Power is out and it's cold!

[vpsihop@hotmail.com]

So one million without power! Everything seems ok with the chids. I'll see in a few days.

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[bil]

Originally Posted by vpsihop@hotmail.com

Bil, I think butane heaters are dangerous in the home, carbon monoxide build up, but I think you mean for your greenhouse?

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Well, I was thinking of the catalytic burners, so that wouldn't be a problem, but thanks for the warning, I do realise how dangerous an un-catalysed one is.

[MattWoelfsen]

When you live in the upper Mid-west USA and you grow orchids, like I do, you limit your orchid hoard to those plants that are rated grow in cool-to-intermediate temperatures. So when events like power outages occur, no stress except to wait for the power to be restored!

When I bought my house, I asked my realtor to find me a home that had all of the utilities underground. I also wanted to be within a mile from an electrical sub-station. My realtor thought I was crazy, but I explained, that there is a one mile zone where statistically if your house is within that zone, the likelihood of loosing power diminishes the closer you are to an electrical substation. Of course, substations are unsightly but being about a mile away, I very rarely see this complex, unless I drive by it. I cannot remember the last time I experienced a power outage! But further away, in other neighborhoods, those communities suffered power outages. We experienced wind gusts of 61mph here in Fort Wayne. The damage would have been worse if the trees were fully leafed. As it were, about 60000 neighbors were out of power for a day or two.

[Dollythehun]

Originally Posted by MattWoelfsen

When you live in the upper Mid-west USA and you grow orchids, like I do, you limit your orchid hoard to those plants that are rated grow in cool-to-intermediate temperatures. So when events like power outages occur, no stress except to wait for the power to be restored!

When I bought my house, I asked my realtor to find me a home that had all of the utilities underground. I also wanted to be within a mile from an electrical sub-station. My realtor thought I was crazy, but I explained, that there is a one mile zone where statistically if your house is within that zone, the likelihood of loosing power diminishes the closer you are to an electrical substation. Of course, substations are unsightly but being about a mile away, I very rarely see this complex, unless I drive by it. I cannot remember the last time I experienced a power outage! But further away, in other neighborhoods, those communities suffered power outages. We experienced wind gusts of 61mph here in Fort Wayne. The damage would have been worse if the trees were fully leafed. As it were, about 60000 neighbors were out of power for a day or two.

Good thoughts, Matt. We are trying to remember where our substation is. We have never lost power for more than a few hours that I can recall. Still, I have my eye on a generator...Backups don't work if you forget to turn them on, though.

[Paphluvr]

Originally Posted by vpsihop@hotmail.com

Over 600K people without power, I'm in SE Michigan, probably gonna be cold, no power for awhile

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Yeah, that was one heck of a wind storm and now the temps are falling. Hopefully you'll get your power restored soon.

[MattWoelfsen]

Originally Posted by Dollythehun

Good thoughts, Matt. We are trying to remember where our substation is. We have never lost power for more than a few hours that I can recall. Still, I have my eye on a generator...Backups don't work if you forget to turn them on, though.

Dolly, a generator is a great backup. If you have natural gas service, check with the gas company to help you hook up to the gas service, that way you do not have to buy petrol during an outage. Also, you will most likely need an electrician to hook up those circuits in your home that you want to keep powered during outages.

This is the safest way to install a back up generator. People try to DIY but that literally back fires as someone, the electric company or codes could come along and either fine you or cause you to set up an inspection or issue a cease & desist until the paperwork is completed!

Also, wait to get this generator installed when the weather is stable and no one is looking for back up power. It is amazing how much more expensive a back up generator and technical services cost when there is high demand!

[Dollythehun]

Well said, Matt. Greenhouse is within the Chief's capability. Whole house is not..We already planned to do as you suggested. Thank you.

[Roberta]

There are small propane heaters that are rated as being safe in the house, if they run on a small cylinder of gas (like one would use for the torch used to sterilize tools) The big tanks are never OK in the house, but one could use the small heater indoors with a hose out a window to the tank. I live in a rather temperate area, but still keep a backup propane heater for the small GH that is powered with an electric heater, since power failures are not uncommon (old infrastructure) and multiple hours on a cold winter night could still be damaging.

[Cheddarbob14]

Oh boy do I have a ton to add to this thread. I work for uhhhhhh, a utility in SE MI, and get to climb poles and play with wires and electricity. Have a lot to say but not enough time right now, will chime in when I get a window of opportunity today

[Dollythehun]

Roberta, et al...Our small GH runs on propane because the utilities service charges were killing us. Paid even when no gas flowed. We have an electric heater as back up. However, said heater was not turned on when the propane tank ran.out, first thing this winter. I am a forgiving person. A bu generator would be a good idea.

We have been toying with a whole house system for the dwelling but, they are pricey and need a professional to install. So, that project is lower on the list.

Cheddarbob, my hat is off to you. Without you climbing those poles in dangerous conditions, people would freeze, food would spoil, and medical equipment wouldn't run. Thank you, even though you don't work for NIPSCO.