Are you ready? With the summer storm season upon us, Edison Electric Institute and its shareholder-owned member electric companies want to remind you about the importance of preparing for storms and other emergency situations. Taking simple steps now to prepare for emergencies in your home, business, and community can pay great dividends if, and when, an emergency situation occurs.
For example, if a storm is approaching, there are a few simple steps you can take to prepare for a possible power outage:
- Store at least a 3-day supply of non-perishable food that requires no refrigeration or cooking and uses little water;
- Charge your cell phone and any other electronic devices that need to be charged;
- Keep flashlights and extra batteries on hand;
- Post emergency telephone numbers, including the number of your local electric company to report outages, near telephones; and
- Turn down your air conditioning and keep all doors and windows closed.
Safety First
During and after an outage, “Safety First” is the highest priority for utilities and their customers. You should stay away from downed power lines or fallen trees and standing water, which could conceal live wires. Report downed power lines to your local utilities or call 911. If you are experiencing a power outage in hot weather, close the drapes and blinds on the sunny side of your house, drink plenty of fluids, take your pets to a cool basement location, and go to an air-conditioned civic center, mall, or library if necessary to stay cool.
Additional Resources
Explore EEI’s Web site to find out:
And, don’t forget to visit your local utility’s Web site for more guidance on how to prepare for storm season.