Power outage safety tips

We work to maintain a reliable power delivery system, but severe weather and other events sometimes cause power outages that require many hours and even days to address. Be prepared and know what to do should a power outage occur.

Report outage / check status

Report outages as soon as they occur using one of three options:

Related outage resources

Outage map
Outage alerts sign up
Our app’s outage features video (:33 sec.)
Power restoration process video (1:14 min.)


Before outage

  • Download our app to report outages and get notifications
  • Add our Outage Hotline to your phone: 800-662-4797
  • Follow us on social media
  • Charge mobile devices and portable charging packs
  • Get back up power supply if you have a well pump or sump pump
  • Get a generator to power important appliances; test every 30 days
    Generator safety
  • Plan for your medical needs, including refrigerated medicines and electrically powered medical devices
  • Assemble emergency kit:
    • Flashlights and extra batteries
    • Bottled water — half gallon/day per person
    • First-aid kit
    • Portable charging pack for cell phones and mobile devices
    • Specialty items for infants, seniors or disabled family members
  • Freeze jugs of water for refrigerator or cooler, or drinking
  • Keep some canned or dried food available and a hand-operated can opener
  • Use surge suppression devices for protection when power returns

During outage

  • Stay at least 25 feet away from downed power lines and assume they are energized
  • Report downed power lines to us or local law enforcement
  • Stay out of flooded basements or rooms
  • Get power restoration updates on our app or website
  • Use generators properly
  • Use flashlights, not candles
  • Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible
  • Use food safety tips for frozen and refrigerated items
  • Unplug or turn off appliances to avoid overloading when power is restored
  • Use key for electronic entry doors if keypad is not battery operated
  • Go to safe shelter if your home is extremely cold or hot
  • Call 211 or check with municipality for other resources during extended outages
  • Check on neighbors and relatives, especially seniors or anyone with medical conditions
  • Review cold weather tips when temperatures drop

After outage