Staying Prepared and Safe During Power Outages
Power outages can occur unexpectedly and being prepared can alleviate much of the associated stress and potential danger. Read the following guidelines to better equip yourself and your family for unforeseen power loss, with a focus on safety measures, essential items to have on hand, understanding the causes of power outages, and specific advice for people with disabilities.
What to Do If the Power Goes Out
- Inspect your fuse or breaker box for blown fuses or tripped breakers.
- Investigate if the outage is affecting your neighbors.
- Report the outage promptly, providing necessary details.
- Switch off all electrical devices and appliances to prevent damage upon power restoration.
- Stay updated through a battery-powered radio or South Central Power Online.
- If your lights behave abnormally when power is restored, disconnect the power and make a call for help.
Essential Items to Keep Handy
- Flashlight
- Battery-powered radio and extra batteries
- Bottled water
- Battery-powered or wind-up alarm clock
- Manual can opener
- Paper plates, plastic utensils, standard or cell phone, first-aid kit, non-perishable food items, medications, blankets, bedding or sleeping bags, phone numbers of law enforcement offices, and emergency management agencies.
Downed Power Line Safety
- Report any downed power lines immediately, maintaining a safe distance and keeping children and pets away.
- If a power line falls across your vehicle, stay inside until help arrives.
- Remember, if a power line is touching someone, do not attempt to help. Call 911 immediately. Your safety and the safety of others is of utmost importance during power outages.
Causes of Power Outages
- Trees
- Digging
- Lightning
- Animals and Birds
- Auto Accidents
- Equipment Failure
Specific Guidelines for People with Disabilities
- If medical life support equipment is used: Consider a back-up generator for extended outages.
- If a motorized wheelchair or scooter is used: Keep an extra battery and consider a lightweight manual wheelchair backup.
- If visually impaired: Store a talking or Braille clock or large-print timepiece with extra batteries.
- If you have hearing loss: Consider a battery-operated television set for emergency broadcasts with American Sign Language or open captioning.
Generator Safety
- Operate your generator in a well-ventilated outdoor area.
- Use appropriately sized, three-prong, grounded extension cords in good condition.
- Allow the engine to cool before refueling.
- Never attach a generator directly to your fuse or breaker panel; a transfer switch must be installed.
- Always follow your generator’s operating manual instructions.