Important Safety Tips

  • Use generators safely.

    If you are utilizing an emergency generator, it is very important to operate your generator properly to avoid dangerous back-feeding that could potentially injure you and/or a utility lineworker.

  • Teach everyone to be careful after storms.

    Be extra cautious if you go outside to inspect for damage after a storm. Downed or hanging electrical wires can be hidden by trees or debris and could be live. Never attempt to touch or move downed lines. Keep children and pets away from them.  

  • Have an emergency kit.

    Make sure you always have a well-stocked home emergency supply kit that includes flashlights, portable radio, extra batteries, a first aid kit, bottled water, non-perishable food and a manual can opener.

  • Check on your neighbors.

    Check with elderly or disabled relatives and neighbors to ensure their safety.

  • Use community resources.

    If you are in need of assistance please call 211 for information on community assistance such as food, water, shelter and cooling stations. If you have an emergency please call 911.

  • Be aware of carbon monoxide.

    Ensure that your Carbon Monoxide (CO) detectors are working correctly and have fresh batteries. Check your outside fuel exhaust vents, making sure that they are not obstructed. Never use cooking equipment intended for outside use indoors as a heat source or cooking device.

  • Maintain a water supply.

    If your water supply could be affected by a power outage (a well-water pump system), fill your bathtub and spare containers with water. Water in the bathtub should be used for sanitation purposes only, not as drinking water. Pouring a pail of water from the tub directly into the bowl can flush a toilet.

  • Keep food safe.

    During an outage, do not open the refrigerator or freezer door. Food can stay cold in a full refrigerator for up to 24 hours, and in a well-packed freezer for 48 hours (24 hours if it is half-packed). If you have medication that requires refrigeration, check with your pharmacist for guidance on proper storage during an extended outage.

  • Protect electronics.

    In order to protect against possible voltage irregularities that can occur when power is restored, you should unplug all sensitive electronic equipment, including your TV, stereo, smart devices, microwave oven, computers and garage door opener. Be sure to leave one light on, so you will know when power is restored.

  • Have an exit plan.

    Review the process for manually opening an electric garage door. Determine how long you can stay in your home without power. If someone in your home has a medical condition requiring electricity, it is important you make arrangements for where to go until your power is restored.

  • Heat up freezing pipes.

    If pipes freeze, remove insulation, completely open the faucet and carefully pour hot water over the pipes, starting where they are most exposed to the cold.

  • Shut off water valves.

    Know how to shut off water valves before a storm hits.

  • Stay warm.

    If you lose your heat, seal off unused rooms by stuffing towels in the cracks under the doors. At night, cover windows with extra blankets or sheets.