Opinion: Be prepared for power outages in cold regions

Has been updated: Four by the time release date: 6 by the time

Homeowners may not be “prepared” per se, but with the recent severe cold temperatures in south-central Alaska and the possibility of natural gas shortages during peak electricity usage times, homeowners may not be “prepared” per se, but they are using the road system to Even if you are an Alaskan, you should be prepared for a sustained power outage. Having lived in the state for almost a third of a century, I’ve experienced several multi-day power outages from Wasilla to Fairbanks that forced me to stay home or evacuate. Many residents who do not have a wood stove or fireplace for heat may have the option of going to a public building or to the home of a family member or friend who has power, depending on the situation. But of course, in most cases, no one knows in advance which parts of a community will lose power or whether it will remain out of power.

In subzero temperatures, it’s wise to generate enough heat indoors to keep water pipes, pets, and plants from freezing, whether you’re at home or away. The investment for some people is a generator that can run outdoors, with a cord connected indoors to an electric heater, or wiring electricity into the home via a transfer switch so you can use a wall outlet. That’s it. Many Alaskans I spoke to use portable flameless catalytic propane heaters, or “home” clean-burning ceramic tile propane units, for these regular situations. Propane for heating like this can easily be extracted from your current barbecue grill tank if you also purchase a gas supply hose with a regulator.

From a safe breathing point of view, such heaters do not require exhaust pipes or external ventilation, and many models currently on the market have an integrated oxygen sensor that shuts off the heater in case of a failure. . Such switches are important because homeowners who experience extended power outages regularly keep propane or natural gas ovens and stoves lit over open flames. This can be deadly due to depletion of oxygen in the room and carbon monoxide, a natural byproduct of combustion. , can accumulate to dangerous levels. These techniques are also used in cook plates that hold pots and coffee pots. Even tankless, vent-free propane water heaters that handle large quantities of liquid can be purchased to help you survive long power outages. As long as there is an available water supply, you can run water through the unit as needed. I still have my own battery-powered carbon monoxide monitor that I can keep near my heater just in case.

An alternative LED rechargeable flashlight with a sensor that immediately activates the LED if no current is detected from the socket can be very helpful in getting through dark situations. I’ve found that having a well-lit area to avoid tripping and falling can be especially helpful if your family has already begun to change their behavior patterns, or if they’re feeling nervous or fearful. Some newer products not only direct a narrow beam in a specific vector direction, but also illuminate an entire area like a lantern.

Therefore, regular desk lamps, water heaters, refrigerators/freezers, boilers or furnaces can all be easily managed by generating their own power from a generator, but generator sizing, selection, and proper generator operation are essential. is a completely different set of knowledge and is useful for: But now’s not the time to be trying to figure out how to keep your home habitable or prevent it from freezing during unexpected power outages.

art nash He lives in Fairbanks and is an expert in building homes for cold regions and energy backup during emergencies.

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