Garkane Energy - Preparing for a Power Outage
Garkane Energy is committed to providing safe and reliable energy, but unfortunately, power outages do occur. Please take a moment to read through this handout for important energy safety information to help you through a power outage.
Be Prepared
- Keep emergency supplies on hand, including:
- Fresh batteries and flashlights
- A portable, battery-powered radio and/or television
- A wind-up or battery-powered clock
- Nonperishable food and water
- Cash, since ATMs may not work when the power is out
- Have either a cell phone or hardwire, single-line telephone. Cordless phones may not work without electricity.
- Know how to manually open and close any electric security or garage doors and gates.
- Protect electric equipment, such as computers, fax machines, televisions, VCRs and microwaves, by installing surge suppressors or other power protection devices.
- Have a battery back-up system if your smoke alarms are wired to your home’s electrical system.
- Have an emergency plan in place if a member of your household depends on life-support or needs other medical equipment. This may include a back-up power source or transportation to another facility.
- Identify the operating requirements of any gas equipment. Appliances with electronic ignitions will not work because electricity is needed to ignite the natural gas. In addition, appliances requiring fans or other electric devices to run (such as central heating units and gas clothes dryers) also won’t operate.
If You Know an Outage may Occur
- Shut-off your electronic equipment such as computers, televisions, VCRs,microwaves and fax machines.
- Leave one light on so you know when power is restored.
- Turn off any heat-producing electric equipment such as toaster ovens, electric stove tops, irons or hair curlers.
- Stay out of elevators – use the stairs instead.
During an Outage
- Don’t call 911 to ask about the power outage. Call Garkane Energy at 1-888-644-5026 for updated information or to report any problems.
- Use extreme caution, especially on roads without working traffic signals.
- Use flashlights instead of candles to minimize fire hazards.
- Keep your refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to prevent food spoilage.
- Shut-off any electronic equipment that was operating when the power went off.
- Shut-off major electric appliances as well. This will help to stabilize the electric system when power is restored.
- Turn off every inside light except one.
- Turn down your thermostat.
- In cold weather, close windows and drapes to save heat. Pick one room on the warm side of the house (preferably one with a fireplace). Close the door to the rest of the house and use blankets to insulate your windows.
- If the outage lasts over 60 minutes, turn off your electric water heater.
- Make sure your kitchen range is off, both the surface and the oven. Never use it for heat.
- Turn off all unnecessary appliances.
- Avoid opening the freezer door. A full, freestanding freezer will keep food at freezing temperatures about 2 days; a half-full freezer about 1 day. For more information about food safety during and after a power outage, call the USDA Food Safety Hotline at 1-800-535-4555.
If you see a downed power line, STAY AWAY!! And call Garkane at once!
- Leave your porch light on so Garkane workers will know when your power has been restored.
- When power comes back on, slowly switch your appliances and lights back on and gradually return your thermostat to its normal setting.
After an Outage
- Wait a few minutes before turning on major electric appliances. This will help eliminate problems that could occur if there’s a surge in demand immediately after power is restored.
- Call for service if you need help. If you think that electric power has been restored to your area but your home is still without power, call Garkane at 1-888-644-5026
Portable and Standby Generators
- If you keep a standby generator for emergencies, you must use an appropriate double throw transfer switch to prevent electricity from flowing from your generator back out onto utility power lines during an outage. Absence of such a device presents a serious threat of electrocution to line workers trying to restore power.
- When regular electric service has been restored, a double throw switch can also prevent power from flowing back and destroying the generator. Use of these types of switches is a requirement of the National Electrical Code.
- If you use a standby generator and have questions about using a double throw switch, please call Garkane for assistance.
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