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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. |
 Program your phone with our Customer Assistance
number (1-877-434-4100). If your cell
phone is Web-enabled, bookmark our home page: www.oru.com
Having emergency contact information at your fingertips will save some time and frustration if the lights
go out. |
Familiarize
yourself with how to report a power outage.
If your power goes out during a storm, you'll need to report it immediately.
1-877-434-4100: Follow
the voice prompts. O&R Web Site: From any computer or mobile device that has Internet access,
go to www.oru.com to submit an online Outage
Report Form. |
Know how to get storm recovery updates and estimated restoration times. O&R is employing new technologies to make it easier to for you stay in touch with us and keep up to date
on our storm restoration efforts and progress. |
Enroll in our Life
Support Equipment Program (LSE) if someone in your household depends on a life support device. LSE customers receive important information on preparing for power problems and a special 24-hour Hotline
Number to use during storms. |
Learn
how to manually open and close any garage
door, security door or gate that is electrically operated. |
Stay
up-to-date on changing weather conditions. Know what the various weather
advisories mean and when you should begin your storm preparations. |
Make
sure your cell phone is fully charged.
If you have a portable computer with a way to access the Internet when there's a power outage, make sure
that it, too, has a full charge.
Remember, if the battery in your cell phone dies down before your power
is back up, with the proper accessory, you can recharge it from your
car's 12 volt power outlet. |
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. |
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. |
Get
cash.
ATMs and credit card readers could be out of service if power or telecommunications
lines are down. |
Fill
your 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.) |
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. |
Gather these items:
Flashlights
Battery or hand crank-powered radio
Extra batteries
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, especially if your water comes from a well
Non-perishable food – Check freshness dates and replace if necessary.
Manual can opener
Paper plates and plastic utensils
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