Stay Safe During an Outage and Around Power Lines.

To report an outage, call 814-643-2650 or toll-free 800-432-0680.

Please, do not use e-mail or social media (like Facebook) to report an outage or emergency.

Be Prepared for Storms!

It is wise to prepare for a power outage before your lights go off during a storm. Assemble supplies to have on hand rather than rushing around when the storm is coming and waiting in long lines for milk or bread. Rotate your supplies to keep them fresh and use the following checklist to prepare for power outages.

Storm Checklist

Have Plenty of Food

  • Keep a 3- to 5-day supply of drinking water in plastic bottles. Plan on at least 1 gallon of water per person, per day.
  • Store a manual can opener with enough nonperishable foods for 3 to 5 days. Canned meats, tuna fish, and peanut butter are good foods to store. Don’t forget pet foods!
  • Conserve water by using paper plates and plastic utensils.
  • Have a camp stove or grill for outdoor cooking.

Stay In Touch

  • Have a portable, battery-powered radio and alarm clock.
  • Have one non-portable phone that will work even if power is interrupted.
  • Plan where to meet and how to communicate with family members if separated.
  • Keep essential family member contact information near your phone, in your wallet, and in your glove compartment.

Keep Things Going

  • Keep plenty of gas in your car.
  • Keep extra batteries, matches, propane, charcoal, and firewood.

Stay Happy, Healthy, and Warm

  • Coordinate with neighbors for care of the elderly and disabled living alone.
  • Maintain a supply of prescriptions, nonprescription drugs, vitamins, and special dietary foods.
  • Playing cards, books, drawing and writing supplies, and board games help pass the time. If you have a video camera and tapes, your family can make a storm documentary.
  • Keep sanitary and personal hygiene supplies replenished. Pre-moistened cleansing towelettes are useful and help conserve water.
  • Use plastic trash bags and ties for garbage.
  • Put first-aid kits in your home and car.
  • Make sure you have cold weather clothing, foul weather gear, blankets, and sleeping bags.
  • Consider purchasing alternative UL-approved heating devices. For example, a fireplace insert or woodstove will keep the heat in your home instead of up the chimney.
  • Use flashlights and other battery-operated lighting instead of candles.
  • Keep fire extinguishers fully charged.
  • Fill your bathtub with water before the storm for bathroom use (if you have a well).

Downed Power Lines

  • If a power line or other equipment is down near your location, please stay away and keep passersby at a safe distance.
  • Never touch or go near a downed power line.
  • Don’t touch anything that may be touching a downed wire, such as a vehicle
  • Do not attempt repairs yourself; allow co-op crews to repair the problem.

Check to see current weather conditions.

Text courtesy of and copyright © 2013 Touchstone Energy. All rights reserved.