Q: What happens at the hospital when the electricity goes out because of a storm?

Answer:

Hospitals are very dependent on electricity just as you are at home or school. Hospitals use electricity for many purposes-for everything from electrical lights, air conditioning, x-ray machines to life support equipment.

It is seldom that electricity goes off in a hospital due to thunderstorms, but severe weather such as hurricanes and ice storms can cause an electrical power outage.

Durham Regional has emergency standby electrical generators to supply electrical energy when loss of utility electricity occurs. Special electronic sensors monitor the electrical voltage produced by the power company. When these sensors detect a power outage, they automatically start large diesel engines that drive electrical generators and within seconds electricity is restored to patient care areas within the hospital.

Power outages typically do not last more than a couple of hours, thanks to local power companies such as Duke Energy who give health care institutions and hospitals top priority in restoring utility electrical power.

Larry B. Holder, Assistant Director Engineering Services

Activities:

1. Look in today’s edition of The Herald-Sun and find an article about power outages. Read about what was done to correct the problem.
2. Make a list of items you would need to have in case of a power outage. Compare your list with your classmates and revise your list to make it as complete as possible. Share your list with your family.