What to do when the power goes off

We have become so accustomed to continuous, uninterrupted electricity that we are usually unprepared when this supply is cut off by storms, weather or other accidents.

If the power goes off, don’t panic! Calmly check to see if your neighbors still have electricity. If they do, the problem could be inside your home. Check your main fuses or circuit breakers to see if they have blown or tripped. Replacing a fuse or resetting a circuit breaker may restore your electricity.

If you determine that the power failure has not been caused by a problem in the home, call your electric cooperative. A lineworker will be sent as quickly as possible.

Unplug appliances with electronic components, such as microwaves, televisions, and DVD players. This will help to eliminate damage to your appliances from voltage surges when the electricity is restored. Wait a few minutes before turning on these appliances when the electricity is restored. This will reduce demand on the power supplier’s electrical system.

View the links below to learn more about how to stay safe during an outage.