Thursday, January 3, 2013

Preparing for and Dealing with Utility Outages

In the event of a storm or other interruptions to our utility service, there are precautionary steps that can be taken before and during an outage to help ensure your health and safety.  In addition, you can assist people with special needs who may be at risk during utility outages.

Preparing for an outage:
Keep at least 2 battery operated radios and flashlights on hand, as well as a supply of fresh batteries.

Create a pantry of at least 3 days worth of bottled water, medications and foods that do not require refrigeration or cooking.  Be sure to include a manual can opener.

Have an alternate cooking source such as a camp stove or outdoor grill, and follow appropriate safety rules for its use outside the residence. Do not use indoors.

Fill spare containers with water for washing and cooking.

Have at least one telephone available that will continue to operate even when the household power is out.  Cordless phones and internet based phone service may not work during a power interruption.

If you own a cell phone, keep it fully charged, and consider purchasing a car charger to maintain the charge during an outage.

Have a list of emergency telephone numbers readily available.

Keep your vehicle gas tank at least half full.

Have extra blankets, coats, hats and gloves on hand to keep warm.

Consider buying a generator, and follow the rules for using it outside the residence. Do not use indoors.

During an outage:

Initially, check to see if your neighbors have power.  If they do, first check to see if you have simply blown a fuse or tripped a circuit breaker.  If that in not the cause, call your utility to report the outage.

Check local radio stations for announcements about restoration progress, safety tips and other key information.

Call your local emergency response number for help, if needed.

Prevent damage – turn off major appliances and sensitive electronic equipment to prevent damage from a possible surge when the power comes back on.  Leave a light or radio on so you will know when power has been restored.

Keep your refrigerator and freezer doors shut to keep food from spoiling.  If you use dry ice, handle it with gloves so it does not damage your skin.

During a winter outage, turn on water faucets slightly to avoid frozen or burst pipes.

Take safety precautions:

Do not go near or touch fallen or sagging power lines; treat all wires as live and dangerous. Keep children and pets away from fallen electric wires.  Never touch any lines or any items that are in contact with lines.

Never use a charcoal grill to cook or heat indoors.  This practice can lead to a build-up of carbon monoxide, a poisonous gas.

Do not use a gas oven to heat your home – prolonged use of an open oven in a closed house can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.

Emergency generators can be dangerous if used improperly: follow the safety guidelines printed in the owner’s manual.  Before connecting a portable generator, turn off the main electric breaker to prevent electricity from traveling from the generator to de-energized power lines outside your house and possibly injuring repair crews.

If your basement or home is in danger of flooding, contact your utility to turn off your electric or natural gas service.  Never enter a flooded basement or home until service has been shut off because electric or natural gas equipment below the water line may be a hazard.

If you smell gas, leave your house immediately and call your local utility once you are outside of the house.

If using candles or storm lanterns, keep them away from drafts, flammable materials, and children.

Watch for health problems:
In cold weather, stay warm by dressing in layers and minimizing your time outdoors.

Know the mental and physical signs of cold stress and how to treat it.  Warning signs include shivering, drowsiness, slurred speech and disorientation.  Wrap the person in warm clothing, move the individual to a warm location and seek medical attention.

Know the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.  It is a toxic, odorless and colorless gas that occurs in your home when fuel burning appliances are malfunctioning or used improperly.  Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include: headaches, dizziness, nausea and lightheadedness.  If these symptoms occur, get the victim into fresh air and take the person to a hospital emergency room as quickly as possible.

Consider installing a carbon monoxide detector to monitor the carbon monoxide levels in your home.

Help people with special needs:
If someone you know is elderly, blind or disabled, or dependent on life sustaining or health related equipment (such as ventilators, respirators, or oxygen) they may be at risk during an outage.  You can help make sure their needs are met by taking the following actions:

Have them register as special needs customer with their utility so they become a priority customer.

Notify others who could provide help – fire department, neighbors, nearby friends or relatives.

Have a list of emergency numbers readily available for them.

Check on them during an outage.

Have a portable generator or an alternative source of power available.  Be aware of the safety rules for its use.

This information has been provided by New York State Public Service Commission.  In the event of an outage, if you have contacted your utility and still have questions, call the Public Service Commission’s toll free helpline at 1-800-342-3377. 

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