Smiling mother and daughter bakingMED substation
the power to improve your life
 
hurrican lamp and oil

What To Do When Your Power Goes OutBe PreparedWhen the Power Goes OffKeeping WarmHeaters and GeneratorsKeeping CoolFood and WaterFirst Aid & The ElderlyWhen the Power is Back On

If you are using a generator to supply power to your home or business:

• Do not plug your generator into a household outlet. Power may backfeed and injure MED crews working to restore power in your neighborhood.

• The generator MUST be kept outdoors while running.

• DO NOT refuel the generator while it is running.

• If fuel is accidentally spilled in close proximity to the generator, make sure that the fuel spill is cleaned up before restarting the generator.

• Have a fire extinguisher immediately available.

• Be certain that the exhaust and/or muffler is kept away from, and is pointed away from, any combustible material.

• Be careful not to overload the electrical capacity of the generator when connecting to household appliances.

• When using extension cords to connect the generator to household appliances, make sure that exhaust cannot enter the house at the same point extension cords come in.

 

What To Do If Your Power Goes Out

When the Power Goes off — Don't Panic.
Remember that people lived without electricity for many years and did quite nicely. If you planned ahead — put your plan into operation. If you didn't, just follow these simple steps and you will be able to handle the emergency.

  • In the Dark
    If it's nighttime, locate those candles or kerosene lamps and light them. You will be able to see what you're doing, and circumstances will seem less threatening.
  • Neighbors
    Look to see if their lights are off. If not, the problem might be confined to your home.
  • Telephone
    Try it. It may be working because the telephone system is operated on a separate electrical circuit.
  • Fuses and Breakers
    Check them. If they are okay and your telephone is working, call Murfreesboro Electric Department. Give your address and phone number and tell us how long the power has been off.
  • Warning
    Stay away from downed power lines. Make sure that no one, especially children, goes near them. Even lines that look harmless can be very dangerous. Just note the location and call Murfreesboro Electric Department immediately.
  • Electric Appliances
    Turn off all the ones that were on, especially heat pumps, air-conditioners, and electric heating. That will prevent Murfreesboro Electric's system from being overloaded when power is restored. Leave a light on so you'll know when service is back on.
  • Information
    Turn on your battery-operated portable radio to WGNS AM 1450  and listen for messages from your electric company. If possible, call your neighbors and find out if they have information about the emergency.

NEXT: Keeping Warm

 

Your Power-Outage Emergency Kit

• This guide from MED:
Click here for
a printable .pdf

• Flashlights and batteries

• Glow-in-the-dark sticks

• A lantern

• Matches

• Wind-up clock

• Portable radio

• Mylar blanket

• Can opener

Downed power lines are extremely dangerous. Stay at least 20 feet away from any downed lines



Energy Saving
Tip of the Day


More Tips