A New Kind of Power Outage: What to Know About PSPS and Wildfires

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There are plenty of ways to prepare for wildfires. Go-bags and evacuation routes make sure you can leave on short notice. Fire-resistant landscaping can protect homes and communities. These strategies can help you escape wildfires and prevent damage after they start. What if there was a way to prevent wildfires from sparking in the first place?

Downed power lines are a common cause of wildfires. To prevent fires from starting, some power companies have started pausing power to areas during extreme weather or high winds. These temporary measures are known as Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS). Here’s everything you need to know about this wildfire prevention tactic and what it could mean for you:

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FAQs

 Where Can a PSPS Happen?
This public safety measure started in California. Now, other states that are prone to wildfires have also started using it. Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, and Oregon have tried or announced PSPS strategies. PSPS can take place during extreme weather, heat waves, or high winds.

How Long Does a PSPS Last?
Some shutoffs last for a few hours. Others have lasted for days. The length of a PSPS depends on the risk of wildfire. If high winds, dry weather, and hot temperatures persist, a PSPS might be extended. Power companies might even restore power for a few hours, then shut it off again.

 What Are the Risks of a PSPS?
At best, power outages are annoying. At worst, they’re dangerous. Outages can be dangerous for people who depend on medical equipment. Food can also spoil during outages. Extreme temperatures can be dangerous without power. Power outages can disrupt schools and businesses. That’s why it pays to be prepared.

 How to Prepare for a PSPS

Even with a heads-up, power outages can be inconvenient or dangerous. The best thing you can do is stay ready. Here are a few ways to prepare for a PSPS:

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Have a Backup Power Source
A solar powered generator can help you power important devices during a PSPS. You can charge your phone or laptop. You can power critical medical equipment. You can power a light fixture or kitchen gadgets. When you’re self-reliant, you can take temporary outages in stride.

 Do Your Due Diligence
Your family should know how to safely use a generator with solar panel attachments. Everyone should also understand how to conserve energy during an outage. You can brush up on food safety tips before outages to prevent foodborne illnesses, too.

 Stay Up to Date and Involved
Read or watch the local news to stay informed about planned outages. Sign up for automated alerts from your power company to stay updated. Get involved in your local community to plan and prepare for outages with other people.

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Preparing for emergencies is a trade-off. There’s no perfect solution. The goal of a PSPS is to weigh the risk of a wildfire versus the consequences of a power outage. When you and your loved ones are self-reliant, you can stay safe and carry on during a PSPS.

About 4Patriots

 Everyone wants to protect their family. You want to support your neighbors during tough times, too. We all want peace of mind. But that takes time and effort. 4Patriots makes finding reliable preparedness solutions easy. They’re a family-founded company on a mission to help people become more self-reliant. Are you an expert survivalist? Are you new to emergency planning? 4Patriots has gear for everyone. It’s the perfect way to strengthen your independence. Plus, their online classes can help you sharpen your skills. A solar generator from 4Patriots makes sure your family stays safe. The truth is, you never know what life has in store. The power could go out. A big storm could hit your town. Some surprises are small. But others are big. Be ready for it all with 4Patriots.

 Find reliable backup power sources for outages at https://4patriots.com/

Location: 2920 Berry Hill Dr #300, Nashville, TN 37204, USA

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