• National Weather Service Severe Storm Preparedness Guide
• National Weather Service Winter Weather Preparedness Guide

Tips and Ideas for Dealing With Outages

• Stay Informed!
  Keep up with the changing weather conditions and/or alerts for your area. If a winter or severe storm is approaching, take steps to be prepared; don't wait until it is here before you act.Here is a list of some useful items to have on hand in case the power goes out.
  Lighting:
  Flashlights, battery powered lanterns
  Be extremely careful with any flame type lighting
  Portable Radios:
  NOAA weather radio will keep you informed on weather changes
  Batteries:
  Extra sets for flashlights and radios
  Food:
  Canned items that do not require refrigeration
  Manual can opener
  For extended outages use the most perishable items first
  Water:
  Keep some extra gallons of drinking water. Freeze some extra water in plastic containers in your freezer. Not only will it give you extra fresh water, it will also help to keep items cold in your fridge or freezer longer. For anyone operating on a well, before a storm moves in, you may consider filling tubs with water. The water in the tub, will give you a supply to fill the tank on the commode making it operable.
  Outside grill:
  For those with total electric homes, an outside grill, if accessible, will give you means to cook with the power off.  Never use an outside grill inside the house!”
  De-icer:
  For winter storms have some type of de-icer ready, this will allow you access to the outside grill or driveway. Salt works, but it will damage your cement driveway.
  Entertainment:
  Books, board games
  
• Warmth:
  Keep some extra blankets, sleeping bags, and/or quilts for additional warmth during winter outages. Don't use fuel-fired heaters in a non-vented environment.

• BE PREPARED: Being prepared for an outage is the first step you can take to safely navigate a power outage.
  FIRE PREVENTION: Be careful with candles or any other type of wick lighting during outages. Battery powered lanterns are a safer option.
  
• APPLIANCES: Unplug or turn off ALL electrical appliances; leave a light on to let you know when power has been restored

Frequently Asked Questions

The following is a list of frequently asked questions that Jefferson Energy receives during an outage. The answers are listed below each question.

How long will it be before my power is restored?

During an outage, Jefferson Energy crews are working around the clock to restore power as quickly and efficiently as possible to all customers. The more severe a storm, the longer it could be to restore power. If main lines are down, then they have to be repaired before service can be restored to neighborhoods and to individual homes.

Whose power is restored first?

The main goal is to restore power safely to the greatest number of members in the shortest time possible. Power is not restored in the order of the reported outages. Power must be restored from the substation to the home. It cannot be restored at the home first.

Where are the crews when the power is out?

During power outages, Jefferson Energy crews are working in the outage areas. You may see a crew ride by your house during an outage. Do not attempt to "flag them down." If a truck is seen riding by, they are typically going to the initial location of the outage or assessing the problem to determine how they can most efficiently get power restored to the area.

Why am I the only one with power out on my street?

If you are the only house on your street without power, then it is possible that something has fallen on the service line to your house, or the power to your house comes from a different location than your neighbors. Call Jefferson Energy to report your outage and power will be restored as quickly as possible.

What do I need to do if the service has pulled off my house?

If the service simply came loose from your house and no other damage was caused, the crews can restore power to your home. However, if the mast pipe, weather-head, or meter base has been pulled off your house by a falling tree, Jefferson Energy cannot restore power to your house until this is fixed. You need to contact a licensed electrician to repair this situation before power can be restored.

Why is my power out when my service is underground?

Many of the subdivisions in Jefferson Energy territories have underground service to homes. However, at some point, the electrical supply lines to the subdivision are overhead. If you live in a subdivision and the power is out during a storm, then the initial cause of the outage is located somewhere outside your subdivision.