The explanations given are completely correct. Here is a workaround
for the 120-volt devices only:

Using a lamp or hair dryer (something portable) find out which outlets
are still powered. For your critical appliances (refrigerator,
freezer) it is possible to use a 12-guage extension cord of the
shortest possible length to power the appliance from an outlet that
still works until the power company restores full service.

On Tue, 01 Aug 2006 16:57:19 -0400, "Percival P. Cassidy"
wrote:
During an electrical storm one half of my house lost electricity while
the other half did not.
All the residential electrical installations I've seen are a "split
220/240 volt" arrangement: dryer, electric range, central A/C run off
220 or 240 volts; of the 120 volt devices (e.g., lights, regular power
outlets, dishwasher), some will run off one "half" (or "leg") of the
220/240-volt supply, others off the other "half" (or "leg"). Typically,
adjacent breakers in your electrical panel will be on different legs of
the supply.

Perce