Storm Guide

Before, During, & After the Storm:

Severe weather is an act of nature. When a destructive storm hits, it’s out of our hands. URECC, as an electric cooperative, may not be able to prevent the storm—but we are always on standby to begin repairs and restoration as soon as the weather clears. Just as URECC prepares in advance to serve its members, there are steps you can take to protect your family. Depending on the severity of a storm, outages could last a few hours—or several weeks. We hope this guide helps before, during, and after the storm.

How To Report an Outage

• URECC SmartHub App Download it from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
• Online via SmartHub Visit https://urecc.smarthub.coop/ui/#/login to log into your SmartHub account and report the outage.
• Text “OUT” to (855) 939-3744 This will work for members with only one meter on their account. If multiple meters are associated, URECC won’t know which location is out.
• By Phone Call (903) 680-2100 or (866) 804-1674.

During widespread outages, phone lines can be overwhelmed. To avoid long wait times or busy signals, we recommend using the SmartHub App or texting “OUT” to quickly and digitally report your outage to our dispatch team.

Before the Storm: How to Be Prepared

Major storm damage, such as from a tornado, can leave an area without power for days or even weeks. Be prepared for the possibility of an extended outage.

Things to Have When the Power Goes Out

1. Flashlights with spare batteries.
2. A battery-powered or hand-crank radio to stay updated on news and weather.
3. A cooler, ice, freezer packs, and non-perishable canned food (don’t forget a manual can opener!).
4. A fully charged cell phone and a backup battery (in case car chargers are unusable).
5. At least one gallon of drinking water per person, per day.
6. A first aid kit, prescription medications, eyeglasses, hearing aids, and other essential medical items.
7. Copies of important documents (IDs, insurance papers, etc.) and cash — card readers and ATMs may not work without power.

Create a Family Emergency Plan

1. Assemble a full emergency supply kit with the items listed above.
2. Discuss evacuation routes from each room and from your neighborhood.
3. Ensure all family members know how to contact each other even if phone service is down.
4. Make a checklist of what to do before leaving (e.g., turn off gas, flip breakers).
5. Have a plan for pets and livestock.
6. Designate a common meeting spot in case the storm hits when you’re apart.

Steps to Take If You Have an Outage

If you lose power during the storm, wait until the danger has passed before taking these steps. Your safety comes first.

1. Check your home’s electrical panel for a tripped breaker or blown fuse.
2. See if your neighbors also have no power.
3. Visit URECC.coop or open the SmartHub app and view the outage map (green shading shows the URECC service area).
4. If your outage is not shown, report it via SmartHub, text, online form, or by phone.

Step-by-Step: What Happens After an Outage Is Reported

1. The outage occurs.
2. A member reports the outage to URECC.
3. The report is sent to our 24/7 Control Center.
4. Operators send a signal to meters in the area to assess scope and cause.
5. Available crews are located using GPS and dispatched accordingly.
6. Crews are sent to investigate and begin repairs. Additional crews may be called in depending on storm severity.
7. Cause of the outage is located and addressed — this may take time if damage is in hard-to-access areas like woods, river bottoms, or swamps.