Wiktor Wise
If your electricity goes off, you should contact your utility company to report a power outage. In deregulated energy markets, you may purchase electricity from licensed Retail Electric Providers (REPs). You should determine your area's TDSP (Transmission & Distribution Service Providers), EDU (Electric Distribution Utilities), or TDU (Transmission and Distribution Utility). These are all different names for the utility company that generates and distributes electricity in your area. You can report an outage by phone or through the utility company's website.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| If you smell gas | Call 911 or your local power company's emergency number |
| If your meter box is damaged | Get a certified electrician to repair it before calling your power company |
| If there is a power outage | Call your utility company |
| Utility Company Phone Numbers | |
| PPL Electric | 800-342-5775 |
| PEPCO | 877-737-2662 |
| Atlantic City Electric (ACE) | 800-833-7476 |
| Jersey Central Power & Light (JCPL) | 888-544-4877 |
| Georgia Power | 888-891-0938 |
| My Oncor Alerts | 888.313.4747 |
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What You'll Learn
Report the power outage to your utility company
If you experience a power outage, it is important to report it to your utility company as soon as possible. This will help them locate and fix the source of the outage faster. Your utility company owns and operates the wires that bring electricity into your home or business, including maintaining the lines, poles, and meters. Therefore, they are responsible for restoring your power.
You can find your utility company's contact information on their website or through a simple online search. Most utility companies have a dedicated phone number and/or website page for reporting power outages. Some companies also offer text messaging or mobile app reporting options. For example, Georgia Power customers can report an outage by calling 888-891-0938, texting "OUT" to 42797, or using the Georgia Power mobile app.
In addition to reporting the outage, you may also want to enroll in any available alert programs offered by your utility company to stay informed about the status of the outage and estimated restoration times. Protecting your appliances and electronics is also crucial during a power outage. Power surges can damage sensitive equipment and appliances, so it is recommended to unplug them until the power is restored.
If your meter box or electric service entrance is damaged, you may need to hire a certified electrician to make repairs before the utility company can restore your power. This is because utility companies are typically not allowed to connect power to damaged equipment due to safety regulations. Therefore, it is important to check your meter box and service entrance for any damage and arrange for repairs if necessary.
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Protect your appliances and electronics
When the power goes out, it is important to protect your appliances and electronics from potential damage. Power surges can occur when the power first cuts out and when it is restored, which can damage sensitive equipment such as TVs, computers, tablets, and large appliances. To prevent this, unplug all appliances and electronics. If you are not home, this can be easily forgotten, so it is recommended to use a UPS (Uninterruptable Power Supply) with a big battery attached. A UPS will keep your devices on when the power goes off and protect them from surges. They can be used with desktop computers, routers, smart TVs, and more. If you live somewhere with frequent power outages, you may want to consider a whole-home system, which can be costly but effective. Alternatively, you can use a power strip with sensitive electronics, which is recommended even if you have Type 1 or Type 2 whole-home surge protection.
If you are using a portable generator, connect it directly to any devices or appliances needed and not into the home electrical system. Be sure to keep it in a dry spot away from water and let it cool down before refueling to prevent overheating. Do not attempt to draw more power than it is rated to supply, as it could overheat and catch fire. Solar-powered units should be handled with care to avoid damaging the battery, which can leak toxins.
To keep your food as cold as possible, keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed. Refrigerators can keep food cold for up to four hours, and a full freezer can stay frozen for up to 48 hours. If the power is out for longer, use ice to keep food temperatures below 40°F. Throw away any food that reaches a temperature of 40°F or higher.
Finally, conserve your cell phone battery, as communication during a power outage is important for your safety and peace of mind. Walkie-talkies can be used to connect with family and neighbors, and a battery-operated or wind-up radio will keep you connected to the news.
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Protect perishable food
Protecting perishable food during a power outage is crucial to prevent food wastage and ensure food safety. Here are some detailed steps to follow:
Firstly, keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. Opening the doors allows cool air to escape, causing the food to spoil faster. In the event of a power outage, an unopened refrigerator will typically keep food cold for about four hours. Therefore, it is recommended to discard perishable food in the refrigerator, such as meat, poultry, seafood, milk, eggs, and leftovers, if the temperature rises above 40°F (4°C) for four hours or more. However, if the food remains below 45°F (measured with a food thermometer), it should be cooked and consumed promptly.
For frozen items, a full freezer will maintain a safe temperature for approximately 48 hours, but this duration decreases to 24 hours if the freezer is half full. Food in the freezer door or in small, thin packages will defrost faster than food stored in larger, thicker containers at the back or bottom of the freezer. If the power outage lasts longer than four hours, consider buying ice or freezing containers of water to keep your refrigerator and freezer cold.
When the power returns, it is essential to evaluate the safety of your food before consuming it. Never taste food to determine its safety. Instead, use appliance thermometers to check the temperatures in your refrigerator and freezer. Food in the refrigerator can be safely consumed if it remains at or below 40°F. Frozen food that still contains ice crystals or is at 40°F or below can be safely refrozen or cooked, although its quality may be compromised.
Additionally, if you plan to consume refrigerated or frozen meat, poultry, fish, or eggs, ensure that they are thoroughly cooked to a safe minimum internal temperature to eliminate any potential foodborne bacteria.
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Stay informed about the outage
Staying informed about a power outage is crucial for your safety and peace of mind. Here are some steps you can take to stay informed and updated during a power outage:
Monitor Alerts and Stay Connected
Keep yourself updated by monitoring local alerts and notifications. Check local weather reports and stay informed about any planned power outages. Sign up for local alerts and warning systems that can notify you through phone calls, text messages, or emails. These systems can provide you with timely updates and important safety information.
Utilize Multiple Communication Tools
Communication during a power outage is essential. While your home phone, WiFi, or cell phone service may be disrupted due to the lack of electricity, try to conserve your cell phone battery as much as possible. Consider using walkie-talkies to stay connected with family members and neighbors. Battery-operated or wind-up radios can be valuable for receiving news updates and staying informed about the situation.
Stay in Touch with Your Support Network
Reach out to your support network, which may include family, friends, or neighbors, to let them know you are safe. Check on their well-being and offer or request help if needed. Staying connected with your community can provide mutual support and assistance during the power outage.
Keep Updated on Food Safety
Power outages can impact the safety of your food, especially perishables. Keep refrigerators and freezers closed to maintain cool temperatures for as long as possible. Consume fresh, perishable foods first to minimize waste. If the power outage extends beyond a few hours, refer to food storage guidelines and throw away any food that has exceeded safe temperature limits (40 degrees Fahrenheit or higher). Use coolers with ice to keep essential items below 40 degrees Fahrenheit if needed.
Understand the Risks of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
When using alternative power sources or heating methods, be vigilant about preventing carbon monoxide poisoning. Install working carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home. Keep generators, camp stoves, and charcoal grills outdoors in well-ventilated areas, maintaining a distance of at least 20 feet from windows, doors, and attached garages.
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Call an electrician if the service entrance is damaged
If you experience an electricity outage, it is important to determine the cause and call the appropriate professionals for help. One potential issue could be damage to the service entrance or electrical service mast, which is the junction between the utility's power lines and your home's electrical system. If you suspect damage to the service entrance, it is crucial to take the following steps:
Firstly, visually inspect the service entrance for any signs of damage. Look for issues such as a tilted or bent mast, cracks, or partial/full detachment from the house. If you notice any of these problems, it is essential to turn off the home's electrical power at the main breaker to prioritize safety. Do not touch or go near the service entrance, as live wires can be extremely dangerous.
Secondly, contact a licensed professional electrician to assess and repair the damage. Choose an electrician with experience in repairing service entrances and masts, such as those who have served your area for many years. They will have the knowledge and expertise to handle the situation safely and effectively. It is the homeowner's responsibility to repair any damage to the electrical service mast unless the problem originates from the electrical meter or wires leading to the mast.
Additionally, if the damage appears severe, consider taking photographs and contacting your home insurance company to discuss the possibility of filing a claim. Severe storms, for example, can cause substantial damage to service entrances and masts, and insurance coverage may be necessary to facilitate the repairs.
Remember, electricity-related issues can be complex and hazardous. It is always best to err on the side of caution and consult with qualified electricians to ensure safe and proper repairs. By taking prompt and appropriate action, you can help restore your electricity supply and maintain the safety of your home.
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Frequently asked questions
You should contact your utility company to report a power outage. This can be done online or over the phone.
Look for the TDSP (Transmission & Distribution Service Providers), EDU (Electric Distribution Utilities) or TDU (Transmission and Distribution Utility) for your area. They are all utility companies that generate and distribute electricity in your area.
Stay away and immediately call 911 before calling your utility company.
Protect your expensive appliances and electronics by turning them off or unplugging them. Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed to prevent food from spoiling faster. You should also conserve your cell phone battery and stay connected to the news through a battery-operated or wind-up radio.
