With warmer weather comes the potential for powerful storms to blow through the Midwest. They often bring lightning, wind and hail, all of which can lead to power outages.
Your local utility constantly prepares for this scenario and stands ready to quickly respond and restore service.
Are you prepared?
Here are four proactive steps to keep you and your family safe when the next major storm rolls through:
- Assemble a storm safety kit. Include items such as:
- Battery-operated flashlights, clocks and radios.
- Additional batteries.
- A first aid kit.
- A fire extinguisher.
- Extra pillows and blankets.
- A fully charged battery pack to charge cell phones.
- Books or games to keep you and your family calm and occupied. - Designate a safe location in your home to wait for the storm to pass – and make sure everyone in your home knows the plan for emergencies.
- Sign up for My Account to receive outage alerts by text, email or phone.
- If you have a generator, inspect it to make sure it works.
If you use a portable generator, take time now to review the safety instructions so you can operate it quickly and safely should it be necessary. Before you fire up the generator, shut off your main disconnect from your circuit breaker so the generator doesn’t backfeed into the electric grid. This step helps keep technicians who work on downed power lines safe so they can restore everyone’s power more quickly.
If you or someone in your household relies on lifesaving medical equipment, have your health care provider call 1-800-ALLIANT so we’re aware of the situation. In addition, create an alternate plan, power source or equipment option in the rare event of an extended power outage.
After a storm rolls through, stay away from low-hanging or downed power lines. Consider all wires live and assume they pose a health issue to anyone who touches or drives over them. Report outages and see up-to-date restoration times in our Outage Center at alliantenergy.com/outage.
When it comes to preparing for storms, some of the steps utilities take include undergrounding electric lines, building microgrids and using renewable energy. All these measures add reliability.
When it comes to preparing for storms, some of the steps utilities take include undergrounding electric lines, building microgrids and using renewable energy. All these measures add reliability.
These steps ensure there’s power available for customers in the aftermath of storms and there’s minimal damage to distribution lines to get power to you quickly and safely.
With these actions taken, we’re all ready for the summer storm season. Inform your neighbors, coworkers and loved ones about storm preparations – and stay safe!