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Storm Safety: Staying Calm In A Storm

CV's storm restoration efforts have been publicly acclaimed, but outages do occur. The tips below will help you get through a major storm safely. We've also provided information to help you decide when and what to communicate to CVPS in case of an outage or other problem.

1. What can you do right now?
2. When a storm threatens.
3. When your electricity is out.
4. Water and electricity don't mix.
5. Stay away from downed power lines.
6. Dim or bright lights could mean a voltage problem.
7. Life support customers should have backup.
8. If you use a portable generator, use it safely.

Step 1 - WHAT YOU CAN DO RIGHT NOW
1. If you live alone, are HOMEBOUND, have LIFE-SUPPORT equipment, or live in a secluded area, arrange for a friend, relative or close neighbor to check on you if electricity goes out or if severe weather persists. Remember, a cordless phone won't work if the power goes out. Have a regular phone as a backup.
2. Keep extra blankets or sleeping bags handy.
3. If you cook with electricity, you may want to keep a supply of Sterno canned fuel on hand. Never use a camp stove, charcoal or gas grill indoors.
4. Buy a supply of canned foods. They can be heated easily in an emergency and many can be eaten cold. These serve as a hedge not only against power outages, but also against weather that prevents trips to the grocery store. Keep a hand-operated can opener handy.
5. Keep a supply of bottled water on hand, especially if your water supply depends on electricity. Have spare containers ready to fill if a severe storm is forecast.
6. Have a portable radio, flashlights, and a supply of fresh batteries available. Flashlights are safer than candles.
7. Take other measures appropriate to your situation. Keep wood for the woodstove, an ice cooler and blue ice packs on hand.

Step 2 - WHEN A STORM THREATENS
1. Stay tuned to news broadcasts.
2. If your water supply depends on electricity, store as much water as you can for drinking, cooking and washing. Fill your bathtub, but restrict access to small children. You can flush toilets by pouring a bucket of water into the bowl.

Step 3 - WHEN YOUR ELECTRICITY IS OUT
1. See if your neighbors have lights. If they do, the problem could be in your own house, possibly a blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker.
2. If the neighbors' lights are also out, immediately contact CVPS at the toll-free power outage number, 1-800-451-2877. Don't assume your neighbor has called. Having your electric bill in front of you may help you report the outage more quickly. Be sure to report any wires down or trees on wires.
3. Stay warm. If it's cold, keep your head, hands and feet covered. Several layers of light clothing usually work better than a single heavy layer.
4. Locate and check all emergency supplies and equipment to ensure that you are prepared. Food will stay frozen in a fully loaded freezer for 36 to 48 hours if the door is kept shut. If the freezer is only half full, the food will keep for about 24 hours. Meat keeps longer than baked goods. Try not to open your freezer or refrigerator when the power is out.
5. Disconnect or shut off appliances that will go on automatically when power is restored. This includes furnaces, air conditioners, electric ranges, water heaters, refrigerators, freezers and water pumps. Also make sure electric space heaters, washers, dryers and TV sets are shut off. If a lot of appliances come on at once, they may overload the circuits. Leave one or two lamps switched on so you'll know when the power comes back on. Then you can turn your appliances back on one at a time over a period of 15 minutes or so.
6. Don't use an unvented kerosene space heater. A fireplace, more clothing, or snuggling are good alternatives for heating during a power outage.
7. Don't use a gas range to heat your home.
8. Print this page and keep it with emergency supplies.

WATER AND ELECTRICITY DON'T MIX
If you have water in the basement, shut off power to all basement appliances IF YOU CAN DO SO SAFELY.

• If your electric service panel is affected by water, this is a hazard. Have a qualified electrician check it out as soon as possible.
• Never attempt to turn off your power, open circuit breakers, remove fuses or operate switches while standing in water. Don't turn the power back on until the basement is emptied of water.
• Don't rely on fishing waders, rubber boots or household rubber gloves as insulation. They do not provide sufficient insulation to protect you from electric shock.
• If any appliances or electrical equipment get wet, be sure they are dry and have an electrician inspect them before using again.

STAY AWAY FROM DOWNED POWER LINES

• Don't touch or even go near downed wires! These wires can be energized and can cause serious injuries or death. If the line is blocking the road or in contact with a vehicle with people inside, call you local police or fire emergency number first. Then call CVPS. Instruct others to keep at least 50 feet away, and keep pets and livestock away as well.
• Assume all objects touching the power line are also energized. Never attempt to remove trees or limbs from any utility lines! Notify CVPS of the situation.

DIM OR BRIGHT LIGHTS COULD MEAN A VOLTAGE PROBLEM - TURN OFF THE POWER!
Very bright or very dim bulbs indicate a voltage problem. Electrical appliances can be severely damaged by this condition. Immediately turn off the main electrical switch at the service panel. Contact CVPS immediately. If you don't know the location of your service panel, have an electrician or knowledgeable person show you where it is and how to safely turn off the power.

If the wire between your house and the street is down or damaged, notify CVPS. This situation could cause voltage problems that could damage appliances. Turning off your main breaker will protect appliances from possible damage.

LIFE SUPPORT CUSTOMERS SHOULD HAVE BACKUP
During a storm or loss of power, CVPS will make special efforts to communicate with customers using life-support equipment.

Be sure we know the kind of life-support equipment in your home and the hours of backup power available. If there's a change in the life-support information, please let us know that, too.

In a major storm or power disruption, we need your help to minimize your inconvenience and worry. Life-support customers should:

• Have a backup plan in case power goes out while life-support equipment is in use or scheduled.
• Be sure to call us if power is out and let us know how much backup power is currently available.
• Let us know of any special problems or concerns.

IF YOU USE A PORTABLE GENERATOR, USE IT SAFELY
Customers who use portable generators to deal with power outages must be sure to use them safely. Otherwise the results could be far worse than the loss of electricity: injury or death to yourself, a utility line worker or someone else.

Improperly installed generators can cause deadly exhaust fumes to accumulate in a home. They can also backfeed electricity into utility lines, seriously injuring or electrocuting a line worker or anyone who may touch a live line. Improper installation can also damage your generator or appliances. Be sure to follow these safety guidelines:

• Read the owner's manual before starting your generator.
• Operate the generator outdoors to avoid deadly fumes accumulating in the house. Never run a generator in a shed, barn, garage or other structure.
• When using a portable generator, plug appliances directly into the generator, or have the generator properly attached to your home's wiring by a qualified electrician, who will install a special transfer switch as required by the National Electrical Code. The switch will ensure that electricity from the generator won't backfeed into electric lines or endanger the line workers and others.
• Never connect a portable generator to your home's main electrical panel; never plug it into an electrical outlet of your home.

A dealer in generators or an electrician should be able to help you select the size of generator and transfer switch (manual or automatic) suitable for your needs.

Note: In some cases, a state permit and inspection of generator installations is required.