Power Outage Safety Tips

August is typically the start of hurricane season in Eastern North Carolina. While your co-op works hard to maintain reliable service, extended outages can occur when high winds, flooding, and falling trees damage electrical equipment. The time to learn how to keep your family safe in the event of a power outage is BEFORE the storm hits. Keep reading for tips on how to protect your home and the ones you love in case the lights go out.

Preparing for the Outage

• Gather the items you will need in the event of losing electricity. Make sure you have batteries and other alternative power sources to meet your needs, such as a power bank and flashlights for each family member.

Downed Power Lines

• Never approach or touch a downed power line. Always assume any downed line is live and dangerous.

• Report downed lines immediately to JOEMC or call 911.

Generator Use

Generators can be a great tool when the power goes out, allowing you to use your lights, cook, and stay cool. However, it is vital to know how to safely use your generator.

• Use a generator ONLY outdoors and away from windows.

• Before generator use, be sure to have working carbon monoxide detectors with battery-operated backups on every level of your home.

• Keep the generator dry and protected from rain or flooding. Touching a wet generator or devices connected to one can cause electrical shock.

• Always connect the generator to appliances with heavy-duty extension cords.

• Let the generator cool before refueling. Fuel spilled on hot engine parts can ignite.

• Follow all manufacturer instructions carefully.

Protect Your Devices

• Turn off or disconnect appliances, equipment, or electronics. Power may return with surges or spikes that can cause damage.

Food Storage and Safety

• Before a storm arrives, make sure you have enough nonperishable food and water on hand.

• Keep freezer and refrigerator doors closed. The refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours. A full freezer will keep the temperature for about 48 hours.

• After the storm, when in doubt, throw it out! Throw away any food that has been exposed to temperatures 40 degrees or higher for two hours or more, or that has an unusual odor, color or texture.

Know Your Medical Needs

• Be sure to have a plan in place with your medical provider in case of a power outage if you or a member of your family relies on refrigerated medicines or medical devices powered by electricity.

• If you rely on electric medical devices, call our office today to add that information to your account. This allows our crews to better prioritize restoring power to members with high medical needs in the event of an outage.

Storms are unpredictable, but proper preparation makes all the difference in keeping your family safe. Remember, if the power goes out, follow the safety tips above, and know that JOEMC crews will work to restore service as quickly and safely as possible.