Storm Response
Outage Restoration Update
Time, Date, Year
Extreme Weather Safety Tips
Summer Outage Tips
- Close drapes and blinds on the sunny side of your home to prevent the sun’s rays from directly heating a home.
- Drink plenty of cool liquids, even if you do not feel thirsty.
- Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose clothing.
- Reduce, eliminate, or reschedule strenuous activities to a cooler time of the day.
- Cool down by taking a bath in tepid water. Water conducts heat away from the body, so bathing is an effective cooling technique.
Downed Power Line Safety
- Always stay away from power lines. Downed power lines may appear to be harmless, but could be energized and dangerous.
- If a person or object is in contact with a power line, do not touch the person, object, or line. The electric current could flow through to you. Call 911 and Liberty at 1-800-206-2300 (Electric & Water) immediately.
- If your vehicle comes into contact with a power line, stay inside. Warn others not to approach the vehicle or attempt to touch the vehicle or line.
- If you must leave your vehicle, jump clear to avoid being in contact with the car and the ground at the same time.
Outage Food Safety
- Perishable or frozen food that has been held at a temperature above 40 degrees Fahrenheit for more than two hours should be thrown away.
- Rarely open either the refrigerator or freezer door so cold air does not escape.
- Keep a thermometer in the refrigerator and freezer so you can monitor the temperature when you open the door.
- If an outage appears to be lengthy, pack perishable items into a cooler surrounded by ice or dry ice. If outside temperatures are cold enough, below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, you can store the cooler outdoors.
- After electricity is restored, take the time to examine all of your perishable items to make sure they have not spoiled. If in doubt, throw it out!
- Before returning food to a refrigerator or freezer, clean and disinfect it thoroughly. You can sanitize the space with one teaspoon of bleach in one quart of water. Do not use more bleach, as it can be toxic. Leave the door open until it dries completely.
Generator Safety
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper usage of a portable generator.
• Only operate generators outdoors to avoid deadly fumes accumulating in the house.
• When using a portable generator, plug appliances directly into the generator.
• Only refuel the generator when the engine is off and cool.
• Never connect a portable generator or alternative energy system (such as wind or solar) to your home’s main electrical panel. This creates the potential for electricity to back feed into electric lines and may result in injury or death to line workers or others.