Public Utility Commission: Post-Christmas Winter Storm Safety

On December 26, the Public Utility Commission urged residents to prepare for potential power outages and to take steps to stay safe during severe winter weather.

Residents are also reminded to use caution when traveling near utility crews working to restore service. Slowing down and giving crews plenty of space helps protect workers and the public during storm response efforts.

Winter #UtilitySafety Tips

The PUC encourages consumers to keep the following safety tips in mind before and during winter storms:

-- Plan Ahead: Keep flashlights, batteries, bottled water, non-perishable food, and any necessary medications readily available.

-- Charge Up: Fully charge cell phones, medical devices, and other essential electronics in advance of the storm.

-- Stay Informed: Monitor weather forecasts and utility updates through local news outlets, official social media channels, and emergency alerts.

-- Report Issues: Report power outages or downed power lines directly to your utility company. Always assume downed lines are energized and stay far away.

If You Lose Power During the Storm

If a winter storm causes a power outage, the PUC encourages residents to keep the following tips in mind:

-- Report Outages to Your Utility: Call your electric utility’s outage hotline or use its online outage-reporting system. Do not assume the utility already knows about your outage.

-- Stay Clear of Downed Lines: Never touch or approach fallen power lines and stay away from puddles or objects that may be in contact with them.

-- Do Not Clear Debris Near Lines: Do not attempt to remove trees or limbs tangled in power lines – leave that work to trained utility crews.

-- Use 9-1-1 Appropriately: Do not call 9-1-1 to report power outages. Reserve emergency services for life-threatening situations. If you see a downed power line causing a dangerous situation, immediately contact your utility and call 9-1-1.

Staying Safe While Waiting for Power to Be Restored

While crews work to restore service, households should take the following precautions:

-- Use Safe Lighting: Rely on flashlights or battery-operated lanterns instead of candles to reduce fire risk.

-- Protect Appliances: Turn off lights and unplug sensitive electronics. Leave one light on so you know when power has been restored and wait at least 15 minutes before turning other appliances back on.

-- Operate Generators Properly: Run generators outdoors only and connect devices directly to the generator – not to your home’s wiring – to protect utility workers, and keep generators away from windows and doors or enclosed spaces to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

-- Check on Neighbors: Look in on elderly neighbors or those with medical or mobility needs who may require additional assistance during extended outages.

What Utilities Are Doing

Utilities across Pennsylvania are activating their winter storm response plans, which may include:

-- Pre-positioning crews and equipment to respond quickly to outages.

-- Increasing staffing levels and system monitoring ahead of severe weather.

-- Enhancing coordination with local emergency management officials.

-- Maintaining close communication with the PUC, the Governor’s Office, and other state agencies.

During major storm events, the PUC closely monitors utility operations and works with partner agencies to support a coordinated response and timely restoration of service.

For additional winter safety information and updates, consumers can visit the PUC’s website or follow the Commission on social media.

Click Here for the PUC announcement.

[Posted: December 27, 2025]  PA Environment Digest