Ohop Mutual Light Company Member Services Stay Safe How to Prepare for a Power Outage

How to Prepare for a Power Outage

Emergency Kit

Prepare for an Emergency such as a natural disaster or extended power outage by creating an emergency kit.  Some of the items to include in the kit:

  • First Aid Items
  • Flashlight and Fresh Batteries
  • Lantern, candles and matches
  • Water (One gallon per person per day)
  • Sleeping Bag
  • Warm Clothes
  • Solar or battery-operated Radio
  • Firewood/Kindling (if you have a fireplace)
  • Nonperishable food items such as Granola Bars, Dried Fruit, etc.
  • Barbecue for outdoor cooking
  • Card Games & Books for entertainment
  • Have a Family Communications Plan – make sure everyone in the family knows what to do in an emergency.

Customers with Special Needs

If someone in your home has a disability or requires life support equipment, it is vital that you prepare for the possibility of a storm, power outage, or other emergency.

The American Red Cross has a pamphlet available called “Disaster Preparedness for People with Special Needs and Persons Age 65 and Older”. You can get a copy of this pamphlet by using the hyperlink below or calling our office. We would be happy to mail one to you.

Disaster Preparedness for People with Special Needs and Persons Age 65 and Older

Keeping Food During an Outage

  • Keep your refrigerator and freezer doors closed. Your refrigerator will keep food cold for about 4 hours if it is not opened.
  • Food in the freezer will stay frozen for about 2 days if the freezer is full; however, if the freezer is only half full food will only remain frozen for about 1 day.
  • Be sure to use a thermometer in your refrigerator to ensure foods that spoil quickly are monitored and disposed of if they go bad.

Stay Safe Around Downed Lines

  • If you see a downed power line, call our office immediately at (253) 847-4363 or call 9-1-1
  • Never touch a downed power line.
  • Stay at least 200 feet away from any downed power line. The ground may be energized, making it very dangerous.
  • Never touch trees, limbs, fences, vehicles or any other items that are touching power lines.  They can be just as dangerous as the power line itself.
  • Do Not drive on or over a downed power line, or under a line that is sagging over a road.
  • If a downed power line falls on your vehicle, stay in the vehicle. Do not get out unless the vehicle is on fire!

Note:  If you have to get out of the vehicle, try to do so without touching the vehicle and the ground at the same time. Jump from the vehicle, landing with your feet together on the ground. Shuffle or hop from the vehicle until you are at least 50 feet away; if you walk or run, your legs may bridge current from areas of high and low voltage, resulting in electric shock.