Power Outage

Hazardous Chemicals

Power outages in the Pikes Peak Region are most commonly associated with summertime electrical storms, high wind events, and severe winter snow or ice storms. Intermittent power outages may even be caused by traffic accidents, fires, building or construction activities, or regularly scheduled electric services.

Before a power outage

• Prepare an outage kit that contains a batterypowered radio, fresh batteries, a flashlight, candles, matches, a wind-up clock, bottled water, paper plates, and plastic utensils. • Fill plastic containers with water, leaving about an inch of space inside each one for the frozen water to expand. Place the containers in the refrigerator and freezer. This chilled or frozen water will help keep food cold for several hours if the power goes out. • Keep a stock of canned food in your cupboard along with a manual can opener. Consider buying a camp stove and fuel that you can use (outdoors only) if you can’t cook on your electric stove. • Tape your electric provider’s phone number on your refrigerator so it will be handy if you must report an outage. Do not take it for granted that your neighbor has made the call. • Medication that requires refrigeration usually can be kept in a closed refrigerator for several hours without a problem. • Back up computer files and operating systems. • Turn off and unplug major appliances and sensitive electric equipment until after power is restored. • Purchase a high-quality surge protector for electronic equipment. • Locate the manual release for your electric garage door opener and learn how to operate it. • Keep your car fuel tank at least half-full because gas stations rely on electricity to power the pumps. • Make sure to have extra cash at your residence because equipment such as automated teller machines (ATMs) may not work during a power outage. • When tree limbs grow too close to power lines, they can cause damage or interrupt your electric service. They could also create a safety hazard to you, your neighbors, or children who like to climb trees. Contact your local electric provider for information about their free tree trimming programs. • If you rely on electrically powered life support equipment have a backup plan for power outages.

It is critical that those using special medical equipment at home, such as respirators, consider purchasing a backup generator and/or have other contingency plans in place.

During a power outage

• Use a flashlight whenever possible rather than candles or kerosene lanterns, which are a fire hazard. • Do not use charcoal grills or gas ovens to heat your home; this could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. Stay inside and dress in warm, layered clothing. • Keep your refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. • Teach children to stay away from fallen or sagging power lines. They could be energized and dangerous, even if the power is out. • Treat each signal as a stop sign if traffic signals are not working. • Do not call 911 to ask about the power outage.

After a power outage

• In the event of a major storm, the status of your power outage may be monitored through your electric provider’s web page. • For homes with overhead power lines, look for damage to an outside metal pipe or tube called a

“mast,” that feeds electricity from overhead lines into the meter on your house. ▪ This mast is the responsibility of the resident and is typically located at the roofline or the side of a residence coming out of the meter. ▪ The mast should not be touched. Customers can inspect the mast from a safe distance and call a licensed electrician for repairs if it is damaged. ▪ Once the mast is repaired by an electrician, your electrical provider can restore power to the residence. • Throw away any refrigerated food exposed to temperatures 40 degrees or higher for two hours or more, or that has an unusual odor, color or texture. ▪ If the power is out for more than a day, discard any medication that should be refrigerated, unless the drug label says otherwise. Consult your doctor or pharmacist immediately for a new supply. Contact information for electrical utilities providers are listed on the back of this guide.