{"id":16533,"date":"2021-08-31T12:40:05","date_gmt":"2021-08-31T16:40:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.paawwa.org\/?p=16533"},"modified":"2021-09-06T17:06:09","modified_gmt":"2021-09-06T21:06:09","slug":"puc-offers-safety-tips-as-remnants-of-hurricane-ida-approach","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dev.linnflux.tech\/paawwa\/puc-offers-safety-tips-as-remnants-of-hurricane-ida-approach\/","title":{"rendered":"Heavy rain on the way&#8230;PUC Offers Safety Tips as Remnants of Hurricane Ida Approach"},"content":{"rendered":"<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>PUC Offers Safety Tips as Remnants of Hurricane Ida Approach<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong><em>Residents Reminded to Report Outages, Use Caution During Severe Weather and Give Utility Crews Room to Work<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">HARRISBURG \u2013 As the remnants of Hurricane Ida continue to move toward the Mid-Atlantic region \u2013 bringing the threat of heavy rain, high winds and potential flooding \u2013 the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) reminds households of the steps they can take to prepare for, and recover safely from, storm-related power outages.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong><em>\u00a0\u201cSevere weather can bring down trees, branches and wires, disrupting utility service,\u201d said PUC Chairman Gladys Brown Dutrieuille. \u201cTime spent on planning and preparing before a storm can go a long way toward keeping you and your family safe when severe weather hits.\u201d<\/em><\/strong><strong><em>\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Additionally, the PUC cautions residents to give utility crews ample room to perform their repair work \u2013 for your protection as well as theirs \u2013 and to use extra care when traveling, watching for utility crews working along streets and roads and slowing down in work areas.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Storm Preparation Tips<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The PUC encourages residents to consider the following tips before storm strikes:<\/p>\n<ul style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<li><strong>Know Your Utility Hotlines<\/strong>\u00a0&#8211; Write down, print or save toll-free outage hotlines for your\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.puc.pa.gov\/consumer_info\/electricity\/electric_companies_suppliers.aspx\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=http:\/\/www.puc.pa.gov\/consumer_info\/electricity\/electric_companies_suppliers.aspx&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1630514298529000&amp;usg=AFQjCNF6PhQ1rxenB2dEgc6EvUwbsQ3xvg\">electric utility<\/a>\u00a0and\/or your\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.puc.pa.gov\/consumer_info\/natural_gas\/natural_gas_companies_suppliers.aspx\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=http:\/\/www.puc.pa.gov\/consumer_info\/natural_gas\/natural_gas_companies_suppliers.aspx&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1630514298529000&amp;usg=AFQjCNGCasGJ2-Fdx5DJntyCAzs4CLBGfg\">natural gas utility<\/a>, which are listed on your monthly bills and posted on the PUC website.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Save Utility Website Address<\/strong>\u00a0&#8211; Your utility\u2019s outage reporting system can provide updates on repair and restoration efforts. Bookmark these\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.puc.pa.gov\/consumer_info\/electricity\/electric_companies_suppliers.aspx\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=http:\/\/www.puc.pa.gov\/consumer_info\/electricity\/electric_companies_suppliers.aspx&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1630514298529000&amp;usg=AFQjCNF6PhQ1rxenB2dEgc6EvUwbsQ3xvg\">electric utility outage sites<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.puc.pa.gov\/consumer_info\/natural_gas\/natural_gas_companies_suppliers.aspx\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=http:\/\/www.puc.pa.gov\/consumer_info\/natural_gas\/natural_gas_companies_suppliers.aspx&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1630514298529000&amp;usg=AFQjCNGCasGJ2-Fdx5DJntyCAzs4CLBGfg\">natural gas company websites<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Keep Your Cell Phone Charged\u00a0<\/strong>\u2013 A well-charged phone will keep you in contact with your utility, other emergency services and family members during any power outage.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Secure Supplies<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Keep necessary food, medicine and other supplies on-hand, including batteries for flashlights.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Power Outage Tips<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Should you lose power during a storm, keep the following points in mind:<\/p>\n<ul style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<li><strong>Call Your\u00a0<\/strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.puc.pa.gov\/consumer_info\/electricity\/electric_companies_suppliers.aspx\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=http:\/\/www.puc.pa.gov\/consumer_info\/electricity\/electric_companies_suppliers.aspx&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1630514298529000&amp;usg=AFQjCNF6PhQ1rxenB2dEgc6EvUwbsQ3xvg\"><strong>Utility Hotline<\/strong><\/a><strong>\u00a0to Report Outages<\/strong>\u00a0&#8211; do not assume that the utility already knows about your outage or that others have already called.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Keep Clear of Wires<\/strong>\u00a0&#8211; do NOT touch or approach any fallen lines.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Stay Away from Objects or Puddles<\/strong>\u00a0in contact with downed power lines.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Do NOT Try to Remove Trees or Limbs<\/strong>\u00a0from power lines.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Do NOT Call 9-1-1 to Report Power Outages<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 report those to your utility. Calling 9-1-1 to report non-emergency issues like service outages can take resources away from other emergencies. SPECIAL NOTE: If you see a downed power line, immediately call your electric utility and\/or 9-1-1.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Safety While Waiting for Power to be Restored<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Households should consider the following tips to help stay safe until power is restored:<\/p>\n<ul style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<li><strong>Use Flashlights or Battery-Operated Lanterns<\/strong>\u00a0for emergency lighting &#8211; do not use candles or other potential fire hazards.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Turn Off Lights and Electrical Appliances<\/strong>\u00a0except for the refrigerator and freezer. When power comes back on, it may come back with momentary &#8220;surges&#8221; or &#8220;spikes&#8221; that can damage equipment (leave one light on to alert you that power has been restored).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Use Generators Safely<\/strong>\u00a0&#8211; If you use a generator, do NOT run it inside a home or garage or anywhere close to a window or vent. Also, connect the equipment you want to operate directly to the outlets on the generator, not your home&#8217;s electrical system, which could shock or injure utility crews working on nearby power lines.\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.puc.pa.gov\/General\/consumer_ed\/pdf\/Portable_Generator_FS.pdf\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=http:\/\/www.puc.pa.gov\/General\/consumer_ed\/pdf\/Portable_Generator_FS.pdf&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1630514298529000&amp;usg=AFQjCNFxN-7huDdBdSuG7oVL8eGWj_vnYw\">Additional generator tips are available here<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Check on Elderly Neighbors<\/strong>\u00a0and those with special needs who might need assistance.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Flooding and Electric Power<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The threat of flooding from heavy rains is also possible in some parts of Pennsylvania.\u00a0 The PUC urged homeowners and businesses to consider the following flood-related electric safety tips:<\/p>\n<ul style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<li><strong>Avoid flooded homes or businesses<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 submerged wires, power outlets or appliances may energize standing water.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Do not touch electric panels, outlets or appliances<\/strong>\u00a0if you are wet or standing in water.<\/li>\n<li><strong>If your basement floods, do not enter<\/strong>\u00a0unless you are sure the water is not in contact with a source of electricity. Call a qualified electrician to disconnect the power before you enter a flooded basement.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Utilities will inspect flooded areas and will assess when it is safe to restore service<\/strong>\u00a0to their systems \u2013 but homeowners and businesses should work with licensed electricians regarding repairs to customer-owned lines and appliances.<\/li>\n<li><strong>The utility may require you to have your system inspected by a licensed electrician<\/strong>\u00a0before it restores power if the utility removed your electric meter and cut power to your home due to flooding (contact your utility for any clarification).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Do not attempt to plug in or turn on any water-damaged appliances<\/strong>\u00a0until they have been inspected by a qualified electrician and determined to be safe.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Consult professionals regarding the need to repair or replace<\/strong>\u00a0water-damaged devices.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Natural Gas Safety Tips<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Consumers using natural gas appliances can also be impacted by storms:<\/p>\n<ul style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<li><strong>Check Gas Appliances<\/strong>\u00a0&#8211; electric power outages can affect home appliances that operate on natural gas. If they do not function properly when power is restored, call a professional for service.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Evacuate if You Smell Natural Gas<\/strong>\u00a0&#8211; get everyone out of the building immediately.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Leave the Door Open and Do NOT Use Phones<\/strong>: do NOT switch lights or appliances on or off; and do NOT take any other action while inside the building.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Call 9-1-1 from a safe location<\/strong>\u00a0&#8211; after you are safely outside, call 9-1-1 from your cell phone or neighbor\u2019s home.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Flooding and Natural Gas Safety<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Natural gas service can also be impacted by flooding, homeowners and businesses are reminded of the following flood-related safety tips for natural gas service:<\/p>\n<ul style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<li><strong>If you are outside a building and you smell gas, do not enter the building<\/strong>\u00a0&#8211; call 9-1-1 and your gas company from a safe location.<\/li>\n<li><strong>If you are inside a building and you smell gas, leave immediately<\/strong>\u00a0&#8211; call 9-1-1 and your gas company from a safe location.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Contact a licensed professional to clean, repair and test all appliances and pipes if your home or business has flooded<\/strong>\u00a0and any of your natural gas appliances (including furnaces, boilers, water heaters and dryers) have been affected.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Do not attempt to restart natural gas appliances yourself<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 contact a professional.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Contact your gas utility to inspect your gas meter and regulator<\/strong>\u00a0if flood waters rose above those systems.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">During storm emergencies, the PUC continuously monitors utility issues and works closely with the Governor\u2019s Office and the other state agencies involved in Pennsylvania\u2019s coordinated storm response. Across the state, there is extensive behind-the-scenes work when storms are forecast, focused on quickly addressing problems and restoring service as rapidly as possible. Utilities are putting their severe weather plans into motion; crews and equipment are being positioned for quick response to outages; and communication with emergency management coordinators is enhanced.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>About the PUC<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Visit the PUC\u2019s website at\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.puc.pa.gov\/\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=http:\/\/www.puc.pa.gov\/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1630514298529000&amp;usg=AFQjCNEcyeehovaGs-ml730e6sZ2JkWU2A\">www.puc.pa.gov<\/a>\u00a0for recent news releases and video of select proceedings. You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube. Search for the \u201cPennsylvania Public Utility Commission\u201d or \u201cPA PUC\u201d on your favorite social media channel for updates on utility issues and other helpful consumer information.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>PUC Offers Safety Tips as Remnants of Hurricane Ida Approach Residents Reminded to Report Outages, Use Caution During Severe Weather and Give Utility Crews Room to Work HARRISBURG \u2013 As the remnants of Hurricane Ida continue to move toward the Mid-Atlantic region \u2013 bringing the threat of heavy rain, high winds and potential flooding \u2013 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mi_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[6,14,7,5,11,10],"tags":[],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/dev.linnflux.tech\/paawwa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16533"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/dev.linnflux.tech\/paawwa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/dev.linnflux.tech\/paawwa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dev.linnflux.tech\/paawwa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dev.linnflux.tech\/paawwa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=16533"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/dev.linnflux.tech\/paawwa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16533\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":16561,"href":"https:\/\/dev.linnflux.tech\/paawwa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16533\/revisions\/16561"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/dev.linnflux.tech\/paawwa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=16533"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dev.linnflux.tech\/paawwa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=16533"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dev.linnflux.tech\/paawwa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=16533"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}