Power Outages in Sunland/Tujunga

4/7/2021 (Permalink)

Power outages are more common than many residents and business owners like to believe. Though we live in the 21^stcentury where technology and infrastructure are advanced, power loss is still very prevalent. In fact, there are a few different types of power outages that can occur.

1. Blackouts

Likely to be the most familiar term, this form of power outage usually covers a vast area of total power loss. The duration of this outage can vary from a few minutes to even weeks.

2. Brownouts

Brownouts are not as severe in power loss as a blackout can be. A drop in voltage is what characterizes a brownout, with power usually quickly returning.

3. Permanent Fault

These outages are caused by a fault in power line, like a shorted circuit. Permanent faults are far more detrimental in power loss than blackouts are, as power is unable to return until the fault is cleared.

4. Intentional Power Outage

These outages are scheduled by power companies and vendors alike when they are working on or near power lines. To ensure the safety of their employees and surrounding area, power is temporarily disabled for a short period of time.

The possibilities of any of these power outages increase during California's storm season.

Falling tree limbs, flying debris, or lightning can all lead to power loss. Due to the frequency of storms in Sunland/Tujunga and the unpredictability of their severity, it is important to know the course of action to take when faced with power loss.

1. Inventory the items that absolutely call for a power source

Medical devices, appliances or other necessities powered by electricity may require you to keep a generator on hand. If you must use a generator be sure to do so at a safe distance from your house and those surrounding you.

2. Unplug appliances that are not needed and keep them close

During long periods of power loss there may be electrical surges that can harm your appliance. Keeping appliances closed is as important to avoiding damage as it is unplugging them. Power loss in the California heat can tempt anyone to grab cold items from the fridge or even bask in the cold air the freezer can provide. Not giving in to this temptation means saving yourself from spoiled goods later on.

3. Conserve energy and gas

Aside from checking for local updates and alerts on power restoration, conserve your phone’s battery. This goes for gas as well. Saving on your car’s gas will help in the case there is an emergency that requires you to evacuate to a safer area.