Post-Storm Tips

• During the outage, do not open your refrigerator or freezer door.  Food can stay cold in a full refrigerator for up to 24 hours, and in a well-packed freezer for 48 hours (24 hours if it is half-packed).  After that time frame, you must consider disposing of this food.
  
• If you have medication that requires refrigeration, check with your pharmacist for guidance on proper storage during an extended outage.
  
• To keep pipes from freezing, wrap them in insulation or layers of newspapers, covering the newspapers with plastic to keep out moisture.
  
• Let faucets drip a trickle of water from the faucet farthest from your water meter to help keep pipes from freezing.
  
• If pipes freeze, remove insulation, completely open all faucets and pour hot water over the pipes, starting where they are most exposed to the cold.  A hand-held hair dryer, used with caution, also works well.
  
• In order to protect against possible voltage irregularities that can occur when power is restored, you should unplug all sensitive electronic equipment, including your TVs, stereo, VCR, microwave oven, computer, cordless telephone, answering machine and garage door opener.
  
• Be extra cautious around downed or hanging electrical wires.  Expect all wires to be live wires. Never attempt to touch or move downed lines. Do not touch anything power lines are touching, such as tree branches or fences.
  
• Do not become a ‘spectator’. Continue to stay off streets in the affected areas, letting the crews do their jobs.
  
• Call 2-1-1 for non-emergency storm-related questions.