Multiple power outages affected the Alturas area last week, one of which had more than 2,200 customers without power throughout the county, according to Pacific Power’s outage map on Friday morning. Fortunately the outages only lasted a couple of hours, but both caused some real frustration throughout the community. Some expressed concern because of comfort with the high temperatures, and others had major concern for the elderly and/or those who require access to electricity for 24/7 medical supplies or equipment.
When power goes down, anywhere in the county, the company responsible for the lines/equipment is notified and crews are dispatched to find where the outage occurred and what the cause was before any damage can be repaired and power turned back on. Considering how many lines there are in our area alone, this in itself can take hours. Once the problem is found and assessed, the crews work to get power back on as quickly, and as safely as they can.
Power outages, especially in the summer and early fall months, seem to be a more frequent occurrence as years go on. They can happen for many reasons, and at this time the cause of last week’s outages are unknown. According to Surprise Valley Electric, it was not an outage on their part or issue with their systems. Their main objective was rerouting power quickly to get service back up and running for their customers. We were unable to receive a comment from Pacific Power on the situation.
Being prepared for a planned or unplanned power outage involves a few essential steps to ensure safety and comfort. First, stock up on non-perishable foods and bottled water, as refrigeration will most likely not be available. Keep a battery-powered or hand-crank radio to stay informed about weather updates and emergency information if you’re in an area without cellphone service. Have backup power sources on hand, like portable chargers, solar chargers and power banks to charge your electronic devices. Utilize solar-powered or battery-operated fans and lights to help manage heat and maintain visibility at night. Create an emergency kit that includes first aid supplies, necessary medications, and important documents. Additionally, make sure to plan for the needs of pets and those with medical conditions that require electricity. Staying proactive and organized will help to navigate the challenges of a summer power outage more effectively.
