MID has an excellent reliability record, but despite our best efforts some power outages will happen. Power outages can be caused by a number of things including bad weather, trees contacting power lines or equipment, motor vehicle accidents, equipment failure, animals, balloons, and vandalism. Events throughout the western United States can also affect MID’s electric system. Closer to home, faulty wiring and equipment inside your home or business can cause a localized power outage.
Be Prepared
- Keep flashlights with fresh batteries in a convenient place. Don’t use candles since they can cause a fire.
- Keep cell phones charged and consider getting a portable charger for emergencies.
- Locate emergency release on garage doors, and practice safely manually opening and closing them.
- Keep refrigerator and freezers closed as much as possible while the power is out. Most modern refrigerators and freezers will maintain adequate cooling for several hours. For more information on food safety, visit Ready.gov.
- Have alternate plans for refrigerating medicines or using power-dependent medical devices.
- Only use generators outdoors and away from windows.
- Consider putting together an emergency kit. For tips on how to make an emergency kit, visit StanEmergency’s Make an Emergency Kit page.
- If the outage lasts more than 45 minutes, turn off heating and cooling appliances until after power has been restored for some time. This helps avoid overload from the high demand that is usually experienced right after power has been restored.
- During hot weather, a closed-up house often gets hotter. Move outdoors to a shady area or open doors and windows. Continue to drink plenty of water.
- Check for local cooling centers open near you.
- In cold months close drapes, doors, and windows to save heat. Isolate a warm room or fireplace-heated room. Do not use a gas stove or oven to heat your home.
Protect Your Electronic Equipment
- Protect your electronic equipment. Appliances, computers, printers, monitors, televisions, and other electronic equipment are sensitive to changes in electrical voltage. Any appliance that has electronic components or computer chips – even today’s ovens and toasters – is sensitive. Protect the electronic products you value with surge suppressors and uninterruptible power supplies (UPS).
- If power goes out, a UPS provides battery power at a constant voltage, giving you several minutes to safely turn off equipment.
- If your lights dim or flicker, immediately turn off all electronic equipment. Wait until the power is stable before turning the equipment back on.
Other Emergency Resources
- Stanislaus County Office of Emergency Services
- San Joaquin County Office of Emergency Services
- Power Outages | Ready.gov
- When the Power Goes Out | Natural Disasters and Severe Weather | CDC
Hazard Mitigation Plan
Modesto Irrigation District participates in Stanislaus County’s Office of Emergency Services (OES) Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan. This is a countywide plan that identifies the risks of disasters and outlines ways to minimize damage from those disasters. Please visit Stanislaus County’s OES website for more information.