• Create an emergency kit that includes:

  • Important documents sealed in a watertight plastic bag

  • Cash

  • Enough nonperishable food, bottled water and medication for at least three days (plus manual can opener)

  • First-aid kit/medicines

  • Battery-powered radio

  • Flashlight

  • Extra batteries

  • Personal hygiene items

  • Extra clothes and blankets

  • Food and other supplies for pets

• Connect with EnergyUnited on social media to stay informed about weather, outages and other information.

• Have a portable radio, TV or NOAA Weather Radio on hand to monitor official weather forecasts and other important information for your area.

• Plan ahead for elderly family members or those with special medical needs.

• Have a plan to move yourself and your family to an alternate location in case you have to evacuate or experience an extended power outage.

• Make sure to have your cell phone charged and have a powerbank as a backup.

Storm Preparedness Tips

How EnergyUnited prepares for storms

• Monitor local media sources for important news and information.

• If you experience a power outage, make sure to report it to us using our automated outage reporting system at 1-800-EUNITED (1-800-386-4833). Make sure you are signed up to receive text outage alerts from us.

• If you anticipate an extended outage, have a plan for moving yourself and your family, and those with special needs, to an alternative location.

• Stay away from any downed power lines or anything touching them. Please report any downed lines or poles to us.

• Don’t open your refrigerators or freezers, so they can remain cold as long as possible to keep food fresh.

• During storms or power outages, turn off as many of your appliances and electronics as possible. Wait a few minutes after power is restored to start turning items back on.

• Use your phone for emergencies only.

• Never use a portable generator indoors. Only use in well-ventilated areas to power essential equipment. Running a generator inside any enclosed or partially enclosed structure can lead to dangerous and often fatal levels of carbon monoxide. Keep generators positioned outside and at least 15 feet away from open windows so exhaust does not enter your home/business or a neighboring home/business. (Source: www.energy.gov)

See how EnergyUnited monitors storms

• Stay away from downed power lines, trees and debris.

• Follow instructions issued by local officials.

• Do not attempt to drive across flooded roadways and stay away from any moving water.

• Monitor local radio, TV or websites for weather and news updates.

• Check our website and social media for important updates and outage information.

• Replenish your emergency supply of batteries, bottled water and nonperishable food items in preparation for future storms.

• Keep children and family pets away from areas where lines may have fallen.

• If a power line falls across a car that you’re in, stay in the car. If you must get out of the car due to a fire or other immediate life-threatening situation, do your best to jump clear of the car and land on both feet. Be sure that no part of your body is touching the car when your feet touch the ground.