Wildfires leave behind devastating effects whose impact continues to be felt for a long time. In the recent Hawaii fire, the city of Lahaina was reduced to ashes, properties and buildings worth billions of dollars were destroyed, and dozens of people died and injured. The prolonged dry and hot weather due to climate change contributed immensely to the wildfires. Using sustainable energy such as solar will help us reverse climate change, reducing disasters such as wildfires and flooding. Although some wildfires are beyond our control, you can take some positive measures to keep yourself safe and access electricity even during power outages. In this article, we shall discuss the loss of electricity due to wildfires and how to stay prepared for emergencies.
What Caused Hawaii Wildfires in August 2023?
The devastating 2023 Hawaii wildfires started mainly as a result of climate change. The fires happened during the peak of the dry season in Hawaii. What started as a small wildfire was fueled by dry and gusty conditions and spread fast due to strong wind and pressure in the north of Hawaii and Hurricane Dora to the South. The speed of the wind reached 67 mph / 107 km/h in some parts. Due to the speed, it became hard to contain the fire.
According to experts, the genesis of the wildfires was overloading the power grid due to high winds. Over 100 power lines became faulted, causing multiple fires to start.
Where Can Find Power Outage Information?
Nowadays, it is easy to find power outage information through various platforms. Here are places where you can find out about power outages:
- Call the Utility Company- If there is a power outage, you can call the company about the outage and possible restoration.
- The Company's Websites
The utility company's website is the most reliable place to check for power outage information in your area. Utility companies will update any power outage information on their website first.
- Social media
Check the company's social media pages to get information regarding power outages in your area. Follow your utility company's social media platforms for firsthand information about power outages.
- Mobile Apps
Install the mobile app of your power utility company to access power outages and other related information easily.
- Local News
You can rely on local news for weather updates, power outage information, and possible restorations.
Will Wildfires Cause Power Outages?
In most cases, power outages will occur before or during a wildfire occurrence. During wildfires, power outages happen due to damage to the utility infrastructure, such as power lines, transformers, and poles.
Also, the utility company will opt for a public safety power shutoff (PSPS), a safety precaution to prevent the wildfires from causing an electricity system to spark the wildfires. Where a PSPS is necessary, the utility company will inform the customers via the above mentioned platforms.
Potential Risks of Power Outages During the Wildfire
Power outages during wildfires are a safety precaution to prevent the spread. However, power outages during wildfires come with substantial risks. Most services in a community rely on electricity. A power outage may result in a communication breakdown, which is essential for emergency response, a breakdown of emergency and medical response services, a close of down of schools and businesses, loss of water supply, and food preservation, which may lead to food safety and hygiene issues.
Tips to Counteract Power Outages Caused by Wildfire
Here are tips for handling your household in case of a power outage due to wildfires.
- Use alternative power sources such as generators and solar batteries to stay powered during the outages. If you are using gas generators, keep them outdoors.
- Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors shut to keep the food fresher during outages. Avoid opening the doors unnecessarily.
- Disconnect the appliances, devices, and electronics from the power outlet to avoid electrical surge damage.
- Keep flashlights ready for use in case of a power outage and have extra batteries.
Preparing for Power Outages Against Typhoons and Storms
Power outages may occur before a wildfire or other natural disaster occurs. Suppose there is an imminent wildfire or natural disaster about to occur. In that case, you must be prepared to stay safe. Here are a few ways to stay safe before and during power outages due to wildfires.
1. Have a Ready Supply Kit
Ensure you always have a ready kit with these items: a fully equipped first aid kit, a few water bottles, flashlights with a few spare batteries, a battery-operated radio, assorted non-perishable or dry food, power banks, and charging cables. If you have pets, prepare the pet supplies.
2. Have Gas in the Car
Always have the gas tank of your car at least half full. Also, you can have a jerry can of gas close by.
3. Charged Phones
In case of such anticipated emergencies, always keep your phones fully charged.
4. Develop an Emergency Plan
Ensure everyone in your house knows what to do in an emergency. Have a plan for your pets, too.
5. Alternative Source of Power
You may never know when emergencies such as power outages due to wildfires might happen. Therefore, you should be prepared for such eventualities by having an alternative power source. For instance, gas generators, solar batteries, or solar generators. Even though there's an outage, your household will still be powered.
Recommended Solar Generators for Power Outages
1. BLUETTI AC200MAX + B230
The BLUETTI AC200MAX is an expandable portable power station that is an efficient solar backup generator suitable for use during power outages. UNLIKE TRADITIONAL GAS GENERATORS, the BLUETTI AC200MAX + B230 Home Battery Backup is designed for use indoors.
Features
- High-Capacity- The BLUETTI AC200MAX is a high-capacity solar generator capable of powering high-demand devices. It has a battery capacity of 2048 Wh, an inverter with 2200W of continuous power capable of handling a surge of 4800W. The high-capacity battery can power essential home appliances and devices during an outage.
- Expandable Power- The B230 enables you to expand the AC200MAX capacity for an additional 2048 Wh. The combination gives you a high power capable of running nearly all home appliances.
- Upgraded Outlets- Both batteries come with upgraded and versatile outlets. The AC200 features a 1xNEMA TT-30 and 1x30-A super DC port, while the B230 features a carport, USB-A, and USB-C.
- Flexible Charging- The AC200MAX can be charged with 500W via AC and up to 900W with solar. You can double charge the battery with solar and AC up to 1400W charging rate. Also, you can charge the B230 with either solar, car, or AC.
- LiFePO4 Batteries- The generator utilizes the LiFePO4 batteries with 3500+ life cycles to 80%, which is almost 10 times more than other batteries.
2. BLUETTI AC300 + B300
The BLUETTI AC300+B300 is the best battery combo for power outages and emergencies. The system has two MPPT controllers with a 2400W charge rate. The high power capacity can power all your devices and home appliances during an outage.
Features
- High Capacity- The BLUETTI AC300 is a 100% modular battery with an expandable 6,144Wh with 2XB300 batteries and 12,288Wh with 4XB300 batteries. The high capacity is enough to power your household during an emergency.
- UPS Backup- The system is a reliable home power source with UPS to safeguard your devices, such as laptops, file servers, and other important devices, from damage or data loss in a power outage.
- LiFePO4 Batteries- The battery system utilizes the superior stability and security of LiFePO4 batteries, boasting up to 3500 life cycles + up to 80%.
- Several Charge Options- You can charge the AC300 + B300 system using AC, solar, lead-acid battery, EV stations, generator, or car.
- 3000W Pure Sine Wave Inverter- The inverter can increase the charging rate from 1800W to 3000W on an AC wall outlet using a 30A charging cable.
3. BLUETTI EP900 + B500
The BLUETTI EP900 + B500 is the latest energy storage system released in 2023. The high power output of the system makes it a great investment for every home to cut down on electricity costs and to continue powering your home during power outages. The battery system is compatible with the existing solar panels.
Features
- High Capacity- The BLUETTI EP900 has an impressive capacity ranging from 10-20kWh and up to 9,000W of power capable of running 120V and 240V appliances and devices.
- High Performance- The BLUETTI EP900 comes with a 9kW inverter with a 120V or 240V output option, capable of powering high-wattage devices.
- 100% Modular Design- With EP900, you can expand the battery capacity with two EP900 to achieve power capacity of 39.6kWh.
- LiFePO4 Batteries- The EP900 and B500 adopts the latest LiFePO4 batteries for safety and optimum performance. The LiFePO4 batteries last up to six times longer than lithium batteries. Also, they have a long life span of up to 10 years.
- Easy to Operate- The EP900 + EB500 battery system is easy to use and control via your smartphone. Also, it provides information such as the charging status and power consumption so that you are not caught off-guard.
Final Thoughts
Wildfires are extensively destructive and can disrupt life in a major way, including power outages. The utility company will usually cut off the electricity in case of a wildfire to ensure the community's safety. Also, wildfires damage the electricity infrastructure, leading to equipment failure, thus the outages. It can take several days for power to be restored. That is why you should always stay prepared for such eventualities by having all the essentials ready and a backup power plan.
Consider investing in power backup solar generators to avoid blackouts in your home. The above-discussed solar power generators are high-capacity and keep your household running normally.
