Outage Preparation Tips

Be Prepared – Making It Through a Power Outage

While your electric service is generally reliable, extreme weather conditions and other factors can lead to a temporary loss of power. To make sure your family is safe and comfortable during an extended outage, it’s best to be prepared. The following checklists will help you be ready before the power goes out and guide you on what to do during and after an outage.

Before a Storm

• Make sure flashlights, battery-powered lanterns, or other sources of light are readily available.
• Check that your flashlight and radio batteries are fresh.
• Have an adequate supply of medicine, first aid items, and baby necessities.
• Homeowners with wells should draw an emergency water supply in case power to their electric pumps is interrupted.
• Keep a supply of bottled water, non-perishable food, batteries, and firewood on hand.
• Make sure pets are current on vaccinations—shelters may require proof. Keep a recent photo, ID collar, leash, muzzle, and any necessary medications.
• Consider relocating yourself and your family—especially those with special needs—if an extended outage is expected.
• If you evacuate, shut off your electricity at the breaker box.

An example of an outage preparation kit.

During the Storm

• Get inside a building and stay away from windows. Flying debris can cause injury.
• Avoid using the phone or running water during lightning storms.
• Do not stand in water or take a bath/shower—lightning currents can travel through plumbing and phone lines.
• Open freezers and refrigerators only when absolutely necessary.
• Listen to local radio for outage updates—we make efforts to keep stations informed.
• Turn off HVAC systems and unplug sensitive electronics such as TVs, microwaves, and computers.
• Turn off your electric range to avoid damage if you’re not home when power is restored.
• Wait 5–10 minutes after power is restored before turning appliances and systems back on.

After the Storm

• Check for electrical hazards such as frayed wires, sparks, downed lines, or burnt smells. Don’t turn the power on until it’s inspected by professionals.
• Treat all downed power lines and poles as live and dangerous. Never touch them—report immediately to URECC.
• Repairs inside your home must be made by a licensed electrician. URECC can only repair lines up to your house, not internal wiring.
• If neighbors have power but you don’t, you may have a blown fuse or tripped breaker. Never handle electrical panels with wet hands or while standing on a wet surface.
• If using a generator, operate it outdoors in a well-ventilated area. Never connect it directly to your home’s electrical system—it can backfeed into lines and endanger linemen.

Please Note

During a widespread outage, it may be difficult for us to give an exact restoration timeline. The length of time needed depends entirely on the extent of damage. Please know our employees are working around the clock—often in harsh conditions—to restore service to all members as quickly and safely as possible.