Safety During an Outage
If you have lines down around your home, DO NOT TOUCH THEM OR ATTEMPT TO REMOVE LIMBS OR OTHER DEBRIS OFF LINES, THEY COULD BE ENERGIZED.
Stay away from them and call Sawnee EMC immediately.
Inside the home:
BE PREPARED: Being prepared for an outage is the first step you can take to safely navigate a power outage. Check out our Preparing for a Storm section and read the Preparedness guides for ideas on disaster kits that can be useful during outages.
FIRE PREVENTION: Be careful with candles or any other type of wick lighting during outages. Battery powered lanterns are a safer option.
APPLIANCES: Unplug or turn off ALL electrical appliances; leave a light on to let you know when power has been restored.
GENERATORS: If you own a generator and have it wired into your house, you must have a transfer switch to prevent electricity from feeding back on your service line and possibly injuring Sawnee employees who are trying to restore your power.
Check out the following info for more information on safely using generators:
Portable Generators - Use them Safely!
Additional Tips for Dealing with a Storm
Keep up with the changing weather conditions and/or alerts for your area. If a winter or severe storm is approaching, take steps to be prepared; don't wait until it is here before you act.
Here is a list of some useful items to have on hand in case the power goes out:
Lighting:
Flashlights, battery powered lanterns
Be extremely careful with any flame type lighting
Portable Radios:
NOAA weather radio will keep you informed on weather changes
Batteries:
Extra sets for flashlights and radios
Food:
Canned items that do not require refrigeration are a good thing to keep stocked during an outage.
A manual can opener can really come in handy when you are out of power.
For extended outages use the most perishable items first and make sure to have enough canned goods to last a few days.
Water:
Keep some extra gallons of drinking water.
Freeze some extra water in plastic containers in your freezer. Not only will it give you extra fresh water, it will also help to keep items cold in your fridge or freezer longer.
For anyone operating on a well, before a storm moves in, you may consider filling tubs with water. The water in the tub, will give you a supply to fill the tank on the commode making it operable.
Outside grill:
For those with total electric homes, an outside grill, if accessible, will give you means to cook with the power off. Never use a grill meant for the outside in the house!
De-icer:
For winter storms have some type of de-icer ready, this will allow you access to the outside grill or driveway. Salt works, but it will damage your cement driveway.
Entertainment:
Books and board games provide a needed distraction from the stress of an electrical outage.
Warmth:
Keep some extra blankets, sleeping bags, and/or quilts for additional warmth during winter outages. Don't use fuel-fired heaters in a non-vented environment.