What to Do if Your Power Goes Out |
First, make sure the problem is not due to a blown fuse or circuit breaker in your home.
If it is not a fuse or circuit breaker, check to see if your neighbors have power. If they do not, please call us at 318-3101.
After you have reported the outage, turn off all appliances that turn on automatically when power is restored - including refrigerators, televisions, water pumps and furnaces.
Leave a light on so you will know when the power is back on.
Then, after power is restored, gradually reconnect appliances and reset clocks and timers.
Remember to consider all downed wires as ENERGIZED. Please keep your distance and report the downed lines.
Emergency Procedures for Hurricane or Severe Weather Threats |
Outside the House
Check for loose objects that could be blown away or blown against the side of the house. Normally harmless objects can become destructive in hurricane-force winds. Put away bicycles, children's toys, lawn furniture, garbage cans and lids, gardening tools, and other loose items.
Tie down objects that can't be stored inside.
Tie down awnings or take them inside.
Board up,tape, or put storm shutters on house windows or glass doors. (Tape won't keep a window from breaking, but it may prevent flying glass.)
To equalize pressure, open windows slightly on the side of the house away from prevailing wind force. Otherwise, windows could explode outward. (If necessary, line the opening with towels to absorb water.)
Drain your swimming pool if you have time.
Cut down any loose tree branches.
Cars
Fill your car's gas tank in case you need to evacuate later. Make sure the windshield wipers are working.
Park your car in a garage or shelter if you have one, or leave it on high ground where trees are not likely to fall. You should be able to get to the car if you need to evacuate.
Food and Water
Turn your refrigerator or freezer controls to the coldest setting, so food will stay cold longer if power fails.
Fill large containers with water. Before the hurricane strikes, turn off water so you can use water already in the pipes without fear of contamination.
Lighting
Candles are not a good source of lighting. They present a very real fire hazard at a time when a fire emergency vehicles and personnel may not be readily available. Instead of candles, please consider having a supply of flashlights and batteries on hand for emergency lighting.
Another source of lighting that does not create a hazard is cyalume light sticks. They do not provide a bright light, but are sufficient for moving about. Cyalume light sticks are available at most hardware stores.
Generators
Emergency generators must be installed by a licensed electrician and cannot be stored or operated in the home. Improperly installed generators could backfeed the electrical distribution system, which potentially could be fatal to any lineman working in the area. If you are not sure that your generator is properly installed, please contact the Light Plant at 318-3101.
Surge Suppressors
Be sure to have either a whole house surge suppressor or highly rated surge suppressors for all of your major appliances to protect them when power is restored or if there is a power spike.
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