Utility Breakdown
Minnesotans take natural gas, electricity, phone, drinking water and sewage treatment systems for granted, considering them fundamental to daily life. When these systems are damaged or break down, the results can range from temporary inconvenience to total catastrophe. Electric and telephone lines can snap in a serious windstorm. A backhoe can hit and break a natural gas line. Major system overloads have knocked out power in multiple states for days and weeks, posing threats to health and public safety. The 2003 East Coast blackout affected 40 million Americans and 10 million Canadians, at a cost of $6 billion dollars.
A mid-October 2006 shutdown of natural gas to the city of Buffalo in Wright County lasted for more than a week. The natural gas supplier went door-to-door to turn on gas meters and light furnaces, with priority to organizations and individuals most vulnerable to the 25-degree evening temperatures.
Be prepared for a utility breakdown. If any utilities break down, you'll have to do without until they're back up and running.
- Go to Get Prepared and create a family communication plan that includes a Stay Plan and build a 1-month emergency kit to be ready for a utility breakdown.
- Print the Utility Breakdown Checklist (PDF) and discuss this information with your family.
Utility Breakdown Resources
- Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)
Drinking Water Safety in Emergencies (external link)
Food Safety in Emergencies (external link)