Umair Gaines
If you experience an electric power outage, it is important to stay calm and follow a few key steps to ensure your safety and that of those around you. Firstly, always assume that a fallen power line is live and dangerous; keep yourself and others, especially children and pets, at a safe distance of at least 30 feet. Do not touch any objects or persons in contact with a downed power line, and call 911 immediately to report its location. You can then contact your local power company to report the outage and get updates on restoration times. It is also recommended to have a plan in place for alternative power sources, such as flashlights, portable chargers, and power banks, as well as a strategy to keep medical devices and refrigerated medicines functioning if necessary.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| If you see a downed power line | Call 911 immediately |
| If you smell natural gas | Leave the area and call 911 |
| If you see a downed power line in your car | Do not exit your car, call 911 |
| If you see a Mylar balloon caught in a power line | Do not go near the power line, contact PG&E |
| PPL Electric outage | 800-342-5775 |
| PEPCO outage | 877-737-2662 |
| Atlantic City Electric (ACE) outage | 800-833-7476 |
| PSE&G outage | 1-800-436-PSEG (7734) |
| PG&E outage | 1-800-743-5000 |
| Oncor outage | 888.313.4747 |
| Electric or Gas Emergency | 210-353-4357 or toll-free (800) 870-1006 from rural areas |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Call 911 in an emergency
If you experience an electric outage, it is important to stay calm and follow a few critical steps to ensure your safety and that of others. Firstly, always keep a safe distance from any downed power lines. Power lines can be extremely dangerous, even deadly. Stay at least 30 feet away from downed power lines and instruct others to do the same. Do not touch the lines or anything in contact with them, including vehicles or other people. Keep children and pets away as well.
In an emergency, such as a downed power line or a suspected gas leak, calling 911 should be the first step. You should do this before completing any online outage reports or contacting your power company. When you call 911, they can provide immediate assistance and ensure that the area is secure. If you see a downed power line, call 911 right away. Do not attempt to remove any tree limbs or other objects that may be entangled in the lines, as this can be extremely dangerous.
In some cases, you may also need to contact your local power company or utility provider. This is especially important if you smell natural gas or suspect a gas leak. A "rotten egg" odor is often added to natural gas to help identify leaks. If you suspect a gas leak, leave the area immediately and call 911. Then, contact your power company to report the issue. The phone number for your power company can usually be found on your monthly statement or their website.
It is also essential to be cautious when using Mylar balloons or toys. These balloons, also known as foil balloons, are made from plastic nylon sheets with a metallic coating. They pose a significant risk to power lines and can cause outages or worse. If you see a Mylar balloon caught in a power line, do not go near it and call 911 immediately. Always be aware of power lines when using ladders or long-handled tools, and never attempt to retrieve a Mylar balloon that has floated into a power line.
By following these guidelines and knowing when to call 911, you can help ensure your safety and the safety of those around you during an electric outage or emergency. Remember to stay informed, stay away from downed power lines, and seek help when needed.
Campground Electrical: Plugging in Safely and Efficiently
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Report an electric outrage online
If you're experiencing an electric power outrage, there are several ways to report it, depending on the specifics of the situation. If you see a downed power line, it is important to stay away and call 911 immediately. You can also report electric power outages online, via an app, or by text or phone call to your local electricity supplier. For example, PG&E customers can call 1-800-743-5000, whereas PSE&G customers can call 1-800-436-7734 or text 'OUT' to 47734.
If you are experiencing a power outrage due to a Mylar® balloon or toy caught in a power line, do not go near the power line and contact your electricity supplier immediately. Mylar balloons, also called foil balloons, are made from plastic nylon sheets with a metallic coating and can cause power outages when they come into contact with power lines or circuit breakers.
If you smell natural gas, leave the area immediately and call 911. Natural gas has a "rotten egg" odor added to it to alert people to gas leaks. If you smell this odor inside or outside your house, call your electricity supplier or 911.
Customers with a communication disability can report an outage using a TTY/TDD relay service, an online form, or text messaging.
Steaming Rice: Electric Steamer Method for Perfect Results
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Contact your utility provider
If you experience an electric outage, it is important to contact your utility provider as soon as possible. This can help them locate and fix the source of the outage faster.
- Call their customer support hotline: Many utility companies provide dedicated phone numbers for reporting power outages. You can find the contact number for your specific utility provider by searching their website or through a simple online search. Keep this number handy for quick reference during an outage.
- Report online: Some utility companies offer online reporting tools on their websites or mobile apps. You can visit their website or access their app to report the outage. This method may provide you with updates on the estimated time of restoration.
- Text messaging: Certain utility providers allow you to report outages via text message. For instance, you can text "OUT" to a specific number, such as 4PSEG (47734) or 66267 (ONCOR). This convenient option enables you to report the issue without making a phone call.
- Social media: In some cases, utility providers may have a presence on social media platforms like Twitter or Facebook. You can reach out to them through direct messages or posts on these platforms.
Remember, if you see downed power lines during an electric outage, maintain a safe distance, and call 911 immediately before contacting your utility provider. Your safety is the top priority. Always follow safety guidelines provided by your utility company and local authorities.
Electricity Line Tree Trimming: Who's Responsible?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Find the special number to call
If you are experiencing an electric power outage, you should first report it to your utility company. This can be done online or over the phone. Reporting an outage will help the utility company locate and fix the source of the problem faster.
Different utility companies have different contact numbers for reporting power outages. For instance, the contact number for PPL Electric is 800-342-5775, while for PEPCO it is 877-737-2662. You can also report a power outage online at pplelectric.com or pepco.com, respectively. If you are an Atlantic City Electric (ACE) customer, you can report a power outage by calling 800-833-7476 or by visiting atlanticcityelectric.com.
If you are an Oncor customer, you can report a power outage by calling 888.313.4747. You can also text 'OUT' to 66267 (ONCOR) if you have signed up for My Oncor Alerts.
In the event of a power outage due to an unpaid, overdue balance, you should contact Constellation's Customer Care at 855-465-1244.
If you see a downed power line, stay at least 30 feet away and call 911 immediately before contacting your utility company. If you smell natural gas, leave the area and call 911.
Electrical Mast Heights: How High Should They Be?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Text to report an outrage
If you are experiencing an electric outrage, it is important to stay calm and follow the necessary steps to ensure your safety and make a report. Here is a guide on how to report an electric outrage via text:
First and foremost, prioritize your safety. Electric outages can be dangerous, especially if there are downed power lines or gas leaks involved. Maintain a safe distance of at least 30 feet from any downed power lines and instruct others to do the same. Under no circumstances should you touch a downed power line or anything in contact with it, including vehicles or other individuals. Keep children and pets away from the area. If you encounter a gas leak, it is important to leave the area immediately as gas leaks can be extremely hazardous.
Once you have ensured your safety, you can proceed to report the electric outrage via text. Depending on your location and service provider, there may be specific numbers or procedures to follow. Here are some common options:
- Text "OUT" to 4PSEG (47734) to report an outage to PSE&G. You can also call them at 1-800-436-PSEG (7734) or use their app or website.
- Text "OUT" to 544487 (LIGHTS) to report an outage to FirstEnergy.
- Text "STAT" to 4PSEG (47734) to check the status of an outage with PSE&G.
It is important to note that if you encounter a life-threatening situation, such as a downed power line or a gas leak, you should immediately call 911 before submitting a text report. Additionally, some electric service providers may have specific phone numbers to call for emergency situations. For example, PG&E requests that customers call them at 1-800-743-5000 after calling 911 in the event of a downed power line or gas leak.
By following these steps and utilizing the provided text options, you can efficiently report an electric outrage while maintaining your safety. Remember to stay informed about the specific procedures and contact information relevant to your local service provider.
Understanding Electric Potential in Magnetic Fields
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
You should call 911 to report a power outage.
Yes, you can also call 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877) or 1-800-436-PSEG (7734).
You should assume that the power line is live and stay at least 30 feet away. Call 911 immediately to report its location, and then call your power company (e.g. PG&E at 1-800-743-5002).
You should keep flashlights readily available for every household member and turn off or disconnect appliances, equipment, and electronics.
