Unplug sensitive electronics like TVs, computers and printers. Turn power strips off.
If you see a downed wire, please stay at least 25 feet away from it, and anything it is touching. Once you’re safe, call 9-1-1. Then call us at 800-477-5050.
Call 9-1-1 first if you or anyone near you is at risk. Then alert us next by calling 800-477-5050.
The best way to get outage updates is by signing up for alerts. We also communicate actively online, so follow us on Facebook or Twitter.
Once you have reported an outage to us, it’s easy to return to the online Outage Center and check on your Estimated Time of Restoration. Restoration times are estimated and may change as new information becomes available, like when crews on the ground accurately assess the situation.
During a storm, please limit phone calls to reporting emergencies only. That helps keep network congestion down so we can concentrate on restoring power quickly and safely. Rather than phoning us, you can get outage alerts sent to you whenever there is new information. Sign up for alerts.
Always have an emergency battery or charging station at hand for use during an outage. Conserve phone batteries by reducing screen brightness and using "airplane" mode.
Create a preparedness kit for your car and home. Things to include: Water and canned food, plus a manual can opener. Blankets, flashlights and batteries and a battery-operated radio are also a good idea.
Keep non-perishable food items, a manual can opener and plenty of bottled water on hand.
Keep the appropriate batteries on hand for flashlights, phones and other devices.
Make sure to keep flashlights in a known place where you can find them.
Don't use candles during a storm, as they can be a major fire hazard.
Keep your porch light switched on so crews can see when power is restored. Leave an indoor lamp turned on so you will know when power is restored.
Visit www.foodsafety.gov to learn about food safety guidelines. Be sure to discard food that has become unsafe.
Generators can be great to have during an outage, but they can also be dangerous - to you, and to our repair crews. Read and follow our tips for safe operation.
If someone in your home relies on life-support equipment, be prepared. Install a generator to provide emergency power, and enroll in the American Red Cross Identification Program.
Keep emergency contact information and important numbers somewhere easy to find.
Avoiding non-essential travel helps roads stay clear for restoration crews and keeps you clear of hazardous areas.
If you anticipate severe weather, it is a good idea to have at least a half tank of gas in your car. Keep an extra container of gas somewhere safe where you can access it in an emergency.
Reset programmed clocks, thermostats and appliances. Check major appliances to ensure they are working properly.
If it's safe to do so, bring in outdoor furniture. It can blow away and cause damage during high winds. Anchor large objects such as grills.
Let faucets drip a little to help prevent pipes from freezing. Prepare for cold weather by insulating your pipes.
Food will stay cold in a closed fridge for up to 24 hours, and for up to 48 hours in a freezer.
Review the process for manually operating your electric garage door and other devices you may need.
Plan what to do if an outage lasts for more than a few hours. It's a good idea to make separate plans for outages that last a day or two, or those that might last longer.
Develop plans to ensure critical business processes can continue during a power outage or emergency.
If you have equipment that cannot be disrupted for even short periods, be sure to use an uninterruptible power supply or a generator.
Plan how you would get in contact with customers, employees and suppliers in an emergency.
Plan how you would serve your customers, employees and suppliers if your facilities closed or you could not get to work due to outages or bad weather.
Employees are your most important asset – help keep them safe by encouraging them to prepare, stay safe and review these tips.
If it's safe to do so, check for damage to the mast that holds the electric service wires to your business or to the electric box. Report any damage.
Stay 25 feet away from a fallen wire and anything it's touching. If a wire falls on your car, stay inside until help arrives.
If a storm might affect your water supply, fill containers with safe drinking water. Fill the bathtub with water to use for cleaning and sanitation.