National Preparedness Month Is Here

Whether it’s extreme heat, thunderstorms, or ice, an emergency can happen at any moment. Most days are nothing to worry about, so it’s easy for emergency preparedness to become an afterthought.

September is National Preparedness Month, and we want to remind our members to take a few steps to be prepared for when an emergency occurs.

Prepare an emergency kit

You can be better prepared for an emergency by packing these items in your home emergency kit:

• A flashlight
• One gallon of water per person
• A hand-crank radio
• A toolbox
• Batteries
• Blankets
• Cash
• First-aid supplies
• Nonperishable food items
• A manual can opener
• Matches
• Medications (over-the-counter and prescription)
• Pet supplies
• Battery banks for charging devices
• Multipurpose tool
• Air-activated heat packs
• Hand sanitizer

Sign up to receive text messages from PEC

We offer a text alert service for our members. Sign up to receive messages from PEC during emergencies. Message and data rates may apply. Add your mobile number or confirm the number we have on file by visiting PEC’s SmartHub or by calling us at 888-554-4732.

Download PEC’s SmartHub app

 When a disaster hits, you’ll have quick access to report and track outages 24/7, wherever you go. Download the app on your mobile device through the App Store or Google Play.

Report outages immediately 

If you experience an outage, please do not assume another member has reported your outage. To help us restore your power as quickly as possible, report your outage to us online at map.pec.coop or by calling 888-883-3379. If your mobile phone number is associated with your account, you can also report an outage by texting “outage” to 25022. Please only text the word outage to this number when you have an actual outage to report. Message and data rates may apply.

Before calling, be sure to have this information ready:

• Name, address, and account number
• Estimated time of interruption
• Do your neighbors have power?
• Have you seen downed lines, heard loud sounds, or have any other details about your outage?

Stay safe and ready

If you experience damage on your property or are in a prolonged outage, use these tips to safe:

• Do not run a generator indoors or closer than 20 feet from doors and windows to prevent fumes from entering the home.
• Move away from downed lines and anything touching them.
• Call 911 immediately to report a downed line or our emergency reporting line at 888-883-3379.
• Call your insurance company if you sustain any severe weather damage. Most insurance policies cover weather-related damages, and they’ll help you determine if a claim is needed.
• Call 911 during an emergency.

Stay safe indoors during a storm

• During storms, avoid using landlines and plugged-in electronics. Cell phones are safer as long as they are not plugged in.
• Avoid showering or bathing.
• Keep clear of windows and doors and stay off porches.
• Wait until 30 minutes have passed since you’ve heard thunder to use any plumbing or electronics.

Get more safety tips at pec.coop/safety.