Outage Preparation

If your power goes out, will you be prepared?

If your power goes out, call HomeWorks Tri-County Electric Cooperative to report the problem at: 1-800-848-9333.

We will need the name that's listed first on your bill, your service address and phone number. Any additional information you may have about the outage - for instance, if you see downed power lines or heard any sudden loud noises - will help us find and repair the problem faster.

Our automatic outage reporting system may answer your call. It will ask you to use your phone's touch tone pad to enter your phone number to identify your account.

We work hard to make sure your electric power stays on. But storms, animals, accidents and other events can cause the occasional power outage. You can make getting through a power outage easier if you keep these tips in mind:

What To Do If Your Power Goes Out:

Turn off or disconnect any appliances, equipment (like air conditioners) or electronics you were using when the power went out. When power comes back on, it may come back with a momentary surge that can damage electronics or motors in appliances like the air conditioner, refrigerator, washer, or furnace.
Leave one light turned on so you'll know when your power is restored.
Leave your refrigerator and freezer closed to keep your food as fresh as possible. If you must eat food that was refrigerated or frozen, check it carefully for signs of spoilage.
Use the phone for emergencies only. Listening to a portable radio can provide the latest information. Do not call 911 for information - only call to report a life-threatening emergency.
Put on layers of warm clothing if it's cold outside. Never burn charcoal for heating or cooking indoors, or use your oven as a source of heat. If the power may be out for a prolonged period, plan to go to another location (a realative, friend, or public facility) that has heat, to keep warm.

What You'll Need Before An Outage:

Emergency preparedness experts say it’s a good idea to be prepared to be self-sufficient for 72 hours. Are you? Below is a list of some things to have on hand. Gather them where they’ll be easy to find if you find yourself in the dark.

Flashlights and batteries
Candles or lanterns and oil
Dry matches
Battery operated radio
Manual can opener
Dry and canned food
A generator? Decide now and do some research before shopping.
If you’ll be using a generator, be sure to have proper extension cord

What You'll Need To Know:

The location of your main switch whether a fuse box or circuit board
How to reset a circuit or safely change a fuse
The phone number for your power utility
How to manually override your garage door opener

Anticipate Outages:

If storms are predicted locally, prepare for a potential outage
Stock up on nonperishable food items
Pick up extra batteries
Make sure you have adequate supplies of prescription medications
If you use a generator, get enough gas to have on hand
Fill several large containers with water
Turn your freezers and refrigerators to the coldest setting

When the Power Goes Out:

Determine if the outage is widespread (check with neighbors)
Report the outage to HomeWorks Tri-County Electric Cooperative by calling 1-800-848-9333 or 517-647-7554
If you haven’t already done so, draw drinking water
Unplug appliances (especially electronics) to prevent power spikes when electricity is restored
Try to keep your refrigerator and freezer closed
If it’s cold, dress in several layers and wear a hat
Pay special attention to the very young and the very old for signs of hypothermia

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