Power Failures

A power failure is any interruption or loss of electrical service due to disruption of power generation or transmission caused by an accident, sabotage, natural hazards, equipment failure, or fuel shortage. These interruptions can last anywhere from a few seconds to several days. Power failures are considered significant problems only if the local emergency management organization is required to coordinate the provision of food, water, heating, etc. as a result. Power failures are common with severe weather and winter storm activity. Significant power outages occur, on the average, about every five years, affecting as much as 20% of the population.