During the first part of February of 2021, nearly half of America is under winter weather advisories as freezing temperatures grip the country. Texas is colder than it’s been in decades, one of at least 25 states under a winter weather advisory during this week’s historic cold outbreak. Leaving more than 4 million people without power across the state in the midst of extremely cold temperatures. Natural gas shortages, frozen wind turbines, and people using more energy to heat their homes all contributed to the power outage.
Many have retreated to warming up inside a car while there’s gas
Some families have a generator but it ran out of gas extremely quick because it takes so much to heat in extremely cold temps. Families are all bundled up with 3 layers of clothes, jackets, and shoes. Many even resort to laying on top of each other sharing body heat.
Without electricity, whole neighborhoods are left in the dark.
Power companies scheduled rolling blackouts in an attempt to conserve energy. The problem is that the severe winter weather and freezing temperatures have made it impossible for many power companies to generate power from gas, coal, or wind.
If you are ever affected by a power outage or know somebody who is, there are some basic safety tips to help minimize health risks right now.
Staying indoors is your best bet at staying safe during a winter power outage, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says.
Stay off the roads if you can — icy conditions could lead to car accidents. In Fort Worth, Texas, at least nine people were killed in 133-car pileup triggered by winter storms.
It’s important to note that you don’t need to overstock or horde essential items. Be sure to leave enough for your fellow neighbor. In case the power outage lasts a few days, you should have the following on hand:
If you need to make a trip outside, keep it as brief as you can, and layer up, the CDC says. Check with your local emergency authorities to make sure it’s safe to drive or travel in the cold.
This should go without saying, but sometimes, some of us want to “brave the cold” without properly preparing ourselves. It’s going to get cold. In extreme cold, the Houston Office of Emergency Management recommends wearing at least three layers of tops, plus an outer layer to block out wind, and two layers of bottoms. A hat, gloves and a warm face mask are musts, too.
The CDC recommends warming up with extra blankets, sleeping bags and winter coats.
Cold temperatures are more dangerous for these groups (babies lose body heat more easily, and elderly adults often produce less of their own body heat), the CDC explains. Dress babies in stuff like
extra-warm clothing and avoid putting them to bed in a cold room, and check on elderly neighbors.
To prevent water pipes from freezing or breaking in low temperatures, the CDC recommends turning all water faucets on just enough to allow a continuous drip, and keeping cabinet doors under sinks open to allow any warm air from the room to reach the pipes.
The power will come back on eventually. And when it does, everything that was turned on when the power went out will suddenly come to life. That can be bad.
It can overload a circuit when power is restored causing what utility officials call cold load pickup. That can cause a second outage, according to Austin Energy.
Leave one light turned on so you know when power has been restored.
Be sure to check all of the electrical connections and circuit breakers to be sure everything is functioning properly. Be sure to look to ensure nothing is smoking and/or smells like smoke or burning.
After you’ve got your family straight and situated, check on those around you to be sure they are okay as well. Your community can come together in times of trouble.
Those gas station and grocery store workers who braved the cold just to be at the job and help frantic and many times “rude” customers–please thank them (again). Let them know they are appreciated and valued because we truly are in this together.
By subscribing, you consent to receive emails from BlackDoctor.com. You may unsubscribe at any time. Privacy Policy & Terms of Service.
