Extended blackouts and rolling blackouts
In this section (6)
When demand exceeds generation, the power grid operator can order electric companies to make controlled cuts (rolling blackouts) so the entire grid doesn't collapse. In February 2021, during a historic winter storm, millions of homes lost power for many hours, in some cases days.
The grid operator's alert levels (names vary by region)
| Alert | What it means | What you do |
|---|---|---|
| Weather Watch | Notice 3 to 5 days in advance: severe weather and high demand. The grid is still operating normally. | Check your kit, charge batteries, fill the tank. |
| Voluntary Conservation Notice | People are asked to reduce use during peak hours, if it's safe. | Turn off what you don't need; don't run the washer or dryer during peak hours. |
| Conservation Appeal | A stronger request: reserves are low and emergency operations may occur. | Cut use to a minimum. Get flashlights, water, and no-cook food ready. |
| EEA 1 and EEA 2 | Energy Emergency Alert: generation reserves are low (EEA 1) or very low (EEA 2). | Assume outages may happen. Cool or heat the house now, while the power is on. |
| EEA 3 | Critically low reserves. The grid operator orders controlled outages for homes, businesses, and industry. | Activate your blackout plan. |
These alerts don't mean there is an emergency; they are to help you prepare. If someone in your home depends on electric medical equipment, notify your electric company in advance.
Before the blackout
During the blackout
- Confirm whether it's just your home or apartment. Check the breaker panel. If your neighbors don't have power either, report it to your electric company or on its online outage center.
- Unplug sensitive appliances. Computer, TV, game console. Leave one lamp switched on so you know when power returns. When it comes back, there may be power surges.
- Don't open the refrigerator or freezer. Every opening shortens the safe time.
- Manage the temperature of your home or apartment. In summer: close curtains and blinds on the sunny side, open windows only at night if it's cooler outside, and find a cooling center if the heat becomes dangerous (see chapter 10). In winter: gather everyone in one room, close off rooms you don't use, block door gaps with towels, and dress in layers.
- Save battery. Put phones in low-power mode, lower the brightness, turn off the ones you aren't using, and leave just one on to receive alerts.
- Charge in the car carefully. Only with the car outdoors, never in a closed garage, even if the door is open.
The refrigerator: what to keep and what to throw out
| Appliance | Safe time with the door closed | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 4 hours | After 4 hours without power, throw out meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and leftovers. Many foods should be discarded if they were at 40 °F (4 °C) or above for more than 2 hours. |
| Full freezer | About 48 hours | If the food still has ice crystals or is at 40 °F (4 °C) or below, you can refreeze it. |
| Half-full freezer | About 24 hours | Same as above. Thawed ice cream always gets thrown out. |
You can keep: hard cheeses, butter, jam, mustard, ketchup, and most whole, uncut fruits and vegetables. Never taste food to find out if it's still good. When in doubt, throw it out.
Generators and carbon monoxide
Carbon monoxide (CO) has no smell or color and kills without warning. In historic winter storms, many deaths were from CO poisoning. In an apartment complex the risk is double: exhaust from a generator in the hallway or next to your window also enters your neighbor's apartment.
Signs of CO poisoning: headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea or vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. If several people or the pets feel sick at the same time, suspect CO. Get outside into fresh air immediately and call 911.
