Power outages can be frustrating, especially when you’re left in the dark − literally and figuratively − about what’s causing them. Over time, plenty of myths have circulated about why outages happen and how to deal with them, leaving many people confused.
Do you think lightning is the number one culprit? Or that you’re safe using a gas stove indoors during an outage? Think again. In this blog, we’re setting the record straight by debunking the top five myths about power outages, as well as giving some advice on what to do during a power outage.
By the end, you’ll be better prepared, informed and ready to handle the next blackout with confidence. Let’s bust some myths.
1. Lightning Strikes are the Main Cause of Power Outages
Many people believe that lightning strikes are the top reason for power outages, but that’s a myth. While lightning can cause disruptions, it’s far from being the main culprit. Here’s the reality:
- Modern power grids are designed to handle lightning strikes. Advanced surge protection systems and grounding techniques significantly reduce their impact.
- Tree damage is a bigger issue. High winds during storms often knock branches onto power lines, causing outages more frequently than lightning does.
- Equipment failures play a major role. Aging infrastructure, overloaded transformers, or faulty cables often lead to blackouts.
- Other natural events can be more disruptive. Heavy snow, ice storms, and flooding are often more damaging to power systems than lightning.
Understanding the true causes of outages can help you better prepare. While lightning strikes might seem dramatic, they’re just one small piece of the larger puzzle.
2. Power Firms Restore Urban Areas Before Rural Ones
It’s a common belief that power companies prioritise restoring electricity to urban areas over rural ones. However, this isn’t entirely true.
Restoration efforts are based on a strategic plan that focuses on safety, efficiency, and restoring the largest number of customers as quickly as possible − not on geography or favoritism.
Power companies typically address critical infrastructure first, such as hospitals, emergency services and water treatment facilities. After that, they prioritize repairs that will restore power to the largest groups of people at once, whether they’re in urban or rural areas.
Sometimes, rural areas may take longer to see their power restored because they are connected to smaller grids or harder-to-reach lines.
Understanding this process can help ease frustration during outages. If you live in a rural area, consider having backup plans, such as a generator, to stay comfortable while crews work tirelessly to get the lights back on for everyone.
3. Turning Off Appliances is Useless During an Outage
It’s a common misconception that turning off your appliances during a power outage doesn’t make a difference.
In reality, it’s an important safety measure. Here’s why:
- Prevents power surges: When electricity is restored, the sudden flow of energy can cause a surge that damages appliances still plugged in. Unplugging them protects your valuable devices.
- Reduces fire risks: Faulty or old appliances can overheat when the power returns, potentially leading to a fire. Turning them off eliminates this hazard.
- Helps stabilise the grid: After a widespread outage, a gradual restoration of power is essential. Leaving everything on can overwhelm the system.
- Keeps you informed: Leave one light on as an indicator. This way, you’ll know when the power is back without the risk of damaging appliances.
Taking a few minutes to unplug appliances can save you from costly repairs and ensure a safer return of power.
4. Power Outages Only Happen in Extreme Weather
It’s easy to associate power outages with storms, hurricanes, or other extreme weather events, but the reality is that outages can happen any time − and for a variety of reasons. While severe weather is a significant cause, it’s not the only culprit.
Equipment failure, vehicle accidents, animals interfering with power lines or even routine maintenance can lead to unexpected blackouts.
For example, a squirrel chewing through a transformer or a tree branch falling on a line during calm weather can disrupt your power. Additionally, planned outages for maintenance or upgrades to the power grid can leave you temporarily in the dark.
Being aware that outages aren’t exclusive to dramatic weather events can help you stay prepared year-round.
Keep flashlights, extra batteries, and non-perishable food on hand at all times − not just during storm season. You’ll be ready for any outage, no matter the cause or time of year.
5. You Can Safely Use a Gas Stove or Generator Indoors During an Outage
Some people think it’s fine to use a gas stove or generator indoors during a power outage, but this is a dangerous myth. Here’s why:
- Risk of carbon monoxide poisoning: Gas stoves and generators emit carbon monoxide (CO), an odorless, colorless gas that can be deadly if it builds up indoors. Ventilation is often not enough to prevent harm.
- Fire hazards: Using gas appliances or generators improperly increases the risk of fires, especially in confined spaces or near flammable materials.
- Health concerns: Even if CO poisoning is avoided, gas appliances can produce harmful fumes that irritate the eyes, nose, and throat.
- Safety guidelines exist for a reason: Generators should always be used outdoors, far from windows and doors, and gas stoves should never replace proper heating.
During a power outage, prioritise safety by sticking to approved methods for cooking and staying warm. It could save your life.
Ignorance Keeps You in the Dark
Power outages can be frustrating, but understanding the facts helps you stay safe and prepared. By debunking these common myths − like lightning being the main cause or thinking it’s fine to use a generator indoors − you can make smarter decisions during a blackout.
Whether it’s unplugging your appliances to prevent damage or knowing that restoration priorities are based on efficiency, not location, every bit of knowledge counts. Power companies work hard to restore electricity, and your preparation can make the process smoother.
Share this blog to spread the facts and help others navigate outages confidently and safely. Together, we can bust the myths.
