Storm Safety

Before a Storm

  • Keep your cell phone fully charged.
  • If you have an electric garage door, find the manual release lever and know how to operate it.
  • Keep your vehicle’s gas tank full. Gas stations rely on electricity to power their pumps.
  • Fill plastic containers with water and freeze them. The frozen water will help keep food cold during a power outage.

During a Storm

  • Monitor KPUB’s social media, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, for important, real-time updates.
  • Be cautious going outside. Power lines and other energized equipment could be hidden by fallen branches and other debris.
  • Treat all downed power lines are energized and extremely dangerous. Downed power lines do not have to be sparking, arcing, or moving to be dangerous.
  • Watch or listen to weather reports. Keep an all-weather radio nearby and listen to local media reports for up-to-date weather and safety information.
  • Check on elderly or disabled friends and neighbors.

If You Have a Power Outage

  • Before reporting a power outage to KPUB, check your panel box for a blown fuse or a tripped breaker.
  • Keep lights and appliances off to avoid overloading circuits when the power is restored. Leave ONE light on to use as an indicator that the power is back on.
  • Turn off or disconnect equipment, appliances, and electronics that were in use when the power went out.
  • Use flashlights for emergency lighting. If you absolutely must use candles, keep them away from flammable items such as lampshades and drapes. Keep candles away from small children and pets. Never leave candles unattended.
  • If it is cold, do not use your stove or oven for heat. Gas stoves and ovens produce carbon monoxide, and electric ones pose a fire risk when used incorrectly.
  • Do not run your car in the garage as a way to keep warm. Only run the car outside and check the exhaust pipe for debris before starting it.
  • If outages are prolonged, consider staying with family, friends, or in a local shelter.

Storm Preparation, Emergency Kit & Essentials

  • Enough food, water, and other essentials should be on hand to last you and your family at least 72 hours or longer.
  • Food: Store food that does not require cooking, such as canned goods, crackers, dehydrated meats, and dried fruits.
  • Bottled water: Keep an ample supply of bottled water on hand. 3-5 gallons a day is recommended by Ready.gov.
  • Medication: Be sure to maintain adequate supplies of prescription medicine in the event of a major storm or extended power outage.
  • Other items: First aid kit, blankets, flashlights, lanterns, batteries, matches, cell phone charger, power bank/power station, all-weather battery-operated radio, and pocket heaters or hand warmers.
  • Phone: If you have a telephone system that requires electricity to work, such as a cordless phone, plan to have a standard telephone or cellular phone ready as a backup.
  • Pets: Do not forget about your pets’ needs and have supplies on hand for them, too, such as food, water, and medication.

Generator for Medical Needs

  • If you rely on medical equipment, you need to be extra prepared. Your emergency preparedness kit should include additional oxygen tanks, equipment batteries, and, if possible, a stand-up generator or a portable generator as an alternate power source.
  • Click here for more information from KPUB about generators and safety while using them.