As much as we would like to be able to keep your power available every moment of every day, unavoidable power outages due to severe weather, a nearby accident, or transmission issues could leave you without power for hours or even days. We encourage all of our members — particularly those with special health needs — to develop an emergency plan in the case of a power outage.

 
Plan ahead

• Talk with your family and friends about what you would do in the event of an extended power outage. Do you have an alternative place to stay? 

• Many medical devices use electricity or battery-dependent, including breathing machines, power wheelchairs, oxygen, and home dialysis equipment. We understand this equipment is important and vital to keeping you alive! Read the equipment instructions and talk to the equipment suppliers about your backup power options.

• Please contact our office if you have any of the medical devices described above or some we may have missed.  We will be happy to assist you with what information we need to be able to properly document your account.  

Batteries

• If your devices are battery-operated, make sure you have extras on hand and check them periodically — unused rechargeable batteries may need to be charged.
• Portable battery packs will supply hours of backup energy.

Use the car 

• Can your devices be plugged into or recharged through the power outlet in your vehicle? If you plan on using your car for your backup power, make sure you keep the fuel tank at least half full and are not in an enclosed area.

Generators 

• Consider whether your needs require you to invest in a generator for your home. There are two types of generators: standby and portable.
• Standby generators are installed directly to the house and are typically powered by natural gas or propane. They will start automatically when the power goes out.
• Portable generators are usually gas-powered and can be moved around. They must be used outside the home. Make sure you keep enough fuel on hand to last at least 24 hours.

Medications 

• Do you have medications that need to stay in a cool, dry place? If the power goes out, a refrigerator should hold its temperature for two to four hours if you keep it closed.
• After four hours, empty the ice from the freezer into a cooler and keep your medication in that cooler. You may need to add more ice depending on weather conditions.  You may also consider contacting your local pharmacy for recommendations on storage options if there is an extensive outage.

Cellphone

• Keep your cellphone charged so that you can call for help or be reached by someone else.

Stay in the know

We use our Facebook page, SmartHub, and website to provide the latest updates during outages impacting a distribution feeder, substation, or transmission lines. We typically do not provide updates on more minor outages. You can view our outage map anytime at www.PPEC.coop.

You can also enroll in outage notifications through your online SmartHub account (or mobile app), meaning we’ll send you alerts via text or email when power is out and let you know when it’s restored.