Steps To Take In An Outage

We want you and your family to stay safe in the event of an outage. If you lose power, remember the following simple tips.

Report problems

• Report emergencies immediately, including downed power lines, by calling 1-800-DIAL-PPL (1-800-342-5775). When prompted, press 1 for “Power Problem".
• Check to see if your neighbors have lights, and check your breakers and fuses.
  Report outages online or by calling 1-800-DIAL-PPL (1-800-342-5775). Calls from customers help us determine the scope of outages and better direct crews to where the problems exist.

Stay safe

• Never run a generator in your home, basement, or other indoor space where exhaust fumes may accumulate.
• Stay clear of downed power lines.
• Stay clear of electrical equipment where there is standing water, such as a flooded basement.
• Do not use gas ovens or ranges to heat your home.
• Turn off electric ovens, ranges or space heaters that may have been in use when the outage occurred.
• Unplug sensitive home electronics that can suffer damage when power is restored.
• Avoid candles and use flashlights instead. Candles can cause a fire if tipped by animals or people, or if they come in contact with a combustible item.

Be smart

• Keep warm air in during winter by using doors as infrequently as possible. This includes closing your garage door while you shovel snow.
• Close off unoccupied rooms.
• Keep your refrigerator or freezer closed as much as possible.
• Remain calm and stick together.

What to do during severe flooding

Heavy rains often cause flooding in lowland areas, homes and basements.
PPL Electric Utilities reminds everyone to be alert to electrical equipment that could be energized and in contact with water, along with other potential hazards that create a serious danger of electrocution. Cleaning up and using water-damaged appliances also carry safety risks. Please make sure children are aware of these hazards as well.

The prospect of an electrical accident is probably not top of mind when you’re dealing with a flooded basement, room or even outdoors. But it’s the first thing you should think of before you step foot in the water.

Safety measures to keep in mind include:

-- Never step into a flooded basement or other room if water may be in contact with electrical outlets, appliances or cords.

-- Never attempt to turn off power at the breaker box if you must stand in water to do so. If you can’t reach your breaker box safely, call your electric utility to shut off power at the meter.

-- Never use electric appliances or touch electric wires, switches or fuses when you’re wet or when you’re standing in water.

-- Keep electric tools and equipment at least 10 feet away from wet surfaces. Do not use electric yard tools if it’s raining or the ground is wet.

If an electrical appliance has been in contact with water, have a professional check it out before it is used. It may need to be repaired or replaced.

A good safety measure is to have ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) professionally installed on outlets. These safety devices can cut off power instantly if there’s a safety hazard.

GFCIs are recommended for outdoor outlets, and outlets near wet areas of the home such as kitchen, bath and laundry room.

Use Caution When Using Back-Up Power Generators


During long-term power outages many rely on portable generators for emergency power. The popularity of portable electric generators has grown with homes and small businesses across the nation.

But it’s estimated only a small percentage are hooked up correctly.
If installed and operated correctly, use of standby or portable electric generators poses little danger, but improper installation or use could be dangerous to you and threaten the lives of your family, friends, neighbors and electric utility crews trying to restore service.

PPL Electric Utilities urges consumers to understand the proper safety steps that must be taken.

Properly connecting the generator into the system is a critical step for safe and effective use. A licensed professional should install a permanent, standby electric generator and can help with proper equipment for safely using a portable generator.
Have a qualified electrician install a transfer switch. The transfer switch breaks the path of electricity between the power lines and your main electrical panel. This is the best way to protect you, your neighbors and repair crews from ‘back feed.’
Back feed occurs when an improperly connected generator begins feeding electricity “back” through the power lines. This can seriously injure anyone near lines, especially crews working to restore power.

Some homeowners choose smaller, portable generators to power essential electrical equipment during outages.

We offer these tips for the safe operation and use of portable generators:

-- Read and follow all manufacturer operating instructions to properly ground the generator. Be sure you understand them before hooking up the generator.

-- Maintain adequate ventilation. Generators emit carbon monoxide. Never operate a generator in your home, garage, or other enclosed building.

-- Place it in a dry, outside location.

-- Never plug a portable electric generator into a wall outlet or connect directly to a home’s wiring. This can energize utility power lines and injure you or others working nearby. Electrical back feed also can damage the generator and home electrical equipment.

-- Turn off generator and allow cooling before refueling. Gasoline and its vapors may ignite if they come in contact with hot components or an electrical spark. Store fuel in a properly designed container in a secure location.

-- Protect your appliances. Turn off or disconnect all appliances and lights before you begin operating the portable generator. Once the generator is running, turn your appliances and lights on one at a time to avoid overloading the unit.

-- Use proper extension cords. Use only safety-tested, shop-type electrical cords designed and rated for heavier, outdoor use to connect appliances. Many generators are equipped with twist-lock connects to reduce the chance of accidental disconnections due to vibrations.

-- Shut down generator properly. Before shutting down a generator, turn off and unplug all appliances and equipment being powered by the generator.

-- Remember maintenance between uses. It’s important to drain the gasoline from the generator while it is being stored. It’s also a good idea to inspect the fuel and oil filters, spark plug, oil level and fuel quality and start the generator on a regular basis before an emergency situation happens.