Outage Center

Emergency Preparedness and Storm Safety

Unplug electronic equipment before the storm arrives.
Avoid contact with corded phones and devices, including those plugged in for recharging.
Unplug appliances and other electric items such as computers, and turn off air conditioners. Power surges from lightning can cause serious damage.
Avoid contact with plumbing and bathroom fixtures. They can conduct electricity.
Stay away from windows and doors and stay off porches.
Do not lie on concrete floors and do not lean against concrete walls.
Avoid natural lightning rods such as a tall, isolated tree in an open area.
Avoid hilltops, open fields, the beach, or a boat on the water.
Avoid contact with anything metal — tractors, farm equipment, motorcycles, golf carts, golf clubs, and bicycles.

Identify safe travel routes and official shelters in advance.
Fill your vehicle's gas tank.
Install a generator for emergencies. Never use it indoors to reduce carbon monoxide exposure. Never plug it directly into an outlet. This can injure line workers.
If you evacuate, turn off gas, electricity and water.
Fill bathtub and other large containers with water for sanitary purposes such as flushing toilets.
Unplug small appliances.
Find alternate ways, such as ice chests, to keep food cold.
Be aware of downed power lines as they may be energized.

Stay Informed: Continue listening to local news or NOAA Weather Radio to stay updated about severe thunderstorm watches and warnings. More severe thunderstorms could be headed your way.
Contact Your Family and Loved Ones: Let your family and close friends know that you're okay so they can help spread the word. Text messages or social media are more reliable forms of communication than phone calls.
Assess the Damage: After you are sure the severe weather threat has ended, check your property for damages. When walking through storm damage, wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and sturdy shoes. Contact local authorities if you see power lines down. Stay out of damaged buildings. Be aware of insurance scammers if your property has been damaged.
Help Your Neighbor: If you come across people who are injured and you are properly trained if needed, provide first aid to victims until emergency response team members arrive.

If the power is out, keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed. Without electricity, a refrigerator will keep food safely cold for about four hours with the door closed.
A full freezer will hold its temperature for about 48 hours, but only 24 hours if it is half full.
Discard any perishable food that has been above 40°F for two hours or more. Never taste food to decide if it’s safe. Do not eat food if it does not smell right, is discolored, has a change in texture or feels warm to the touch.
Food in the freezer that is partially or completely thawed may be safely refrozen if it still has ice crystals or is at 40° F or lower.
For more information, please click here to visit the USDA's website.

When using a generator during an electrical outage, safety should be your top priority.

Always operate generators outdoors in well-ventilated areas to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Ensure the generator is placed at least 20 feet from your home, away from windows and doors.
Never connect a generator directly to your home’s wiring without a professionally installed transfer switch, as it can cause backfeeding, which endangers utility workers.
For extra protection, use a generator rated for the amount of power you need and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.

Stay safe during outages by keeping these tips in mind.