FAQ

Our region can produce some extreme weather conditions, regardless of the season. With that in mind, here are some tips for being prepared and staying safe at home in the event of an extended outage.

Supplies

• Water: At least one gallon per person, per day for drinking and sanitation. Don’t forget the pets.
• Food:  Non-perishable, especially items that don’t require cooking. A hand-operated can opener is helpful.
• Lighting: Flashlights, candles and matches.
• Telephone: Cordless phones won’t work during an outage, so have a corded phone available. Make sure cell phones are fully charged if outages are possible.
• Communications: Have your mobile devices fully charged if outages are imminent so you can stay in the know. A battery-powered radio is also helpful.
• Medical: First-aid kit ready with any needed medical supplies, and filled prescriptions.
• Personal sanitation: Moist wipes, hand sanitizer and garbage bags.
• Tools: Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities.
• Batteries.
• Battery-powered or wind-up clock.
• Extra blankets.

Safety Tips

• Stay away from downed power lines, and call us immediately to report one.
• Don’t touch a person or object in contact with a power line; the electric current could flow through you.
• Stay inside your car if it comes in contact with a power line.
• Turn off all appliances during an outage to avoid a circuit overload when power is restored. Leave on one lamp to alert you to restoration.
• Never leave burning candles unattended.
• Keep freezer and refrigerator doors closed. Food will stay frozen for 36 to 48 hours in a fully-loaded freezer, and about 24 hours in a partially-filled freezer.

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