PUC Offers Tips For Residents During Power Outages

The Public Utility Commission Monday provided tips for those residents who may lose electrical power in the current snow storms--

When the lights go out:

— Call your utility. Don't expect that others in your neighborhood have already called. Your utility can provide you with the most up-to-date information on when to expect power to be restored.

— Check on elderly neighbors and those with special needs who might need additional assistance.

— Use a phone that does not require electricity to work. Remember a cordless phone won’t work without electricity. Cable and VoIP service may not work. However, customers should familiarize themselves with their in-home equipment and locate the battery backup that will allow for a 911 call, if needed.

— Keep your cellular phones charged. A cellular phone or corded phone on a landline may work if you are using traditional phone service.

— Turn off lights and electrical appliances except for the refrigerator and freezer. When power comes back on, it may come back with momentary "surges" or "spikes" that can damage equipment. After you turn the lights off, turn one lamp on so you will know when power is restored. Wait at least 15 minutes after power is restored before turning on other appliances.

— Only use a flashlight or battery-operated lanterns for emergency lighting. Do not use candles.

— Avoid opening the refrigerator and freezer. Food can stay cold for a couple of hours if the doors remain closed. For longer outages, plan to place refrigerator and freezer items in coolers with ice. If in doubt, throw it out. The state Department of Agriculture has more information on food safety.

— If you are going to use a generator, do not run it inside a home or garage. If you use a generator, connect the equipment you want to power directly to the outlets on the generator. Do not connect a generator to a home's electrical system. Generators also should not be run near any open windows or other areas where carbon monoxide may travel into the home such as air vents.

Driving during a power outage:

— Eliminate unnecessary travel, especially by car. Traffic signals will stop working during an outage, creating traffic congestion. If traffic lights are out, treat all intersections as four-way stops. It’s required by law for safety.

— Stay away from downed power lines and sagging trees with broken limbs.

Downed power lines:

— Don’t touch or get near any fallen lines.

— Stay away from objects or puddles in contact with downed power lines.

— Notify the utility company.

— Never try to remove trees or limbs from power lines.

Consumers should contact their electric utility if they experience an outage: Met-Ed/Penelec/Penn Power/West Penn Power: 1-888-LIGHTSS 1-888-544-4877); PPL: 1-800-342-5775; PECO: 1-800-841-4141; UGI: 1-800-276-2722; Duquesne: 888-393-7000; Citizens: 570-524-2231; Wellsboro: 570-724-3516; and Pike County: 570-724-3516

The PUC will share storm-related updates on social media such as Facebook and Twitter. Search PAPowerSwitch on Facebook or follow the PUC on Twitter – @PA_PUC. Electric companies also will be sharing information on Twitter. You can follow them: @Met_Ed; @Penelec; @penn_power; @W_Penn_Power; @PPLElectric; @UGI_Utilities; @DuquesneLight; @PECOconnect; @ORUconnect and @Citelectric. Consumers should not use social media to report outages or share account information or addresses.