During Hurricane

DURING AND AFTER THE STORM 

• Turn off your electricity at the circuit breaker if you evacuate or expect flood water to approach your home.

• Don't venture out in the dark because you might not see a downed power line that could be energized and dangerous.

• Stay away from low-hanging or downed power lines. Treat all downed power lines as if they are energized. Report any low-hanging or downed power lines by calling our Trouble Call Operators. Residents in North (Cap Estate to Dennery) should call 452-2165. Residents in South should call 454-6617.

• If someone has touched a fallen line, stay away. Call emergency services as unskilled efforts to rescue the victim could be fatal for you and them.

• If a power line hits your car, stay inside, it is the safest place. If you must leave, jump clear of the car without touching the car’s body and the ground at the same time.

• If your roof or windows leak, water in your walls and ceiling may come into contact with electrical wiring. Immediately turn off your circuit breakers, disconnect all electrical appliances that are still plugged in, and turn off all wall switches. Remember, never stand in water while operating switches or unplugging any electrical device.

• If your home is flooded, turn off your electrical power until a certified electrician inspects it thoroughly.

• If water has risen above the electrical outlets, contact a licensed electrician before turning on the main circuit breaker.

• Any submerged appliances or equipment will need to dry for at least one week and be checked by a qualified repair person prior to being turned on.

• Stay away from standing water – energized power lines could be submerged in the water.

• Remember the "three don’ts" when using generators:

1. Don't run a generator in the house;

2. Don't run a generator in the garage; and

3. Don't plug the generator directly into your home's main electrical system.

• Turn appliances on one-by-one after power is restored. This causes less stress to the power system and ensures that all customers get restored without unnecessary delays.