power outages.