Glacier Electric Cooperative, Inc.

Power Outages

Storms, high winds, traffic accidents, fallen trees, animals in substations, failing equipment and, of course, snow and ice are among the many causes of power outages. Where will you be when the lights go off? What will you do?

Here are some tips:

1. Before you call Glacier Electric Cooperative to report an outage, make sure you haven't blown a fuse or tripped a circuit breaker. Look outside to see if your neighbor's lights appear to be off or check with them by phone during daylight hours. When you call the cooperative, please tell us if you heard any unusual sounds or can see any downed wires or trees in your area. If there is a wire on the ground or a tree in the line DON’T TOUCH IT.

2. Keep emergency numbers posted near the telephone, making sure Glacier Electric Cooperative's number is included. Use a phone connected directly to the phone jack. Remember, portable phones and telephones with answering machines rely on electricity to operate. When the lights go out, they go out! Our numbers are 873-5566, 338-5400 or 800-347-6795, and we have emergency dispatch service 24 hours a day.

3. Make sure you have at least one good flashlight with fresh batteries. Better yet, make sure there's a flashlight on every floor of your house. Candles are great for lighting a dark room but use them safely.

4. Have a battery-operated radio ready. Find a special place for the radio and flashlight so they will be easy to find during an outage. Listen to radio reports in emergency situations such as a major storm. Glacier Electric Cooperative will issue regular updates to radio stations throughout its service area. Emergency Weather Service radio may also be available in your area. Contact your closest weather bureau for information on this service.

5. Turn off all the major electric appliances in your home. Once the power is restored, gradually turn the appliances back on to avoid placing a heavy demand on the electric system which could cause the power to go back off. Keep one light switch turned on so the light will come on when power is restored.

6. Items to keep on hand during inclement weather when a power outage might occur include:

• A non-electric heating source such as a wood stove, fireplace or a kerosene or gas heater
• Lightweight clothing for layering, socks, mittens and a cap or hat
• Emergency water, especially if you have your own well
• Nonperishable food such as crackers and peanut butter, canned or dried fruit.
• A camping stove or grill for outdoor heating of water or food
• Paper plates and plastic utensils

7. Anyone requiring electricity for life support should arrange to have the availability of a generator. If we are aware of locations requiring life-support, we will make every effort to restore power to those sites in the shortest possible time.