FACTS
- Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Improper use of generators indoors can lead to dangerous carbon monoxide buildup.
- Food Spoilage: Extended power outages can cause perishable food items to spoil, increasing the risk of foodborne illnesses.
- Water Contamination: Power loss can affect water purification systems, leading to unsafe drinking water.
- Medical Device Failure: Individuals relying on electrically powered medical devices may face life-threatening situations without backup power.
- Increased Fire Risk: Use of candles or improper generator setup can elevate the risk of fires during power outages.
- Communication Disruptions: Loss of power can disable communication networks, hindering access to emergency services and information.
STATS
- In 2021, U.S. electricity customers experienced an average of just over seven hours of power interruptions, with major events like hurricanes contributing significantly to these outages.
- Between 2013 and 2023, all ten of the largest U.S. power outages were due to severe weather events, with hurricanes and winter storms causing eight of these outages.
- Hurricane Ida in 2021 resulted in service outages for up to 1.2 million electricity customers across eight states.
- During Hurricane Fiona in September 2022, Prince Edward Island’s on-island electricity load dropped significantly due to widespread power outages, highlighting the storm’s impact on the power grid.
- Following Hurricane Fiona in 2022, residents of Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia reported high levels of concern about the risk of natural disasters or weather-related emergencies, with 44% and 32% respectively expressing significant concern.