Power Outage Info

Call us at 746-1583 anytime day or night, to report a power outage. We do our best to ensure you have as few service interruptions as possible, but sometimes weather conditions or car accidents cause the power to go out.

This page contains information on current outages, safety tips, and additional information on how to properly prepare for an outage. If you want to receive proactive outage alerts and updates via your cell phone or mobile device, FOLLOW US ON TWITTER!

When the Power Goes Off

• Check your electrical panel. Look for tripped breakers or blown fuses. Try to reset the breakers by switching them OFF then ON.
• If this isn't the source of the problem, then CALL EMERALD at 746-1583. If you want to receive proactive outage alerts and updates via your cell phone or mobile device, FOLLOW US ON TWITTER! We don't automatically know when there's an outage. We rely on you to let us know. If the phone is busy, it most likely means the outage is widespread and many people are calling in. Listen to the outgoing message to see if we are already aware of an outage in your area. If we know of an outage, we try to change the message to include the location within 30 minutes.
• Turn off major appliances. The water heater and heating system breakers need to be turned off to avoid overloading your circuits when the power is restored. Unplug any voltage-sensitive equipment, like computers or televisions.
• Install surge protectors to protect voltage sensitive equipment. You can purchase high quality surge protection devices from a variety of online dealers and local electricians.
• Switch on an outside light. This may assist our crews in determining whether or not your power has been restored late into the night.
• Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed. Food in a refrigerator will last 12 to 24 hours if the doors are kept closed. A full freezer can last 24 to 48 hours. Helpful Hint: You can drape a sleeping bag over your refrigerator or freezer for added insulating value in case of an extended power outage.
• Listen to radio reports. Keep either a battery operated or battery free (hand crank) radio on hand for emergencies. During an extended outage, listen to the local radio stations for updates and information.
• NEVER GO NEAR OR TOUCH A DOWNED POWER LINE.
• NEVER WIRE A PORTABLE GENERATOR DIRECTLY INTO YOUR ELECTRICAL PANEL.

Tips For Extended Outages

• Please let the repair crews do their job. It’s tempting to stop crews and ask questions about when the power is going to be restored, but this only delays the restoration process. Remember that while the crews want to be helpful, they also want to restore your power quickly so they too can get home to their families.
• Be a good neighbor. Severe storms usually increase the number of accidents and medical problems. Remember this increases the response time for service agencies. You may want to organize people in your area to check on each other and lend assistance.
• If not used correctly, portable generators can cause fatal accidents involving the workers on the lines. Plug appliances into the generator. DO NOT connect household breaker circuits to the generator without a “double-throw switch” installed by a licensed electrician.
• Emergency water sources: Run-off from roof-tops can be collected and used for washing, but do not drink it. A water heater can supply drinking water. Be sure the breaker is OFF before you drain it, and be sure to fill it before turning the breaker back on.
• Keep the freezer full. Milk jugs filled with water and placed in a half-full freezer can be a supply of both water and ice in an emergency. Also, it will keep the freezer colder longer if it is full. Check into purchasing dry ice to help prevent spoilage.

Be Prepared

Despite our best efforts, severe and unusual weather can wreak havoc and cause a power outage that can last for hours or days. Snow and ice, high winds and lightning are a few examples of natural conditions that can seriously damage power equipment in a large area. Even with crews working around-the-clock, repairs are time consuming, difficult and often dangerous. We have developed a list of suggestions that can help you during the long hours of an outage.

Always be prepared! Put together an emergency kit that is easily accessible in case of a lengthy power outage or other natural event.

Supplies should include:

• Access to a flashlight, radio & fresh batteries. Always keep the batteries separate until you are ready to use them.
• Candles & matches.
• Bottled drinking water. Be sure to store at least one gallon per person per day. If a storm is forecast, fill the bathtub with water so bathroom facilities can still be used by pouring a bucket of water down the toilet to create a vacuum flush.
• If you have a fireplace or woodstove, keep kindling and dry firewood on hand.
• Clothing. Wear extra layers and cover your head with a hat. Have sleeping bags and blankets handy too.
• Easy-to-prepare food items. Purchase items that don’t require much cooking - canned or instant soups, stews or chili, packaged freeze-dried meals, and protein or breakfast bars are good to have on hand.
• Gas camp stoves, lanterns or barbecues. NEVER use a camp stove or barbecue indoors! Be sure to use any lanterns on a flat, stable and non-flammable surface. Make sure to have extra fuel for cooking outdoors.
• Ample supply of essential prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs. During a storm, road travel may not be possible for several days.
• First aid kit. Make sure that all of the supplies are filled and ready to go.
• Games. Board games and cards are fun and handy to pass the time.

For information on how to compile a "72-Hour Emergency Kit" Click HERE to download the brochure

For more information, listen to EPUD's recent community forum radio interview HERE. (Click on the Community Forum Link)