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Now is a Good Time to Prepare for a Summer Storm Power Outage!

Posted on: April 23, 2015 - 11:11am

Preparing for a Summer Storm Power Outage – Now is a Good Time!

            With summer on its way, the Town of Simsbury and Eversource want to remind you that there are steps you can take to make sure you are ready for storms that may cause a temporary power outage. Power outages can occur for a number of reasons, including storm damage, planned service interruptions and excess demand during periods of extreme heat. Here are some steps you can take right now to be prepared:

  • Stock up on non-perishables, such as canned goods and pet food, and make sure you have adequate medical supplies and prescriptions for yourself and your pets.
  • Pick up some paper goods: paper plates, paper towels, plastic ware.
  • Keep flashlights and batteries on hand available throughout the house.
  • Have a battery-powered radio available.
  • Make sure you have fresh batteries that are the correct size for the flashlights and radio.
  • Be sure there’s a first aid kit in the house.
  • Fill your car with gasoline since you don’t know where you’ll have to go. Your car can also be a good place to get warm or, if you have air conditioning, to cool off as long as you keep it well ventilated and don’t go to sleep while it is running.
  • Be prepared to cook outside. You can use charcoal or propane grills or even a camping cook stove if the power goes out. However, never bring grills inside!
  • Have extra gasoline on hand if you own an electric generator.
  • Place a list of emergency numbers near a phone (landline, since cordless phones don’t work during outages) and in your mobile phone: Red Cross, fire, police, family doctor.
  • Invest in an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS). During a momentary power outage, the UPS will continue to provide power to your personal computer. (A UPS is not designed to operate a computer indefinitely, only long enough to allow users time to save their work and shut down properly.)

You should also consider updating your telephone number and e-mail address with Eversource, and signing up for storm text updates at www.eversource.com. The Eversource website also has important information about steps you should take when a storm is approaching, especially if you use a home medical device, such as a ventilator.

Finally, if you lose power, it is important to contact Eversource at (800) 286-2000 or report your outage online at Eversource.com so the company knows you don’t have electricity. You should also remember to stay safe if you see a downed power line. Always assume it is live, do not go near it, and never drive over the line. Report it as soon as possible by calling 9-1-1.

            On behalf of the Town of Simsbury, we hope you have a safe and happy summer!