Gastonia Times

County of Gaston issued the following announcement on Dec. 26.

Thousands of Gaston County residents were without power during the day on Saturday, December 24, due in part to wind damage to power lines and other parts of the electrical grid infrastructure. 

Part of the power outages on Saturday were caused by rolling blackouts, instituted by Duke Energy due to the high demand on the power grid. With temperatures again expected to plunge into the teens overnight on Saturday and Sunday night, the Gaston County Office of Emergency Management and Fire Services is asking residents to be wise in their use of electricity over the next 48 hours.

Tips on conserving power include:

    Select the lowest comfortable thermostat setting and bump it down several degrees whenever possible. 

    Avoid using large appliances – this means appliances with a three-pronged plug, such as dishwashers, ovens and dryers – during high-demand periods like early winter mornings. 

    Shift non-essential activities, like laundry, to late evening hours, when power demand is lower. 

    Charge electric vehicles overnight. 

    If you have an electric water heater, limit the use of hot water as much as possible.

Emergency Management Director Kevin Gordon encourages residents to check on their elderly and homebound neighbors in times of power outages. If you are to experience a power outage, follow these guidelines:

    Keep freezers and refrigerators closed.

    Only use generators outdoors and away from windows.

    Do not use a gas stove to heat your home.

    Disconnect appliances and electronics to avoid damage from electrical surges.

    Have alternate plans for refrigerating medicines or powering needed medical devices.

    If safe, go to an alternate location for heating and cooking.                          

Original source can be found here.