Making it Through the New England Power Outage
This has been a huge challenge for people this December. With NH and Maine, Mass and a few others without power for several days, I’m sure there are some who are wondering if they will make it through until their power is restored. For those with funds, flying out or checking into a hotel somewhere else with power is an option most can’t afford very long. So for the majority, its either a shelter or being very glad they have a woodstove – hopefully with a huge supply of dry wood already at their disposal. Who ever thought this would happen for so long and so close to Christmas. Some things to know if you have to leave your home:
- turn off the main electric switch, turn off the water heater switch, and if your home has a steam boiler or hot water system then turn off the natural gas supply and/or power supply and drain the boiler and system as per the instructions from manufacturer. Otherwise natural gas furnaces don’t have to be shut off. Most natural gas furnaces require electricity while natural gas fireplaces often function without electricity. Consult your manufacturer’s booklet. Also, turn down the thermostat if the natural gas is out, in order to stop the thermostat’s “attempts” to heat.
When you return:
- fill up the water heater before turning it on. You may also have to re-light the pilot lights. Contact your gas company re this.
When the power is restored:
- wait for the power to stablize – a few minutes, before turning on or pluggin in appliances.
Words of advice – if the power is down in the neighborhood/state, unplug all your applicances to avoid having them damaged by a power surge once power is back on. Shut off all lights, with the exception of one in order to know when the power is back on.
