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 Hurricanes,
ice storms, tornadoes and severe thunderstorms are capable of causing complete destruction
to large portions of our electric system. It takes time to clear away debris, deliver
new poles, wire, transformers and other equipment, and do the actual rebuilding. Even
with an all-out effort, which is what you can expect from us, some customers could
be without power for days. That's why it is so important to take all necessary steps
if severe weather is forecasted. |
| Stay up-to-date on changing weather
conditions |
Know what the various weather
advisories mean and when you should begin your storm preparations. |
| Update your personal
list of emergency phone numbers |
Complete your Personal
Emergency Action Planner [pdf]. |
| Familiarize yourself with how
to report a power outage |
Have available our toll-free number (1-877-434-4100),
your customer account number (on your bill) and, if you live in a rural area on a
road with few cross streets, the 10-digit number that can be found on the nearest
utility pole. |
| Set refrigerator and freezer controls
to coldest settings |
If there's a power outage, the food will
be colder and last longer. Remember to keep the doors shut during the outage and to
reset the controls when power is restored. |
| Plan how you will feed your family |
Without power, it may be difficult to
prepare meals at home. If outages are widespread, or travel is dangerous, restaurants
may not be available. If you have an outdoor gas grill, make sure you have a sufficient
fuel supply. |
| Plan for alternate lodging |
Without power in the winter, you may not
be able to heat your house sufficiently to stay warm. |
| Learn how to manually open and
close any garage door, security door or gate |
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| Fill bathtub with water |
If you have well water, the electrically
powered pump will not operate and you'll need the water from the tub to flush toilets.
(Take necessary precautions with small children.) |
| Fill your car's gas tank |
It could become necessary for you to evacuate
and travel to a safer location. Gas stations may be without power, too. |
| Fully charge your laptop and cell
phone |
If you have a portable computer with a
working Internet connection, and/or a cell phone, you'll have additional ways of communicating
and getting information during a storm emergency. |
| Know the radio stations that cover
your local area |
During a power outage, you can keep up-to-date
on changing conditions in your area with a battery-powered radio. |
| Flashlights |
Keep these within easy reach
of family members. |
| Battery-powered radio |
Tune in for weather information, public
safety advisories and power restoration updates. |
| Extra batteries |
Have an extra supply for your flashlights and radio. |
| Candles and matches |
If needed, use with extreme care, especially
around children. |
| Hard-wired or fully-charged cell
phone |
If the base station of your cordless phone
plugs into the wall, your phone will be unusable during a power outage. |
| Containers of drinking water |
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| Non-perishable food |
Check freshness dates and replace if necessary. |
| Manual can opener |
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| Paper plates, plastic utensils |
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| Cash |
ATMs and credit card readers could be out
of service if power or telecommunications lines are down. |
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