 Public Utilities Commission of Ohio offers tips for electric outage preparation
COLUMBUS, OHIO (June 5, 2015) –With summer approaching,
the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) is reminding consumers of
important outage preparation information.
While
the electric distribution system in Ohio is typically safe and reliable,
weather conditions such as thunderstorms, high winds or snow storms can cause
service interruptions.
The PUCO offers these tips
for being prepared in the event electric customers experience a service
interruption.
What
should I do during a power outage?
All outages should be immediately
reported to your electric company. Since many other customers may be calling at
the same time, you may not be able to speak with a live person. You can still
report your outage by following the automated instructions. This will let the
utility company know the location and extent of the outage. The company must
keep a record of all outages.
Unplug all major appliances and electronics,
such as computers and televisions, to protect them from a possible power surge
when the power comes back on. By leaving one light on, you will be able to tell
when your service is restored.
How can I
be prepared year-round?
For practical purposes, every home
should have a storm kit. The following items should be included for unexpected
power interruptions.
- Portable, battery-powered radio
- Flashlights
- Extra batteries
- Manual can opener and bottle opener
- A supply of non-perishable foods needing
little or no cooking (Be sure you pack any special dietary foods, baby
food and formula, if needed.)
- Water stored in clean, non-corrosive,
non-breakable, tightly covered containers such as soft drink bottles ―
plan for at least two quarts per person per day
- Personal hygiene products, sanitary supplies,
diapers and first aid supplies
- Ice chest and ice or frozen ice packs
- Camp stove or canned heat stove, and fuel for
three to five days; or hibachi grill and charcoal
- If possible, have access to a cellular phone.
Your home’s hardwire or cordless telephone may not work without
electricity.
Make sure you know how to manually open
and close any electric garage doors, security doors or gates. Have surge
protectors on important electrical equipment such as computers, DVD players and
televisions. Be aware that during an outage, gas appliances with electronic
ignitions will not work because electricity is needed to ignite the natural
gas. Appliances requiring fans or other electric devices to run (such as
central heating units and gas clothes dryers) will not operate.
For more information, click here or
call 1-800-BE-READY, and for additional tips on being prepared during a power
outage visit www.PUCO.ohio.gov or
call (800) 686-PUCO (7826).
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The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) is the sole agency charged with regulating public utility service. The role of the PUCO is to assure all residential, business and industrial consumers have access to adequate, safe and reliable utility services at fair prices while facilitating an environment that provides competitive choices. Consumers with utility-related questions or concerns can call the PUCO Call Center at (800) 686-PUCO (7826) and speak with a representative.
For additional information, contact: Matt Schilling | (614) 466-7750
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