(Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission)
Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News
(Harrisburg, PA) The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) is urging residents in Pennsylvania to prepare now for potential power outages and to take steps to stay safe during upcoming severe winter weather if necessary. According to a release in Harrisburg on Friday from the PUC, here are some tips and other advice for power outages and severe weather this winter:
- 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 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.