Prepare for an outage BEFORE it occurs
Capital Electric - October 1, 2010
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Living in a rural area can be a challenge; especially during a power outage. That's why Capital members Tom and LeAna Hug plan to purchase a portable electric generator and utility power outage detector. |
The 2010 Good Friday snow and ice storm was an unfortunate reminder that Mother Nature can still cause significant power outages from time to time. For Capital Electric members John and Leone Hagen, Baldwin, the storm's slushy snow and gusty winds triggered a power outage that lasted three days. Some members, like Vernon and Betty Kurle, McClusky, were out of power for eight very long days.
Capital members Tom and LeAna Hug, Baldwin, lost power for only eight hours. They considered themselves lucky - and somewhat prepared - because they have two propane stoves that can heat food and prevent the pipes from freezing. But the experience made them think about how they would cope if the outage had lasted longer. Or what they will do when they are older, and perhaps not quite so resilient.
LeAna, who serves on the co-op's Member Advisory Committee, visited with the member services department about buying a generator.
"This is North Dakota and there are blizzards," LeAna states. "I know we should have one."
Josh Schaffner, member services assistant, made a house call and assessed the layout and square footage. Then he asked the Hugs how much electricity they would want during a future outage. Tom replied, just enough to power the necessities.
"If you have running water and the refrigerator works, what else do you need?" he asks. "If it gets chilly, put on a sweater."
Schaffner then asked what the Hugs did not want.
"We don't want to dig through the snow (to get to the shed, where the diesel is stored), pull a rope or smell fumes," LeAna explains.
Based on the Hug's feedback, Josh suggested the couple purchase a utility power outage detector and generator that automatically start when the power fails. The generator can run on propane, natural gas or diesel fuel. Because the Hugs do not want to smell fumes, their propane tank will partner nicely with this type of generator.
While many different sizes and types of generators can be purchased at local home improvement stores, Schaffner advises this particular detector must be purchased through a reputable electrician.
Because they had so many questions, the Hugs indicate they really appreciated the personal visit.
"It was such a nice service, having Josh come out and look around, and tell us what we need and where to put it," LeAna expresses.
Members, if you want to prepare for extreme weather conditions and unexpected power outages like the Hugs, now is a great time to learn about portable electric generators and how you can protect your families and homes until the power is restored.
If you purchase a portable electric generator, please have it installed by a qualified, licensed electrician to ensure it meets electrical codes. And never connect a generator directly to your household wiring. Generators need to be isolated from Capital's power lines by installing a double-throw switch on your generator. Otherwise, the generator could feed power back into utility lines as crews work to restore your electric service. This puts their lives at risk!
We urge you to follow these safety guidelines:
- Make sure your generator is properly grounded.
- Keep the generator dry.
- Make sure extension cords used with generators are rated for the load, and are free of cuts or worn insulation, and have three-pronged plugs.
- Do not overload the generator.
- Do not operate the generator in enclosed or partially enclosed spaces. Generators can produce high levels of carbon monoxide very quickly, which can be deadly.
- Do not refuel a generator while it is running.
- Turn off all appliances powered by the generator before shutting down the generator.
- Follow the manufacturer's instructions for safe operation and maintenance.
For more information on how to install a double-throw switch, contact Terry Mertz, staking engineer, at (701) 223-1513. To learn more about how a portable generator can help you better prepare for the next weather-related power outage, contact Josh Schaffner or Doug Mork in the member services department.
MEET YOUR CAPITAL ELECTRIC NEIGHBORS
- LeAna Hug is a volunteer in the shoe department at Seeds of Hope in Bismarck.
- Tom Hug operates a theater-lighting business.
- The couple has lived south of Baldwin since 1993.
- Their home was built in 1980 by an engineer who was concerned about energy conservation and efficiency. The home is well-constructed and insulated, and heated and cooled with a geothermal system.
- The couple added an addition to the home in 2004. The room has heated floors. LeAna says she likes it so well, she wishes all their floors were heated.