How to prepare for power outages

Keeping our grid strong to deliver safe, reliable power is our top priority, but power outages can still occur.

Whether they’re caused by storms, accidents, or because we’ve proactively powered down lines for safety, we know outages impact you—which is why we do everything we can to bring power back quickly and safely. It's important to be prepared in case of an outage and there are simple actions you can take right now.

Ways to stay safe and informed

Keep contact information up to date

Review contact info

Review your contact information to make sure it’s up to date so we can reach you.

Update now

Sign up for alerts

Receive alerts by text, email or phone in the event of an outage.

Enroll in alerts

Use our mobile app

Track outages, update contact info and do more with our free app.

App Store

Google Play

Text us

Text OUT to 722797 to report your outage or STAT to check status.

Assemble or restock your emergency kit

Water – 1 gallon per person per day
Non-perishable food (for family members and pets)
Battery-powered radio and extra batteries
Flashlight and extra batteries
Blankets
First aid kit with essential medications
Manual can opener
Solar-powered cell phone charger
Copies of important family documents
Cash
Special items for infants, elderly or disabled family members

More safety checklist info

Prepare your family and business

If you or someone you care for relies on electric or battery-dependent medical equipment such as breathing machines, a power wheelchair or scooter, home oxygen or dialysis, it is critical that you have a plan in place for an extended power outage. Make a backup power plan with your medical provider and call us at 1-888-221-7070 or use our contact form to let us know about your situation.

Set a point of contact

Make a family emergency plan in which each family member notifies the same friend or relative in the event of an emergency.

Make a plan

Unplug appliances

Protect electronics like TVs and computers with surge protectors, unplug them when the power goes out, and learn how to override your garage door opener.

See details

Prepare your business

Develop a readiness plan that outlines how to respond if a disaster occurs during work hours.

Learn more

Stay away from downed lines

Never touch or go near a fallen power line, and do not touch anything on which the wire is resting.
Always assume a downed line is energized. Call us at 1-877-508-5088 or call 911 for help.
Do not touch or go near a person in contact with a downed power line. Call 911.
If a power line falls across your car while you are inside, stay put until help arrives. If you attempt to leave the vehicle, you could be electrocuted. If the car is on fire and you must exit, JUMP as far away as possible, with both feet together. Land with feet still together and either hop or shuffle with both feet together away from the area.

You can reach us 24/7

Before you report an outage, check your breakers or fuse box to eliminate blown fuses or tripped breakers as the cause. Look for lights on at your neighbors’ houses.

You can track and report outages in several ways:

Check outage maps and report interruptions
By text at 722797 (text OUT to report an outage, text STAT to check outage status)
Through our free mobile app
By phone 24/7 at 1-877-508-5088

How we restore power

During outages, our crews first work to clear downed power lines and ensure electricity is restored where it is needed most. See our 9-step outage restoration process.

More tips to help you during an outage

Stay safe when using generators

Ways to make your cell phone last longer during a power outage

Sometimes during a storm, the service mast (see diagram) can be pulled away from a house.

If the power goes out, the service mast will need to be repaired before we can safely switch power on. Our crews can only work on company-owned equipment, so if you ever need to replace a mast, please contact a licensed electrician to make the repairs.