Power outages that occur in severe weather, or that last for extended periods of time, place a heavy burden on the system at the moment power is restored. You can help prevent an overload on the system and possibly another outage by taking these steps:
• Turn off every inside light except one.
• Turn down your thermostat.
• In cold weather, close windows and drapes to save heat. Pick one room on the warm side of the house (preferably one with a fireplace). Close the door to the rest of the house and use blankets to insulate your windows.
• If the outage lasts over 60 minutes, turn off your electric water heater.
• Make sure your kitchen range is off, both the surface and the oven. Never use it for heat.
• Turn off all unnecessary appliances.
• Avoid opening the freezer door. A full, freestanding freezer will keep food at freezing temperatures for about two days; a half-full freezer about a day. For more information about food safety during and after a power outage, call the USDA Food Safety Hotline at 1-800-535-4555.
• If you see a downed power line, STAY AWAY! And call your cooperative at once!
• Leave your porch light on so workers will know when your power has been restored.
• When power comes back on, slowly switch your appliances and lights back on and gradually return your thermostat to its normal setting.
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