Van Buren braces for upcoming 12-hour power outage

VAN BUREN, Maine (WAGM) - If you live in Van Buren, you’ll lose power on Thursday. Van Buren residents will experience an extended power outage lasting up to 12 hours.

On Thursday the Van Buren Light and Power District will be replacing a malfunctioning substation transformer. So, officials have a few tips on how people can get through the extended outage.

Darren Woods, Director of the Aroostook Emergency Management Agency says, “It is a rough time of year to do it, but it is necessary. So, what homeowners need to be thinking about is what they can do at home to prepare. Some of the big things that we see that people forget is they’ll open and close their fridge a little too much. Things like putting freezer packs in your freezer and letting things freeze up. So, when the power does go out those packs can maintain the temperature within that unit. Keeping that unit closed as much as you can. That’s your freezer and your refrigerator and also thinking about things like well water. So, if you’re on a well that requires a pump and power for that well you have to think about the water you’re gonna need for drinking as well as for hygiene ahead of time.”

Since the temperature outside is getting colder, Woods also has some tips to keep residents warm during the outage. “You want to make you’ve got your home up to temperature. It might be a good idea to turn a couple of degrees higher than maybe you normally would have it. Just to let that cool down a little bit as you go through the outage. It’ll sustain you just a little bit longer. I’m positive Van Buren Light and Power will get that back on just as quickly as they can. So, we’re hoping that it’s gonna be less than a 12 hour, but people should really be prepared just in case.”

For those with generators, there are also some things to keep in mind.

“Making sure you do not run them inside. Keep your generator away from doors and windows and make sure you have good, working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors inside your home,” said Woods.

To help residents keep warm during the outage, the town of Van Buren will be opening a warming shelter at the town’s Community Center at 130 Champlain Street. Officials encourage residents needing a place to go during the extended outage should stop in and warm up.