PUCO offers tips to prepare for a power outage

COLUMBUS, Ohio – With the arrival of summer, 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. From getting in touch with a local electrician service similar to MZ Electric (mzelectric.com/service-areas/greenwood-village/) to having a storm prep kit, these tips can help homeowners stay safe during bad weather.

What should I do during a power outage?

All outages should be immediately reported to your electric company, similar to Asbury Electric where they provide electrical services in certain areas so head to the Asbury Electric site so you are prepared for your next power outage.
By contacting an electrician it 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.

If you don’t have a whole house generator (you should definitely look at getting one) but you should consider unplugging 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 air conditioning units and gas clothes dryers) will not operate. However, if you feel anxious or overwhelmed at all, try to reach out to a reputed electrical services company like Sutton Electric LLC, and take their consultation or assistance to navigate through the outage better.

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).