National Preparedness Month is here
Be prepared for emergencies with tips from PEC
Emergency preparedness can often be an afterthought for people, as emergencies don’t happen every day. But when major weather events or other potential disasters occur, a few small steps taken ahead of time could be lifesaving.
September is National Preparedness Month, and we want to remind our members of a few ways they can stay safe when an emergency strikes.
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 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. Click here to update your information.
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 with the SmartHub app, at pec.smarthub.coop, or by calling 888-883-3379. If your mobile phone number is listed on SmartHub, you can 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 stay 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.
- If your home is struck by lightning, get yourself and anyone in your home out immediately.
- 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 safe as long as they are not plugged in.
- Avoid showering or bathing.
- Keep clear of windows and doors and stay off porches.
- Wait 30 minutes after you’ve heard thunder to use any plumbing or electronics.
Get more safety tips at pec.coop/safety.