Member Name
Address 1
Address 2
COURTESY NOTICE: Uninterrupted electric service cannot be guaranteed
[Date]
Dear member,
We work hard to keep your lights on around the clock but realize some outages can’t be avoided. We encourage all members to have a plan in place to stay safe in case of possible extended power outages.
Having a plan is especially critical for those who:
> May suffer from a medical condition where loss of electric utility service would be dangerous or lifethreatening
> Those who depend on medical equipment that requires electricity to operate and termination of electric utility service would make operation of that equipment impossible or impractical.
If you use medical equipment in your home that requires electricity, talk to your doctor or health care provider about what you can do to keep it running during a power outage.
Due to the complex nature of power delivery, uninterrupted electric service cannot be guaranteed to any member. Unforeseen incidents such as powerful storms and equipment damage from animals can occur at any time. In the winter months, ice accumulation can be particularly problematic. During times of high demand for electricity, grid-related rolling outages are also possible. Our goal is to limit the number of service interruptions and restore power quickly and safely when outages can’t be prevented. In any case, it’s best to form a plan to keep you and your loved ones safe.
Please see the reverse side for helpful tips and information on forming a plan for power outages. Additional tips and resources can be found online at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s website, ready.gov.
For questions or concerns, please contact our offices during business hours, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Sincerely,
Butler Rural Electric Cooperative
PLAN TO STAY AHEAD OF OUTAGES
At Butler Rural Electric Cooperative, we work hard to keep your lights on around the clock. It’s important to note some outages can’t be avoided.
Our goal is to limit the number of service interruptions and restore power quickly and safely. We recommend you have a plan in place to keep yourself and your loved ones safe in case of extended power outages.
Having a plan is especially critical for those who depend on medical equipment that requires electricity. Talk to your doctor or health care provider about what you can do to keep it running during power outages and have alternate plans for refrigerating medicine or using power-dependent medical devices. If you're unable to ensure an alternate plan at your home, identify alternate locations that can accommodate your medical and/or power needs.
During extended outages, Butler Rural Electric Cooperative will use various channels to keep you informed. Download SmartHub, our free mobile app, and follow these steps to sign up for power outage update notifications:
Add and verify phone and e-mail contacts In SmartHub, select Settings > Contact Methods
Customize the notices you receive In SmartHub, select Settings > Manage Notifications
Forming your plan
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security recommends the following tips to help you prepare for power outages (via ready.gov):
• Take inventory of the items you need that rely on electricity.
• Talk to your medical provider about a power outage plan for medical devices powered by electricity and refrigerated medicines. Find out how long medication can be stored at higher temperatures and get specific guidance for any medications that are critical for life.
• Plan for batteries and other alternatives to meet your needs when the power goes out.
• Sign up for local alerts and warning systems. Monitor weather reports.
• Operate generators according to manufacturer’s instructions, never operate inside or in partially enclosed spaces. Allow to cool before refueling.
• Install carbon monoxide detectors with battery backup centralized on every level of your home.
• Determine whether your primary phone will work and how long battery backup will last.
• Review supplies that are available in case of outages. Have flashlights with extra batteries for every household member. Have enough nonperishable food and water.
• Use a thermometer in the refrigerator and freezer so you can know the temperature when the power is restored.
• Keep mobile phones and other electric equipment charged and gas tanks full.
HOW TO REPORT OUTAGES
Through SmartHub
Text "OUT" to 855-940-3867
Call 513-867-4400 or 855-940-3867 to use our Self-Serve phone number
FOLLOW US FOR UPDATES
Follow us on Facebook for outage updates. Do not report outages through social media or by e-mail as they are not monitored 24/7.
