Winter Preparedness

Inclement Winter Weather

As extreme winter weather invades our service territory, we urge members to be prepared in the event of major wide-spread outages on our electric distribution system. During the winter months, we’ve experienced outages due to a variety of reasons:

  • Heavy, wet snow on trees
  • Ice on power lines
  • Windy conditions causing trees or poles to break
  • Vehicle accidents due to icy road conditions

 

Power Outages

In the event of wide-spread power outages with chilling temperatures, we want to ensure our members are prepared. There are a two ways to report power outages:

  1. Call our 24/7 power outage line at (888) 928-2232
  2. Report the outage through your SmartHub account

Please do not report power outages on Facebook. Our Facebook page isn’t monitored 24/7. By calling (888) 928-2232, or by reporting the power outage through your SmartHub account, ensures we are notified and we can get a crew dispatched as soon as possible.

To view current power outages, visit our online map viewer. Every week of the year, we have linemen on call to respond to any outage related issues. As we monitor weather patterns and time frames of when to expect severe weather, additional crews are ready to respond. We’re also in contact with our right-of-way tree trimming crews to assist as well.

 

SAFETY TIPS

Stay Off Roads
Anytime we experience inclement weather, we encourage members to stay off the roads and avoid heavily impacted areas. Line crews and emergency personnel get to work as soon as it’s safe to do so to assess damage and work to restore power as quickly and safety as possible.

Never Approach Downed Lines
Remember to never approach a downed power line, damaged utility equipment, or trees leaning on power lines. Although we can’t see or hear electricity, these situations pose a great threat and can be extremely dangerous, and even life threatening.

Be Cautious With Generators
It’s great to be prepared with a generator in case you experience an outage, however, be sure your operating it correctly and safely. Never run a generator inside your home as this could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. Never try to power your home by plugging a generator into a wall outlet. This is known as back feeding, and it could electrocute a neighbor or a linemen working to restore power.

Have An Emergency Kit Ready
Be sure to stock up on supplies before inclement weather gets to our area. We encourage all members to have an emergency kit at home to be prepared for extended power outages. While you’re at it, put together an emergency kit for your vehicle as well. Here is a list of items to include in your emergency kit:

  • Water
  • Non-perishable food & a can opener
  • Flashlights
  • First-aid kits/medicine
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Wireless phone chargers
  • Batteries
  • Blankets and pillows
  • Extra clothing
  • Extra pet food

 

WARMING CENTERS

If you’re experiencing an extended power outage and are seeking shelter, please visit this website and enter your zip code to find a warming center near you.