The Most Common Causes of Power Outages & How to Prepare for Them
Power outages can be a major inconvenience, disrupting your home and business operations. At American Electric Company, we provide top-quality electrical services across Northern Illinois to keep your power running smoothly. However, outages are sometimes unavoidable. Understanding the most common causes and knowing how to prepare can help minimize the impact.
At American Electric Company, we specialize in fast and reliable electrical repairs in Lake County, McHenry County, the North Shore, and Southern Wisconsin, serving cities like Antioch, Lake Bluff, Lake Forest, Libertyville, Crystal Lake, Johnsburg, Spring Grove, Bull Valley, Wilmette, Winnetka, Glencoe, Long Grove, Glenview, Lake Geneva, and more.
Common Causes of Power Outages
1. Severe Weather
Storms, high winds, lightning, and ice can knock down power lines or damage transformers, leading to widespread outages. Northern Illinois experiences severe storms, especially in the winter and summer, making weather-related outages common.
2. Fallen Trees
Strong winds or heavy snowfall can cause trees to fall onto power lines, disrupting the electrical grid. Regular tree trimming near power lines can help prevent this issue.
3. Vehicle Accidents
Car accidents involving utility poles can bring down power lines and result in localized outages. These incidents are unpredictable but can be resolved quickly by utility crews.
4. Equipment Failure
Electrical infrastructure, like transformers, substations, and circuit breakers, can fail due to age, wear, or extreme temperatures. Routine maintenance helps mitigate the risk of equipment failure.
5. Wildlife Interference
Squirrels, birds, and other animals sometimes come into contact with electrical equipment, causing shorts and power disruptions. Utility companies install protective measures to reduce these occurrences.
6. Overloaded Power Grids
High electricity demand during extreme temperatures can strain the power grid, leading to brownouts or blackouts. Energy conservation during peak hours can help stabilize the grid.
How to Prepare for Power Outages
1. Invest in a Backup Generator
A standby generator can keep your home or business running during outages. American Electric Company offers expert installation services to ensure you have reliable backup power.
2. Create an Emergency Kit
Stock up on essential supplies, including flashlights, batteries, bottled water, non-perishable food, and first-aid supplies. Keep a battery-powered radio for emergency updates.
3. Use Surge Protectors
Power surges can damage electronics when the electricity comes back on. Surge protectors safeguard appliances and sensitive devices from unexpected voltage spikes.
4. Have a Communication Plan
Ensure your phone is fully charged before a storm. Consider a backup power source, like a portable charger, to stay connected during extended outages.
5. Know Your Utility Contact Information
Save your utility provider’s emergency contact number and report outages promptly. Check their website or social media for real-time updates.
6. Unplug Electronics During Storms
If a storm is approaching, unplug major appliances and devices to prevent damage from power surges.
Professional Electrical Services in Your Area
At American Electric Company, we specialize in electrical upgrades for homes in Lake County, McHenry County, the North Shore, and Southern Wisconsin, serving cities like:
Lake County, IL
Antioch, Bannockburn, Deer Park, Deerfield, Grayslake, Gurnee, Highland Park, Highwood, Kildeer, Lake Bluff, Lake Forest, Lake Zurich, Libertyville, Lindenhurst, Long Grove, Mundelein, North Barrington, Round Lake, Riverwoods, Volo.
McHenry County, IL
Bull Valley, Crystal Lake, Johnsburg, Lakewood, Prairie Grove, Port Barrington, Spring Grove, Woodstock.
North Shore, IL
Glencoe, Highland Park, Highwood, Kenilworth, Lake Bluff, Lake Forest, Wilmette, Winnetka.
Southern Wisconsin
Burlington, Elkhorn, Lake Geneva, Pleasant Prairie..
Stay Powered with American Electric Company
At American Electric Company, we specialize in residential, commercial, and industrial electrical services, including generator installation and surge protection. If you need expert electrical solutions in Northern Illinois, contact us today for reliable service!
Stay prepared and powered with American Electric Company – your trusted electrical service provider!
