Power Outage Tips
Power Outage Tips
When power outages occur, it’s always good to be prepared. Whether it's a maintenance outage or a blackout from an unexpected storm, here are some tips to help you prepare for outages and lessen the impact until the lights come back on.
Water Conservation
When cities experience power outages, critical public utilities may also be impacted. While Beaumont has backup generators for key infrastructure facilities, indoor and outdoor water conservation will help lessen the load on these generators during power outages, as well as reduce the negative impacts of possible generator failures, such as loss of water treatment capacity or sewage spills. Conserve water by avoiding any unnecessary uses of water, including watering lawns, washing vehicles, filling swimming pools, flushing toilets after every use, washing clothes, running the dishwasher and taking baths or long showers.
Medical Devices
If you or someone in your household relies on medical equipment for their health and safety, register for SCE's Medical Baseline Program. SCE will engage and identify critical care customers on an ongoing basis well before a PSPS. Critical care customers are also encouraged to have a backup plan in place:
- Equipment backup: If your medical equipment is supplied by a hospital or a durable medical equipment company, work with them to develop an emergency or backup plan. Some companies may supply additional medical equipment and other services during emergency situations.
- Emergency contacts: Keep emergency phone numbers handy. This includes your doctor, police, fire and durable medical equipment company (if applicable)
- Backup plan: Develop plans to leave your home in the event of a lengthy power outage. Share this plan with family, friends, and others that should be aware.
Perishable Food
Do not open the refrigerator or freezer. An unopened refrigerator will keep foods cold enough for a couple of hours at least. A freezer that is half full will hold for up to 24 hours and a full freezer for 48 hours. Throw away any items that have been exposed to temperatures greater than 40 degrees for more than two hours.
Driving during an Outage
A power outage can make driving dangerous. Besides traffic lights and street light outages, there may be emergency vehicles on the road. If you’re on the road when an electric outage happens, here are some tips to stay safe.
- Be extra cautious: Watch out for vehicles and pedestrians. Stop at all intersections even if you think you have the right of way.
- Use cell phones sparingly: Use your cell phone only if you witness an accident or run into trouble. The road needs your full attention during an electric outage.
- Be aware of others: A dark road without working traffic lights can cause someone to drive on the wrong side of the road. Make sure to look both ways. You may also find it more difficult to see pedestrians if there is a street light outage.
- Emergency cash: Try to keep some cash with you. Credit cards won’t work during a power outage.
- Charging your Electric Vehicle: if you need to charge your EV during an outage, you can find options on plugshare.com.