Emergencies

Be Safe, Be Prepared

Before storms/outages:
  • Use surge protectors to help protect your appliances and electronics.
  • Have ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) professionally installed on your outlets. These safety devices can cut off power instantly if there's a safety hazard.
  • Prepare and maintain an emergency kit with food, water, medication and any pet supplies you may need.
  • Charge your phones and other devices before severe storms.

During storms/outages:

  • In the event of an emergency, call 911.
  • Avoid using candles for lighting because they can start fires. Use flashlights instead.
  • Keep warm air in during winter by using your doors as infrequently as possible, and close off unoccupied rooms.
  • Avoid opening your refrigerator and freezer as much as possible.
  • Do not use ovens or ranges to heat your home.
  • Unplug sensitive home electronics. Turn off ovens and space heaters that may have been on when the outage occurred.

Downed Wires

  • Never approach downed power lines. Stay at least 100 feet away and keep kids and pets away. Always assume they are energized and carrying electricity.
  • If you see a downed power line, report it immediately to 1-800-DIAL-PPL (1-800-342-5775).

Flood Safety

  • Never use electric appliances or touch electric wires, switches or fuses when you're wet or when you're standing in water.
  • Stay clear of electrical equipment in places, such as basements, where flooding has occurred.
  • Don't attempt to turn off power at the breaker box if you must stand in water to do so. Call us at 1-800-DIAL-PPL (1-800-342-5775) to shut off power at the meter.
  • 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.

Generator Safety

  • Make sure permanent stand-by generators are hooked up by qualified professionals.
  • Generators emit carbon monoxide. Never operate a generator in your home, garage or any enclosed area.
  • Place generators in a dry, well-ventilated outdoor location.
  • Use only safety-tested, heavy-duty cords designed for outdoor use.
  • 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. Turn off or disconnect all appliances and lights before you begin operating the portable generator.
  • Once the generator is running, turn on your appliances and lights one at a time to avoid overloading the unit.
  • Shut down generators properly. Before shutting down a generator, turn off and unplug all appliances and equipment being powered by the generator.
  • Remember to do maintenance between uses of generators: inspect filters, spark plugs, oil and fuel.