April can be a month of extreme weather swings and the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission is reminding residents of steps that can be taken to prepare for and recover from storm-related power outages.
Before a storm strikes, residents should make sure utility outage hotline numbers are able to be accessed. Utility outage reporting system websites can provide updates on repair efforts. Cell phones should be charged and necessary food, medicine, and batteries should be secured.
Those who lose power during a storm should call the utility outline to report the outage. Residents should stay away from downed lines and not try to move trees or other objects on lines. When power is restored there could be short surges that could damage equipment so turn off all electrical appliances.
The PUC also asks that residents give utility crews all necessary room to accomplish repair work especially when that work is occurring near or on roadways.
