There are many causes of power outages - wind, ice and snow, transmission lines, lightning, construction damage to underground lines, traffic accidents affecting power poles, equipment failure and more.

The storm might be over, but the work of Firelands Electric Cooperative in restoring service is just beginning. It's a big job that involves a lot more than just throwing a switch or pulling a tree limb off a line. Firelands' main goal is to restore power safely to the greatest number of members in the shortest time possible.

Major storms or other natural disasters sometimes cause major outages - affecting a large number of customers over an extended period of time. In general, Firelands defines a "major outage" as one that lasts more than 24-hours and requires the extra assistance of utility crews from outside the local area.

Please remember that not all outages are repairable by Firelands. If the problem involves the transmission lines and substations which bring power to your Cooperative but are owned by other utilities, Firelands has to depend on them to make their repairs.

Here are several storm-related facts and tips to assist you during a power outage situation: