Due to the ongoing extreme weather conditions in Philadelphia, the National Weather Service has issued a thunderstorm and tornado warning. As per the forecast, the state of Pennsylvania has a coastal flood advisory from August 18, 5 PM EDT to August 19, 5 PM EDT, which might result in power outages in Philadelphia, Atlantic City, and more. The NWS has also issued a flood watch for major parts of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware.
If you are currently in Philadelphia or planning to visit the great city of Brotherly Love, you must prepare your household for any unexpected power outages. To power or charge important household appliances, you can check out Jackery Solar Generators. These lightweight and portable solar generators are good enough to power emergency appliances like refrigerators, CPAPs, smartphones, and other important appliances.
Understanding the Thunderstorm Risks in Philadelphia
Severe thunderstorms and tornado warnings in Philadelphia can cause power outages primarily due to the high winds, heavy rainfall, and flooding. Extreme weather conditions can damage power lines, transformers, and other critical infrastructures.
High Winds & Rains
In and around the coastal regions, severe thunderstorms usually bring strong winds, which can exceed 58 mph. Such high winds can knock down trees, power lines, and poles, which are directly responsible for causing widespread outages.
Flash Flooding
According to the National Weather Service, Philadelphia County will have a coastal flood advisory that will remain in effect until August 20, 2024. As per the NWS, up to one-half-foot inundation above ground level in low-lying areas near shorelines is also expected.
Flash floods may swamp the power substations, leading to widespread outages and damage that can take days or even weeks to repair.
Given the ongoing flash floods and thunderstorms, PECO, which serves more than 1.6 million electric customers in southeastern Pennsylvania, has also warned of any sudden power outages. However, this won't be the first time that Philadelphia might experience several weather-related outages in recent years due to heavy rains, floods, and high winds.
Storms & High Winds of 2024
Earlier in January 2024, a powerful storm brought heavy rain, thunderstorms, and high winds. Due to the heavy rain and wind, travel and schools were majorly disruptive. Additionally, PECO reported 1,091 active outages that impacted 15,928 customers. Similarly, Atlantic City Electric also reported 1042 outages, impacting 6,578 customers.
47,000 Power Outages in 2024
The severe thunderstorm and damaging winds of July 2024 affected over 47,000 PECO customers. Similarly, 44,000 residents in Chester County were also affected, while Montgomery and Delaware counties reported significant but smaller numbers.
Heavy Rains & Flooding of 2023
In December 2023, Philadelphia experienced heavy rains that caused widespread flooding, road closures, and power outages across the major regions. Due to the widespread flooding, PECO reported 242 power outages that affected 8,500 customers. Similarly, Atlantic City Electric also experienced 500 outages that impacted 3,800 customers.
Preparing Your Home
When a thunderstorm warning is issued, most residents start taking proactive measures to prepare their homes to reduce the risk of damage and ensure their safety. Also, with proper preparation, they can ensure that they have backup electricity resources in case of extended power outages. Before your area is affected due to thunderstorms or flash floods, securing your property and gathering the necessary supplies is crucial.
Here's how to prepare your home in case of a power outage and thunderstorm
Secure Loose Items
Strong winds and heavy rain can turn outdoor items into dangerous projectiles that may risk the lives of pedestrians and animals. Whenever a flood warning is issued, always start the preparation by bringing in or securing patio furniture, garden tools, and decorations. If you have other large items, like a sitting bench, barbeque grill, or trampoline, that can't be moved indoors, then you must anchor them firmly to the ground using heavy-duty stakes or sandbags.
Ensure Adequate Insulation
Proper insulation can protect your home from water intrusion and maintain a stable temperature if the power goes out. Start by checking the windows and doors for gaps or cracks. If there are any, seal them with caulk or weather strips. This way, you can also ensure that your rooms are adequately insulated to prevent heat loss. You can further use the Jackery Solar Generator during any power outage to power emergency supplies.
Reinforce Windows and Doors
Heavy winds and rainfall may dent windows and doors, causing them to shatter suddenly. Whenever thunderstorm warnings are issued, you can install storm shutters or plywood over windows to help prevent this.
Trim Trees and Shrubs
If you have the right power tools and time in hand, prune any branches that could potentially break off and cause damage to your home or power lines. You can further remove dead or dying trees near your home. If you don't have an on-grid garden supply, you can use a Jackery Solar Generator to power garden equipment, like a leaf blower, leaf trimmer, hedge trimmer, etc.
Essential Supplies to Have on Hand
In addition to securing your home, having a stockpile of essential supplies is highly important to sustain you and your family during and after the storm. There are several important emergency supply checklists that you can follow at the time of any thunderstorm-related emergency. But for the sudden power outage in Philadelphia, you can have the following important essentials at home:
Flashlights & Batteries
Power outages are common during storms, so having multiple flashlights with spare batteries is essential. You can even opt for LED flashlights for longer battery life and brighter light. In case you need a portable power supply to light up the house, then you can connect the LEDs and other devices with your Jackery Solar Generator.
First-Aid Kit
In any or all sorts of emergencies, remember that a well-stocked first-aid kit can help you and your family members until a proper medical response team comes to you. You should include bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any prescription medications you or your family members may need in your first-aid kit.
Non-Perishable Food
Stock up on canned goods, dry foods, and snacks that don't require refrigeration or cooking. Whenever you are stocking up on non-perishable food and water, make sure that you have enough food to last at least three days for each family member and that you gather one gallon of water per person per day for drinking and sanitation.
Solar Generator For Power Supply
A solar generator or battery backup can power essential devices like phones, radios, and small appliances. You can go ahead with the Jackery Solar Generator during the power outage in Philadelphia, as it can power up multiple appliances in one go and can last longer, depending on the wattage requirement of your attached appliances.
Weather Radio
A battery-powered or hand-crank weather radio can inform you of the latest storm updates and emergency alerts. You can even subscribe to the National Weather Service updates or get notification alerts from your electricity providers to learn about the sudden power outage in your area.
How to Use a Solar Generator During Power Outage
If you are going ahead with a solar generator to power up your house during a power outage in Philadelphia, remember that there are a few processes that help in using and maintaining it.
- Setup:Always place the solar panels in direct sunlight, preferably during peak hours, which start at roughly 10 AM and last until 4 PM. Such peak hours will provide optimal and fast charging. Place the solar generator in a well-protected place near the solar panels. Once properly placed, connect the solar panels to the generator using the provided cables.
- Powering Devices:Once charged, connect your electronics to the generator's output ports. Most solar generators have multiple ports for different device types, including AC, DC, and USB. For instance, Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro has four AC Outputs and two USB-C Outputs to simultaneously power multiple devices.
- Monitoring:Check the generator's display for battery levels and power output. You can even track usage and charging status using the built-in display or mobile application.
How to Maintain a Solar Generator
It is crucial to maintain a solar generator properly to get the maximum benefit. Different methods can improve the lifespan of your solar generator, which also translates to quicker charging and powering.
- Regular Charging:Charge the solar generator even when you are not using it every few months to keep the battery in good condition. This prevents the battery from draining completely.
- Clean Solar Panels:Excessive dust and debris can reduce solar panels' efficiency. To ensure they function properly, you can wipe them down periodically with a soft cloth or even mild detergent.
- Store Properly:Store the solar generator in a cool, dry place. Avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures or moisture, as these conditions can damage the internal components. Several solar generator bags are available that will provide much-needed protection to your unit.
- Check Cables and Connections:Regularly inspect the cables and connectors for signs of wear or damage. If you find any damage to the cables, contact your solar generator's tech team and replace faulty parts immediately to prevent issues during operation.
Jackery Solar Generators For Power Outages
Jackery is an award-winning manufacturer of solar generators, portable power stations, and solar panels. It has won several accolades for its research and development in the field of solar energy.
In the interview with Jackery, Kent Hagood said about preparing for Texas power outages: "We have been hearing information about the weakness of the Texas power grid. I've been concerned about the process and how hot it has been this summer. I mainly purchased Jackery as a home emergency backup."
If you live in an area facing frequent power outages and are looking for affordable solar generators, you can check out the following best-selling solar generators from Jackery.
Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus
The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus provides a fume-free and whisper-quiet charging solution, ideal for indoor charging during emergencies. The unit features a 20 ms emergency power supply option, which ensures that all connected sensitive electronics will be powered almost instantly during a power outage.
|
Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus |
|
|
Capacity |
2042.8Wh |
|
Life Cycle |
4000 cycles to 70%+ capacity |
|
Battery Cell |
LiFePO4 |
|
Working Time of Appliances |
Refrigerator (800W): 2.17H CPAP (60W): 28.3H Smartphone (20W): 86.8H Portable AC Unit (1000W): 1.7H Leaf Blower (750W): 2.3H Coffee Machine (550W): 3.1H |
Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus Kit (4kWh)
If you live in a place that faces frequent power outages and are looking for an ideal solution that can power up 99% of your household appliances and that, too, for a longer period, then you can always check out the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus Kit (4kWh). This expandable unit from Jackery delivers a mega 4kWh—24kWh expandable capacity, ideal for powering household and construction-side power tools.
|
Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus Kit (4kWh) |
|
|
Capacity |
4085.6Wh |
|
Life Cycle |
4000 cycles to 70%+ capacity |
|
Battery Cell |
LiFePO4 |
|
Working Time of Appliances |
Refrigerator (800W): 4.3H CPAP (60W): 57.8H Smartphone (20W): 173.6H Portable AC Unit (1000W): 3.4H Leaf Blower (750W): 4.6H Coffee Machine (550W): 6.3H |
Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro
Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro is yet another powerful unit ideal for power outages, RV living, camping, and outdoor adventures. This unit features a pull handle and double wheels, making it extremely easy to carry it from one place to another. With a vast battery capacity and power output, Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro is ideal for powering 99% of appliances for extended periods.
|
Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro |
|
|
Capacity |
3024Wh |
|
Life Cycle |
2000 cycles to 70%+ capacity |
|
Battery Cell |
NMC |
|
Working Time of Appliances |
Refrigerator (800W): 3.2H CPAP (60W): 42.8H Smartphone (20W): 128.5H Portable AC Unit (1000W): 2.5H Leaf Blower (750W): 3.4H Coffee Machine (550W): 4.6H |
Preparedness Tips: During the Outage
When there is a reported power outage during a thunderstorm in Philadelphia, it's essential to stay calm and take immediate action to ensure safety and comfort. You can always start by checking whether the outage is isolated to your property or affecting the entire neighborhood. If there is a widespread outage, carefully unplug all the sensitive electronics to protect them from power surges. You can connect a Jackery Solar Generator to your refrigerator to preserve food for as long as possible.
It is also advisable not to use any electrical appliances or even landline phones, as lighting can cause electrical surges. You can even get a battery-powered radio to stay informed about the weather and any updates from the local authorities that will alert you regarding the power outages and their restoration.
Safety Tips to Prevent Accidents During a Power Outage
- Power outages during thunderstorms can create hazards, particularly in the dark. Here are some generic tips to prevent accidents during apower outage in Philadelphia:
- If you must use candles for light, place them in sturdy holders away from flammable materials.
- Using battery-powered flashlights or solar-powered flood lights over candles is highly recommended to avoid any unforeseen accidents.
- Using gasoline generators indoors, even in garages, is not recommended as they produce carbon monoxide.
Check Weather Updates and Power Restoration Efforts
Staying informed during a severe thunderstorm in Philadelphia is crucial for safety and planning. You can go ahead with a battery-powered or hand-crank weather radio to receive real-time updates from the National Weather Service, especially if cell towers are down. You can further sign up for local emergency alerts via text or apps that provide push notifications about weather conditions and power restoration efforts.
If you are a PECO customer, you can check out their official website for the latest updates on outages and estimated restoration times. The electricity provider also provides an outage map highlighting the current active outages and the number of customers it affects.
Special Considerations
During a tornado warning, families, elderly individuals, and pets require special attention to ensure their safety. Ensure your local family members have a predetermined safe area, such as a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor, away from windows.
Furthermore, it is also important to have an emergency kit ready with essential items like water, non-perishable food, medications, and important documents to keep safe in a tornado.
- For Elders:If you have elders in your house, ensure that their mobility aids, medications, and medical devices are accessible.
- For Infants and Children:Make sure that the infants and younger kids at home have their baby formula stocked up. Also, keep their diapers, medical supplies, and favorite toys handy for emergencies.
- For Pets:Always ensure that your pets are brought inside immediately. Before power outages or thunderstorms, prepare their carriers, leashes, and pet food. It's also advisable to comfort pets, as they can be easily stressed during severe weather.
Information on Local Emergency Services and Shelters
Philadelphia has specific emergency services and shelters that become operational during tornado warnings. The city's Office of Emergency Management (OEM) typically coordinates these efforts, providing updates on shelter locations and emergency services via local news outlets, social media, and its website. You can even use Philly311, which provides direct access to City government information and real-time service updates.
If you are looking for shelter or community centers during the flash flood in Philadelphia, then you can also check out the Philadelphia Red Cross. They have several offices and centers allocated in different regions that can help you out in your hour of need. Some of the common centers are:
|
Philadelphia Red Cross Center Name |
Address |
Phone Number |
|
Southeastern Pennsylvania Regional HQ and Philadelphia Chapter |
2221 Chestnut Street Philadelphia, PA 19103 |
215-299-4000 |
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Delaware Valley Chapter |
601 Westtown Road Suite 385 West Chester, PA 19382 |
610-750-8206 |
|
Red Cross House |
4000 Powelton Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19104 |
215-405-8800 |
Tips for Managing Without Power for an Extended Period
Managing without power for an extended period requires careful planning and resourcefulness. Here are a few handy tips that will help you manage without power during sudden outages in your region:
- Ration your food and water supplies and always focus on consuming perishable items first.
- Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. Consider using coolers with ice to extend the freshness of food.
- For heating or cooling, layer your daily clothing to get the much-needed warmth.
- Communication is crucial during such emergencies, so keep your smartphone and laptop charged using Jackery Solar Generator.
- Plug in your Jackery Solar Generator to your refrigerator, CPAP machine, radio, and other emergency appliances to easily sustain extended power outages.
Preparedness Tips: After the Storm
Returning home after a storm in Philadelphia requires caution and thoroughness to ensure your safety and minimize further damage. Before entering your home, it is highly recommended to follow the below-mentioned steps to ensure the proper safety of your being:
- Survey the Surroundings:Before you enter your resident or office area, carefully inspect the area for hazards like downed power lines, flooding, or gas leaks. If you find that your area is affected by all these, immediately contact the response team so they can conduct a thorough operation.
- Inspect the Interior:Upon entering the area after the storm, look for cracks or broken windows. Before you bring your children and pets inside the house, ensure you are examining the exterior for visible damage to the roof, walls, and foundation.
- Document the Damage:Never forget to document the evidence of the damage to your property. Such quick videos and photographs are crucial for insurance claims.
Report Power Issues Following a Tornado in Philadelphia
If your area is affected by a power outage, you must promptly report it to your service provider so they can expedite the restoration process. Contact PECO to report outages by calling their customer service line. For any power-related emergency, you can call 1-800-841-4141. The electric provider also offers an online form for non-emergency-related queries.
Furthermore, you can visit PECO's customer service office to report a problem in person. The PECO Customer Solution Center is open Monday through Friday. But in case of an emergency, it is highly recommended that you report it online so immediate action can be taken.
Call to Action
Some of the important Philadelphia's Emergency Management resources are:
Office of Emergency Management (OEM):
Email Address: oem@phila.gov
Contact Number: 311 (within Philadelphia) | (215) 686-8686 (outside Philadelphia)
Emergency Operations Plan
Website: City of Philadelphia’s Emergency Operations Plan
ReadyPhiladelphia:
To receive text alerts, SMS ReadyPhila to 888-777.
For warning: warning@phila.gov.
Always go the extra mile to help keep your community safe by sharing this informative guide with your neighbors and friends. Remember that spreading awareness about storm preparedness can make a significant difference in ensuring that everyone is ready to face severe weather.
Conclusion
Even though the monsoon is gone, several places in the United States still face light to medium flood warnings. Philadelphia happens to be one such place where the National Weather Service issues thunderstorm warnings. Staying prepared for thunderstorms and tornadoes in Philadelphia is crucial for ensuring safety and minimizing damage. Some of the important steps include securing your home, having essential supplies ready, and knowing how to stay informed and respond during and after a storm.
Another major aspect is to have a positive mindset during the power outage in Philadelphia. If you are facing an extended power outage and need an immediate power supply, it is recommended that you get a Jackery Solar Generator that will power your refrigerator, air conditioner, portable fan, smartphone, radio, and other important appliances.
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