Know how to report an outage to your power company.
Store a supply of bottled water and easy-to-prepare, non-perishable foods.
Keep cell phones and mobile devices charged.
Customers with landlines should keep a corded phone to report outages if cell phones lose power.
Have a flashlight with fresh batteries on each floor of your home.
Customers requiring refrigeration for medication or electricity for medical equipment should have alternate arrangements in place in the event of an extended power outage.
Find a local cooling center or visit a community center or library
Know the signs of heat stroke or heat exhaustion
Power Outages During Cold Weather
During severe winter weather, the primary concern is the potential loss of heat, power, telephone service or a shortage of supplies if the storm or weather conditions continue for more than one day. Prepare by having the following items available:
Flashlight and extra batteries
Battery-operated NOAA weather radio and portable radio to receive emergency information; these may be your only links to the outside
Extra food and water; high-energy food and food requiring no cooking or refrigeration is best
Extra medicine and baby items
First aid supplies
Heating fuel
Emergency heating source (fireplace, wood stove, space heater, etc.)
Fire extinguisher and smoke detector
Downed Power Lines
Downed and dangling power lines are extremely dangerous and contact with live lines may result in serious injury or death. Consider all wires ENERGIZED and dangerous. Even lines that are de-energized may become energized at any time.
Stay at least 10 feet away from downed wires and NEVER attempt to remove trees or objects that are touching or near a downed wire. Never use any object to move a downed wire.
Electricity can travel through the ground. A live wire touching the ground can harm you even if you do not touch the wire.
If a broken power line should fall on your vehicle:
Stay inside the vehicle until help arrives, as your car may be energized.
Warn others not to touch the vehicle and have them call for help.
If you must leave the vehicle, jump as far away as possible with both feet landing on the ground at the same time. DO NOT touch the vehicle and the ground at the same time.
If someone makes contact with a downed power line, don't try to rescue them because you risk becoming a victim yourself. Call 911.
Generator Safety
If you have a power outage and decide to use a generator, be sure to use it properly and safely. For example, you should never use a generator inside an enclosed space, as carbon monoxide fumes can build up. To prepare for using a generator, follow these guidelines:
Read and adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions for safe operation.
Make sure you have enough fuel to last at least 24 hours.
Check oil levels and adjust as needed.
Do not store fuel indoors or try to refuel while it is running.
Do not overload the generator and use proper grounding.