PUCO offers tips to prepare for a power outage
COLUMBUS, OH (June 15, 2017) — 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 and high winds can cause
service interruptions.
The PUCO offers these tips for
being prepared in the event electric customers experience an outage.
What
should I do during a power outage?
All outages should be immediately
reported to your electric company. This
will let the utility company know the location and extent of the outage. The
company must keep a record of all outages. Most utilities allow you to report outages by
phone, online or even mobile apps.
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 homes 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 air conditioning units and gas clothes dryers) will not operate.
For additional tips on being prepared during a power outage visit www.Ready.gov or www.PUCO.ohio.gov.
For help with utility-related questions or concerns, call the PUCO Call Center
at (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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