Outage and Storm Preparedness
Make sure you're ready when a storm is on the way and outages are possible.
Information on this page is for customers in
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Summer Safety Tips
As the weather heats up, here are some tips and reminders to keep you, your family and your home safe:
- Hot weather brings increased use of air conditioners. Contact with electric current from air conditioners causes a significant number of electrical injuries each year. We recommend that you always hire a qualified, licensed electrician to do any electrical work in your business, including installing and servicing air conditioning and other cooling equipment.
- Water and electricity don’t mix – keep water and wet hands away from electricity and all electrical appliances.
- Teach children how to be safe around electricity – check out our educational resources for kids.
Always stay clear of power lines. Know where they are located and assume they are energized at all times. If you see a downed line, stay as far away as possible and report it to us or call 911.- Maintain landscaping - trees and tree limbs that interfere with power lines pose a major outage risk during storms. Read our planting guidance to learn which vegetation is best around power lines.
- During a power outage, call your local fire department, police department or local Red Cross chapter to locate an emergency shelter if you or your family need heat, air conditioning, power or a more comfortable place to wait out an outage, particularly in extreme weather.
- Whenever your work brings you near power equipment, call us. We will partner with you to make your work environment as safe as possible.
- For our gas customers, if you suspect a gas leak, move immediately to a safe location and call 911.
Protect Yourself From Heat-Related Illnesses
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.
- Avoid drinks with caffeine or heavy sugar.
- Wear clothing that is lightweight and breathable.
- Take frequent rest breaks in the shade or air conditioning.
- Avoid eating heavy or fatty meals.
What are symptoms of heat-related illnesses?
- Heat cramps can cause muscle pain or spasms in the stomach, arms or legs.
- Heat exhaustion is the body’s response to an extreme loss of the water and salt, usually through excessive sweating. Symptoms include heavy sweating, weakness and fatigue, dizziness, nausea, pale complexion, muscle cramps or vomiting.
- Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness and occurs when the body is unable to regulate its own temperature. Symptoms include hot, dry skin (no sweating), confusion or dizziness, chills and a throbbing headache.
Call 811 Before You Dig
If you’re planning a project that involves any type of digging, you are required to call 811 before you dig to have the location of any underground utilities on your property marked. View your state's 811 timelines and requirements.
This free service can protect you from unintentionally hitting underground utility lines, which can cause harm to you and those around you, disrupt service to an entire neighborhood and potentially make you liable for fines and repair costs.
