Before, During and After the Storm

You never know when bad weather may hit. That is why it is important to be “storm-savvy” for when it does hit. Lightning is a destructive force … even if it does not hit your home. Here are a few tips to help you prepare for an outage.

Be prepared ahead of time

  • Flashlight with extra batteries
  • Phone or cell phone
  • Battery powered weather radio and portable radio
  • Bottled water
  • High energy foods that do not require refrigeration
  • Manual can opener
  • First aid supplies
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Install surge protectors
  • Post CVEC’s outage numbers 641-932-7126 or 800-475-1702 near the phone
  • Be aware of weather changes
  • If you or a family member relies on life-support equipment, explore shelter options and make sure CVEC is aware of the situation.
  • Make sure that your heating stoves are operating properly and that you have enough fuel on hand in the even of an outage
  • If you have an electric garage door opener, make sure you know how to open the door manually

When a storm is coming

  • Switch off lights. Leave one light on to signal when power is restored
  • Unplug appliance power cords and cables from outlets
  • Don’t use a corded telephone or electrical appliances
  • Don’s take a bath or shower
  • Turn off the air conditioner
  • Draw blinds and shades over windows. If windows break, the shades prevent glass from shattering into your home

After the storm

Don’t mess with a downed power line! They are dangerous even if they aren’t humming or moving. If you see one, stay back from the line and anything it’s touching. Call 911 and CVEC to turn off the power.

  • If you’re on the ground, stay on the ground
  • If you’re in your vehicle or equipment, stay put until help arrives
  • If you can move the equipment away from the line, then move it

If you have to leave the vehicle because of a life-threatening situation, jump, with both feet together. Then hop with both feet together until you’re safely away. If you run or take large steps, you increase the chance that electricity could come up one leg and go out the other, and you could be shocked.

Never step down or touch the ground and the piece of equipment at the same time. This creates a path to ground for the electricity to travel…and that path is you!

Trees and Power Lines

Do you know what to do if a limb breaks and lands on an electric power line? Here are some life-saving pointers to remember!

  • Do not touch the branch or the wire
  • Don’t cut down trees or branches near power lines
  • Stay clear of power lines when removing anything from a tree
  • Never let your ladder touch a power line
  • Never attempt to clear downed electrical equipment on your own. Call CVEC if it is before the meter; call an electrician if it is after the meter
  • Always assume power lines are energized
  • Call CVEC immediately to report downed power lines or damages!