Ready Yourself this National Preparedness Month

September is National Preparedness Month, and PEC is here to help you get ready to weather any emergency.

As we head into the fall and winter, thunderstorms or icy weather are always possible. Having a plan is essential to ensure you’re ready for whatever happens.

Prepare an emergency kit

Pack 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 power outages or emergencies. Add your mobile number to your account or confirm the number we have on file by visiting PEC’s SmartHub or by calling us at 888-554-4732. Message and data rates may apply. You can reply “STOP” to opt out at any time.

Report outages immediately 

During an outage, don’t assume another member has reported it. Help us restore your power as quickly as possible by reporting it online at map.myPEC.com. If your mobile phone number is associated with your account, you can also report an outage by texting “OUTAGE” to 25022. Message and data rates may apply. You can also report outages by logging in to your account or calling 888-883-3379.

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?

Move over, slow down

Remember to move over and slow down for vehicles pulled over with flashing lights — it’s the law! This includes PEC bucket trucks with amber-colored lights, as well police, fire, and emergency vehicles. Drivers must move out of the lane closest to the utility vehicle when possible, or slow down to 20 miles per hour below the posted speed limit.

Stay safe and ready

If your property gets damaged or if you are in a prolonged outage, use these tips to stay safe:

• To prevent fumes from entering the home, do not run a generator indoors or closer than 20 feet from doors and windows.
• Move away from downed lines and anything touching them.
• Call 911 to report a downed line or our emergency reporting line at 888-883-3379.
• If you sustain severe weather damage, call your insurance company. They can help determine whether a claim is needed.
• Call 911 during an emergency.

Stay safe indoors during a storm

• Avoid using landline phones during storms.
• 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, including the shower and bath.

Get more safety tips at myPEC.com/safety.