Otis Singleton
Power outages can be stressful and overwhelming, but being prepared can help you tackle them with greater comfort and less risk. When the electricity goes off, it is important to know who to call and what to do to protect yourself, your family, and your home. This guide will help you navigate the steps to take when facing a power outage, from reporting the issue to staying safe and minimizing disruption. By following these recommendations, you can enhance your readiness and peace of mind during unexpected electricity losses.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| If there is a downed power line | Call 911 and stay at least 30 feet away |
| To report an outage | Call 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877) or text OUT to 544487 (LIGHTS) |
| To receive the latest update for a reported outage | Text STAT to 544487 |
| If you smell gas | Call 1-800-880-PSEG (7734) or call 911 |
| If your service entrance is damaged | Call 1-877-749-3931 |
| If you need to contact your utility company | Find the TDSP, EDU or TDU for your area |
| To stay informed | Subscribe to text alert services from your utility company and local government |
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What You'll Learn
Report a power outage to your utility company
When the electricity goes out, it can be unsettling, especially if you don't know the cause. Power outages can be dangerous, and it's important to know who to contact and what to do. The first thing to do when the power goes out is to report the power outage to your utility company.
In a deregulated energy market, you may purchase electricity from licensed Retail Electric Providers (REPs). To determine who to call, find the TDSP (Transmission & Distribution Service Providers), EDU (Electric Distribution Utilities), or TDU (Transmission and Distribution Utility) for your area. These acronyms refer to the utility company that generates and distributes electricity in your region.
You can report a power outage in several ways, depending on your utility company and your personal preferences. Many companies offer online reporting tools on their websites. Some companies also offer text-based reporting, where you can send a specific message to a designated number to report the outage. This often requires prior registration for the service. You can also report a power outage by calling the utility company directly. Keep their contact information in an easily accessible place so that you can locate it even during a power outage.
Additionally, consider subscribing to text alert services from your utility company. This way, you can stay informed about updates regarding the power outage and receive notifications when power is expected to be restored.
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Protect your appliances and electronics
When the electricity goes off, it's important to take steps to protect your appliances and electronics from potential damage. Power outages can cause damage to your devices when the power first cuts out and when it comes back on. Here are some ways to safeguard your appliances and electronics:
Firstly, it's crucial to unplug all sensitive and expensive equipment, such as TVs, computers, tablets, and large appliances. Power surges can occur during an outage, and these surges can damage your electronics. By unplugging them, you eliminate the risk of power surges affecting your devices.
Another way to protect your electronics is to invest in a whole-home surge protection system or a UPS (Uninterruptable Power Supply). A UPS acts as a surge protector with a built-in battery, keeping your devices powered even when the main power source is interrupted. You can use a UPS with your computer, routers, smart TVs, and more. While a whole-home system is more expensive, it offers comprehensive protection for all your appliances.
Additionally, consider using power strips with built-in surge protection for your sensitive electronics. These power strips provide an extra layer of protection against surges originating from within your home.
It's also important to keep your refrigerator and freezer doors closed during a power outage. Food can stay cold in a refrigerator for about four hours, and a full freezer can keep items frozen for up to 48 hours. Placing blocks of ice inside can further help maintain the temperature.
Lastly, remember to conserve your cell phone battery. Communication during a power outage is essential for your safety and peace of mind. Keep a battery-operated or wind-up radio handy to stay connected to news and updates.
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Protect perishable food
When the power goes out, it's important to act quickly to protect your perishable food. Here are some detailed steps to help you do that:
Firstly, keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed. This is crucial, as opening the doors allows cool air to escape, causing the internal temperature to rise and your food to spoil faster. If the power outage is brief, your food may stay at a safe temperature until it's over. As a general rule, a refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours if the door remains closed, while a full freezer will maintain its temperature for around 48 hours, and a half-full freezer for 24 hours.
If you anticipate that the power will be out for longer, you can pack items with ice in a cooler to keep them below 40°F. To prepare for this scenario, it's a good idea to freeze containers of water ahead of time, so you have a supply of ice ready. Alternatively, you can buy dry or block ice to keep your refrigerator cold.
Once the power comes back on, it's important to check the temperature of your food before consuming it. Perishable food that has been kept at refrigerator temperatures of 40°F or below may be safely refrozen or cooked, but its quality may suffer. If you have an appliance thermometer, use it to check the temperature of your refrigerator and freezer. If you don't have a thermometer, you'll need to visually inspect each item of food. Food may be safely refrozen or cooked if it still contains ice crystals, but if there's any doubt, throw it out.
Some perishable foods, such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and leftovers, should be discarded if they've been at room temperature for two hours or more, or one hour if the outdoor temperature is above 90°F. It's important to note that you should never taste food to determine its safety, as this can be dangerous.
By following these steps, you can help ensure that your perishable food stays safe and minimizes waste during a power outage.
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Stay connected and informed
When the electricity goes off, it is important to stay connected and informed. Communication during a power outage is essential for your comfort, safety, planning, and peace of mind. Here are some ways to stay connected and informed when the power goes out:
Keep a list of emergency contacts
Make a physical list of emergency, family, and work contacts. If you have access to a working phone, you will be able to reach out to your loved ones easily.
Stay updated with text alerts
Subscribe to text alert services from your utility company and local government to receive updates and stay informed about the news.
Conserve your phone battery
Try to conserve your cell phone battery as much as possible. You can do this by lowering the brightness of your screen, closing apps that are not in use, and turning off features like Bluetooth and location services.
Alternative communication devices
Consider using walkie-talkies to communicate with family and neighbors. A battery-operated or wind-up radio can also help you stay connected to news and updates.
Plan ahead for power outages
Prepare for power outages by stocking up on batteries and alternative power sources such as portable chargers or power banks. Ensure you have flashlights for every household member. Additionally, create an emergency supply kit that includes items like water, non-perishable food, and a first aid kit, enough to last you and your family for at least three days.
Stay informed about power restoration
If you experience a power outage, report it to your utility company or electricity provider. They will work to restore power as soon as possible. You can also check the status of previously reported outages through their websites or by calling their customer service lines.
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Prepare an emergency kit
When the electricity goes off, it is important to be prepared. You should first report the power outage to your utility company, and they will send a team to determine the cause and restore power. You can also call 911 if you see a downed power line—stay at least 30 feet away and instruct others to do the same.
To prepare for a power outage, it is important to have an emergency kit ready. This kit should include essentials to help you and your family survive during a prolonged power outage. Here are some items to include:
- Water: Store enough water to last several days. It is recommended to have at least one gallon of drinking water per person per day, including your pets.
- Food: Include non-perishable food items that do not require refrigeration or cooking. Canned goods and energy bars are good options.
- Communication tools: Have hand-cranked or solar-powered devices to stay connected. A battery-operated or wind-up radio is useful for news and information.
- Lights: Battery-powered lights or flashlights can provide illumination if the power outage occurs at night.
- First aid kit: Assemble a basic first aid kit that includes any necessary medications. An ice chest and freezer packs can help store medications that need to stay chilled.
- Cash: During a power outage, stores may be closed, or credit and debit systems may not work. Having cash on hand will allow you to make necessary purchases.
- Power supplies: Portable power banks or generators can be used to charge essential devices like cell phones. Ensure generators are properly installed by a licensed electrician.
- Entertainment: Board games, books, or puzzles can help pass the time during a power outage, especially if it is prolonged.
Remember to regularly check and replenish your emergency kit. Replace any items you've used, and recharge your power banks to ensure you are prepared for the next power outage.
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Frequently asked questions
Call 911 immediately and stay at least 30 feet away from the power line.
Report the power outage to your utility company. You can also call 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877) or text OUT to 544487 (LIGHTS).
Text STAT to 544487 to receive the latest updates for your reported outage.
Call your utility company or 911 immediately.
Contact your local officials to learn about heating and cooling locations open near you.
