When the Lights Go Out
- In a major storm, assume you may be without power for some time. Until power is restored, shut off and unplug electronic equipment and appliances with compressors, motors or heated surfaces.
- Although priority is given to restoring power in life support situations, no one can guarantee uninterrupted service. If special medical equipment is required, you should make advance arrangements for either backup power or temporary relocation.
- In an outage, the restoration of power follows an orderly process that typically starts at the substation. If the problem can be corrected there, power may be restored to a large number of people quickly.
- From the substation, maintenance crews work their way down feeder lines before tackling lateral lines that supply smaller groups and individuals.
- Finally, the most time-consuming work can occur when secondary lines, those between the transformer and meter, suffer damage across a wide area. Repairs beyond the meter are typically the customer’s responsibility.
Preparations & Precautions
A few preparations can help the members of your household better cope with the inconveniences of an extended outage. Here are a few suggestions:
- Frozen foods that have been properly stored can still be safe after 24 hours without power while refrigerated foods may spoil in less than 2 hours.
Click here to read USDA’s food safety guidelines.
- Keep a supply of fresh batteries on hand for flashlight, clock and radio use.
- Have containers of water ready for drinking and sanitation purposes.
- Know how to manually open your electric garage door.
- Make sure any source of backup heat is designed for indoor use.
Subscribe to www.nixle.com to stay informed with outage updates and up-to-the-minute advisories.
When a portable generator is used, it must be disconnected from the main power line. Otherwise current can be fed back through the transformer and cause a serious hazard to maintenance crews. Consult the National Safety Council's Tips for the Safe Use of Portable Generators.
- Use caution going outside after a storm. Power lines could be down and hidden by debris! Never attempt to touch or move power lines! Keep children and pets away!
If a member of your household depends on medical equipment for life support, notify the REA office at once; do not wait for an emergency.