Power Outage 101
Power Restoration
We have come to expect if we lose electric service it will be restored within a few hours at most. But when a devastating event, like a tornado, ice or snow storm causes major damage to a co-op's system, long outages cannot be helped. Crews work long, hard hours restoring service, but it's a task that needs to be done methodically to be
done safely.
Be Prepared for Power Outages
Cooperative members should be prepared for times in which extended power outages may occur. Especially during times of extreme weather conditions like ice storms and tornadoes.
Prepare.
Plan.
Stay Informed.
Know how to stay safe during a power outage with these tips from SafeElectricity.org &
Ready.gov.
Remember, during an extended outage a number of individuals will be needing assistance at the same time. Some ways to be prepared are as follows:
If you have someone in your home...
with medical equipment, have a plan to move them to a safe place if the power is off for an extended period of time.
Turn off the circuit breaker...
for your HVAC system and water heater(s) to reduce a high demand for electricity once the power does come back on. This will help prevent an overload that can cause it to go off again.
Portable Generators
Portable generators offer a reliable back-up source of power during electrical power outages. However, these helpful devices must be used and maintained properly to avoid very serious health and safety risks. The best way to ensure you and the cooperative's line crews stay safe when you are using a generator is to educate yourself and plan ahead.