Main Causes of Power Outages
Why might a power outage happen, and what should you do about it?
Power outages can occur at any time and in any season. When it happens, keeping the food in your refrigerator can be a challenge. Below is a look at the main causes of power outages and what to do to be prepared.
Storms
Storms of all kinds are perhaps the most common reason for power outages. Whether it’s a thunderstorm or a snowstorm, the wind and water can devastate the land and get to power lines.
Trees
Likewise, trees felled by high winds and lightning strikes may fall on power lines and disrupt the system. Even in fair weather, trees may fall into the wires. This is one of the most common causes of power outages.
Earthquakes
Maryland does not suffer from earthquakes except in very rare cases, but these are another common reason why the power might go out. An earthquake may disrupt the power lines beneath the ground.
Accidents
Essentially, anything that comes in contact with the power lines can cause a shortage, but car accidents are notable for doing such damage. Certainly, trees fall into lines much more often, but sometimes a car may veer into one of the electric poles. In fact, the count per year is in the hundreds.
Animals
Small critters climbing on the transformers or fuses can cause a short circuit as well. There are usually barriers protecting against animal intrusions, but snakes, squirrels, and so on can still interrupt the system anyhow.
Be Prepared with Dry Ice
No matter what the cause, a power outage can be a damper on one’s daily life. You may fear for the food in your refrigerator and how to keep it as fresh as possible. Dry ice can help. In the case of a weather emergency, place dry ice at the bottom of the refrigerator and the top shelf of the freezer. At -109.3 degrees Fahrenheit, your food can remain safely frozen. Dry ice sublimates, though, as it is frozen carbon dioxide. Sublimation is the process of a solid turning directly into a gas. Therefore, be sure to replenish your refrigerant as needed.
Dry Ice For All Your Needs
Dry Ice Corp is the largest regional supplier of dry ice and related products in the Northeastern United States. Our dry ice is fresh and delivered right to your doorstep. We are happy to help you determine the best way to ship your goods, whether you have a huge amount of cookies or a single pie, and help you select the perfect amount of dry ice for the job. Give us a call at (201) 767-3200 or contact us online for a quote. To connect with us online, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter.
