By Art Nash
Many parts of Alaska are getting hammered with heavy snow. In addition, heavy winds in some areas are bringing down large tree limbs. These conditions are likely to lead to periodic power outages, which may take anywhere from a few hours to days to be restored.
With such wild weather, many people decide to make their own power and conserve what they have on hand when the power goes out.
If you are using a generator during a power outage, you’ll want to be sure to run the engine portion outside any confined space where people will breathe because of the carbon monoxide in the exhaust. In fact, having a dedicated carbon monoxide alarm on hand for outages isn’t a bad idea, as any combustion from devices may contaminate the ambient air.
You’ll want to have plenty of cords, with the right plugs for the generator outlets, to deliver the power into the house to operate individual appliances if you don’t have a complex transfer switch connected to your breaker box. Whatever the fuel source (gasoline, diesel, natural gas, propane, wood), you want to make sure that heaters, ovens and lighting combustion devices have flue or smoke stack exhaust.
Though there are heaters that are “indoor safe,” they will still use the oxygen in the room for combustion. The better ones have an oxygen depletion sensor that will shut the heater down when the oxygen supply is below a certain percentage. The only exception is solar generators, which don’t require combustion to power the batteries and have no exhaust. Depending on how cold it is outside, a cracked window for fresh ventilation is a good idea, provided it isn’t near the combustion-operated generator exhaust plume.
You also want to make sure fireplace or wood stove flues that are not regularly used are clear of blockages. Make sure that you are able to get a draft that is consistent, and that pulls the exhaust outward. You want to make sure that you are warm, can cook and have adequate lighting absent any respiratory dangers. Pick your equipment well, and be ready.
Art Nash is the statewide energy specialist with the UAF Institute of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Extension. You can reach him at 907-474-6366 or alnashjr@alaska.edu with any questions.
