Storm Center

Making a plan is key to staying safe during a storm.

• Keep trees trimmed at least 10 feet away from power lines. Learn more about OUC’s tree trimming services if you need help.
• Update your contact information with OUC. You can do this by logging into your myOUC account.
• Write down your OUC account number. You’ll want this handy during the storm in case you need to report an outage over the phone.
   
• Other Helpful Tips:
  • Monitor local TV and radio broadcasts for up-to-date emergency information.
  • Consult your family emergency plan, identifying meeting places, contact information and responsibilities.
  • Prepare your home by protecting windows and clearing your patio and yard of lawn furniture, toys and debris.
  • Fill containers with at least one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days. Don’t forget about pets!
  • Fill your bathtub with water. If you lose water service during the storm, pour this water into a toilet to force it to flush.
  • Locate the nearest shelters.

• Continue to monitor local broadcast media for updates.
• Do not go outside or drive around.
• Go to a safe room with few or no windows at the center of the structure.
• Wait until after the storm to contact OUC about your power outage unless it is a life-threatening emergency. If you encounter a life-threatening situation, such as flames or a downed wire that is sparking, smoking or burning, call 911 immediately.
• Do not use the dishwasher or washing machine to help prevent overflowing the stormwater system.
• If you lose power, keep your refrigerator doors closed as much as possible to maintain coldness of your food.
• Limit water use to essential needs—drinking, cooking and hygiene.

• Notify OUC about downed power lines as soon as possible and avoid them. Do not attempt to move or repair power lines!
• Do not drive through standing water if downed power lines are in the area. If a power line falls across your vehicle while driving, continue to drive away from the line. If the engine stalls, do not turn off the ignition. Stay in your car, unless it is on fire, and wait for emergency personnel. Do not allow anyone other than emergency personnel to approach the vehicle.
• If you evacuated and are returning home after the storm, make sure the main electrical switch to your home is off before entering the structure.
• If your water supply is restored, run cold water for several minutes before using it for drinking or cooking. If you notice any changes in your water supply, contact OUC.
• Do not trim trees around power lines. Call OUC regarding any trees or limbs near power lines.
• Obey curfews and don’t go out until authorities have declared the area safe.
• Use battery-powered flashlights and lanterns, rather than candles, gas lanterns or torches.
• Wear proper clothing, including shirts with long sleeves, long pants, and safety shoes or boots, when cleaning up after a storm.
• Familiarize yourself with proper safety procedures before operating a gas-powered or electric chainsaw.
• Wear safety glasses and/or a face shield and gloves when operating power equipment.
• Never use a chainsaw overhead or in the vicinity of power lines.

It can be frustrating, but there could be several reasons why others in your area have power while you do not.

• You may be on a different feeder or transformer.
• The service line to your home may have been damaged and need repairs before your home can be reconnected. OUC is responsible for repairing the service line and electric meter only.
• The weatherhead connection, where the electric lines meet the electric meter on your home, may have been damaged. The customer is responsible for having a licensed electrician repair the weatherhead and meter base and have a city or county inspection before we can restore power.

For help finding a licensed electrician, visit OUC’s Preferred Contractor Network.

If your lights briefly dim or flicker during or immediately following stormy weather, don’t worry.

• These incidents are a normal occurrence as OUC’s electrical grid isolates damaged circuits to minimize larger outages. Often, these events involve power lines that have been impacted by high winds, flying debris or vegetation, such as falling trees or tree limbs.
• Dim or flickering lights do not indicate a weakness or fault in OUC’s system. You do not have to call OUC to report these incidents.
• If your service outage lasts more than 10 minutes, please contact OUC, as this indicates a sustained power outage.

Please be aware that OUC conducts ongoing, systematic tree trimming throughout the year in our entire electrical system to limit both momentary and extended outages. Wildlife protection is also installed at our overhead transformer locations.

If a storm causes large-scale power outages, OUC immediately launches an established restoration response plan. To restore service in an orderly and safe fashion, OUC will:

• First, evaluate the damage to our electric system then start repairing our major infrastructure: power station, transmission lines and substations.
• Begin restoring power to critical facilities such as water treatment plants, hospitals, police stations, fire stations and other emergency locations.
• Repair main distribution lines that will restore power to the largest number of customers in the quickest manner possible.
• Finally, repair damage that often affects only a few individual customers at each location.

OUC restores power in a specific order to ensure the fastest and most efficient recovery. The restoration process follows this sequence:

• Power Stations, which generate electricity that is sent to substation through transmission lines.
• Transmission lines that supply electricity to large numbers of customers and large geographic areas. These lines deliver electricity from the power station to the substations.
• Substation equipment that adjusts the transmission line voltage to lower levels that are appropriate for our main distribution lines.
• Main distribution lines, also known as primary lines, deliver electricity to large subdivisions and commercial areas.
• Local distribution lines, installed either overhead or underground, deliver electricity to smaller neighborhoods and businesses. These secondary lines are also known as “tap” lines.
• Overhead or underground service lines that deliver electricity to individual homes or businesses.