September Is National Preparedness Month

Take Steps to Prepare for Emergencies

September is National Preparedness Month, and Safe Electricity urges you to prepare for potential electrical dangers related to severe weather.

Start by creating a storm preparedness kit with enough supplies to last at least three days in case of a power outage. Also, learn about the local warning systems in regards to a variety of emergencies. This could include emergency radio or television broadcasts, sirens, or cell phone messaging.

Safe Electricity also encourages families to learn what to do when a storm hits. Here are tips, should severe weather occur:

• Do not step into a flooded basement. if electrical equipment could be in contact with the water. Submerged outlets can energize water and could cause electrocution.
• Never attempt to turn off power at the breaker box or touch an electrical appliance if you are wet or in standing water. Call your electric utility to shut off power at the meter.
• If an electrical appliance has been in contact with water, have a professional check it out before it is used. It may need replaced.
• If the smell of gas is apparent or if there is a suspected leak in your house, leave immediately and call your gas utility.
• If power lines are on the ground, stay far away from them and warn others to stay away. Contact the local electric utility because the lines could still be live.
• Downed power lines can also energize tree limbs or debris, so be alert during clean-up.
• Any power line that is dead could become energized at any moment due to power restoration or backup generators.
• If driving, never get out of the car if there is a downed power line, and never drive over one.
• Always use caution following severe weather. You do not know how landmarks have been impacted, if stop signs have been removed, or if power has been cut to stoplights or railroad crossings.
• Before entering storm-damaged buildings, make sure electricity and gas are turned off.
• Do not use electrical equipment during cleanup after a storm if the ground is wet.
• If the power is out, unplug electronics. The power may come back in spikes, and the power surge can destroy the electronics.
• Conserve electricity. Even though you still have power, your utility may be struggling to provide electricity to all its customers. Use only the electricity you need.

For more severe storm preparedness and electrical safety information, visit SafeElectricity.org.