Residents Reminded to Report Outages, Use Caution During Severe Weather, and Give Utility Crews Room to Work Safely<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n
HARRISBURG \u2013 As much of Pennsylvania braces for the possibility of snow, ice and freezing rain, 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
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
\u201cTime spent on planning and preparing before a storm can go a long way toward keeping yourself and your family safe when severe weather hits,\u201d noted PUC Chairman Gladys Brown Dutrieuille. \u201cSnow, ice and high winds can disrupt utility service, underscoring the importance of storm preparations.\u201d<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n
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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.
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Storm Preparation Tips<\/b><\/p>\n
The PUC encourages residents to consider the following tips before a storm strikes your community:<\/p>\n
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- Know Your Utility Hotlines<\/b>\u00a0– Write down, print or save toll-free outage hotlines for your\u00a0electric utility<\/a>\u00a0and\/or your\u00a0natural gas utility<\/a>, which are listed on your monthly bills and posted on the PUC website.<\/li>\n
- Save Utility Website Address<\/b>\u00a0– Your utility\u2019s outage reporting system can provide updates on repair and restoration efforts. Bookmark these\u00a0electric utility outage sites<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0natural gas company websites<\/a>.<\/li>\n
- Keep Your Cell Phone Charged\u00a0<\/b>\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
- Secure Supplies<\/b>\u00a0\u2013 Keep necessary food, medicine and other supplies on-hand, including batteries for flashlights.
<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nPower Outage Tips<\/b><\/p>\n
Should you lose power during a storm, keep the following points in mind:<\/p>\n
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- Call Your\u00a0<\/b>Utility Hotline<\/b><\/a>\u00a0to Report Outages<\/b>\u00a0– Do not assume that the utility already knows about your outage or that others have already called.<\/li>\n
- Keep Clear of Wires<\/b>\u00a0– Do NOT touch or approach any fallen lines.<\/li>\n
- Stay Away from Objects or Puddles<\/b>\u00a0in contact with downed power lines.<\/li>\n
- Do NOT Try to Remove Trees or Limbs<\/b>\u00a0from power lines.<\/li>\n
- Pre-Charge Cellular Phones<\/b>\u00a0or keep a portable cell phone charger on hand. Plan to use a corded phone, cordless phones won\u2019t work without electricity.<\/li>\n
- Do NOT Call 9-1-1 to Report Power Outages<\/b>\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>\nSafety While Waiting for Power to be Restored<\/b><\/p>\n
Households should consider the following tips to help stay safe until power is restored:<\/p>\n
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- Use Flashlights or Battery-Operated Lanterns<\/b>\u00a0for emergency lighting. Avoid using candles or other potential fire hazards.<\/li>\n
- Turn Off Lights and Electrical Appliances<\/b>\u00a0except for the refrigerator and freezer. When power comes back on, it may come back with momentary “surges” or “spikes” that can damage equipment.<\/li>\n
- Leave One Light On<\/b>\u00a0– After you turn the lights off, turn one lamp on so you will know when power is restored. Wait at least 15 minutes after power is restored before turning on other appliances.<\/li>\n
- Use Generators Safely<\/b>\u00a0– 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’s electrical system, which could shock or injure utility crews working on nearby power lines.\u00a0Additional generator tips are available here<\/a>.<\/li>\n
- Check on Elderly Neighbors<\/b>\u00a0and those with special needs who might need additional assistance.
<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nNatural Gas Safety Tips<\/b><\/p>\n
Consumers using natural gas appliances can also be impacted by storms:<\/p>\n
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- Check Gas Appliances<\/b>\u00a0– 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
- Evacuate if You Smell Natural Gas<\/b>\u00a0– Get everyone out of the building immediately.<\/li>\n
- Leave the Door Open and Do NOT Use Phones<\/b>; do NOT switch lights or appliances on or off; and do NOT take any other action while inside the building.<\/li>\n
- Call 9-1-1 from a safe location<\/b>\u00a0– After you are safely outside, call 9-1-1 from your cell phone or neighbor\u2019s home.
<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nAbout the PUC<\/b><\/p>\n
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities; ensures safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protects the public interest; educates consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; furthers economic development; and fosters new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.<\/p>\n
- Evacuate if You Smell Natural Gas<\/b>\u00a0– Get everyone out of the building immediately.<\/li>\n
- Turn Off Lights and Electrical Appliances<\/b>\u00a0except for the refrigerator and freezer. When power comes back on, it may come back with momentary “surges” or “spikes” that can damage equipment.<\/li>\n
- Keep Clear of Wires<\/b>\u00a0– Do NOT touch or approach any fallen lines.<\/li>\n
- Save Utility Website Address<\/b>\u00a0– Your utility\u2019s outage reporting system can provide updates on repair and restoration efforts. Bookmark these\u00a0electric utility outage sites<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0natural gas company websites<\/a>.<\/li>\n