Emergency
Storm
Power Outage
Long Term Outages
Emergency Plan
Prepare Your Home
Portable Heaters
Basement Flooding
After A Storm
Other Resources
What to do during a Power Outage
Report your outage right away.
If your power goes out, call your utility company. This will help get the crews started on the outage repairs faster. Please call only once so other customers can get through.
Unplug as many appliances as possible.
Turn off all electrical equipment, including your water heater, electric furnace or heaters, stove, washer and dryer, stereo and TV, computer equipment, to help prevent overloading the system when power is restored. (Major appliances can be turned off at the breaker box.) Do however,
turn on a porch light
and one inside light so you and your electric utility crews will know when service is restored.
After the storm has passed, plug in and turn appliances on one at a time.
If your lights are extra dim or extra bright after the power is restored, turn off the power at the breaker or fuse box and call your electric utility.
Avoid downed power lines.
Check the area for downed power lines when you first go outside. If you see one, notify your electric company immediately.
Don’t allow anyone to touch or drive over a power line - even an experienced electrician or electric company lineman can't tell if a line is energized just by looking at it. Always assume a downed line is dangerous, even if it's not jumping or sparking.
Use extreme caution when cleaning up storm damage on your property.
Downed or damaged power lines can send electrical currents through tree branches and metal fences, so survey the area carefully - especially if you'll be using a pruning pole, ax or chainsaw.
Do NOT use candles for lighting.
Using candles during a power outage poses
too great a risk of fire
. If you must use candles, put them on a solid and stable non-combustable surface, out of the reach of children and pets.
NEVER leave a candle burning when leaving a room or going to bed.
Do NOT enter a flooded home or building.
If your
home or business is flooded
, never enter standing water unless you’re
absolutely sure
the main power has been shut off.
Do NOT attempt to assist emergency and utility crews.
Electricity can be dangerous
. If you really want to help recovery and clean-up efforts, contact your
local Red Cross
to see where help is most needed.