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• If you are experience a power outage...
• If you are outside...
• Important telephone numbers

Power outages are frequent during or after a storm. The following safety tips will help you to be prepared for the inconveniences that power outages can bring for you and your family:

Be prepared…
Prepare an emergency kit including:

• Battery-powered radio
• A flashlight
• Additional batteries
• Bottled water and canned food
• Manual can opener
• Candles and matches
• First-Aid kit
• A standard telephone that doesn’t require electricity

Prepare an emergency telephone list to contact the police, fire department, hospital, electric cooperative, local emergency management office. Include your address and telephone number on this list. REMEMBER…cordless phones don’t work without power.

Protect your belongings. If you are at home and your area is under weather alert for severe storms, shut off or unplug any sensitive electronic equipment such as TVs and computers to protect them from power surges.

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If you are experiencing a power outage…
Verify if you are the only one in your neighborhood without power. If that’s the case check your breaker box to make sure all breakers are in the ON position. If you still don’t have power, call your electric cooperative to report the outage. Don’t assume your electric cooperative knows you are without power.

Make sure to turn off all appliances, especially any heat-producing electric equipment such as electric stoves, toaster ovens, irons or hair curlers. Leave one light fixture on so you’ll know when power is restored.

Keep candles away from furniture, curtains, or any other flammable material. Never leave children alone in a room with a burning candle or open flame. Never leave an open flame unattended.

Never try to use gas stoves, charcoal or briquette grills or camp stoves to heat your home. They are designed to be used only outdoors where there is enough ventilation. If you use them indoors you will rapidly eliminate the amount of oxygen and increase the carbon monoxide inside your home. Carbon monoxide causes serious intoxication problems and even death.

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If you are outside…
Stay away from any downed lines including power, telephone or cable TV lines. Do not touch any object that is in contact with downed power lines and can transmit electricity, such as water and metal.

Never drive your car over power lines. If a power line falls over your car while you are driving, stay inside your car until you receive appropriate help.

Important Telephone Numbers
Emergency: 911
Electric Cooperatives: Check for your local cooperative’s phone number.

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