September is National Preparedness Month, an annual campaign that reminds everyone to prepare for emergencies and disasters to keep themselves, their families and their communities safe. The campaign highlights the importance of creating a plan, assembling a kit and staying informed about potential hazards.
Ready.gov has created preparedness toolkits that offer valuable safety tips on various topics, such as preparing for power outages, ensuring flood safety and planning for evacuations. The toolkits and other resources are available here:
- Emergency Supply List
- Know Your Alerts and Warnings
- 12 Ways to Prepare
- Document and Insure Your Property
- Safeguard Critical Documents and Valuables
In recognition of this observance, NES is offering additional tips to ensure customers are well-prepared for a power outage.
Power Outage Checklist
- Fully-charged phone
- Fully-charged portable phone charger
- Reliable weather app downloaded on your smartphone
- Battery-powered light source (flashlight, LED lantern, LED candles)
- Extra batteries
- Blankets or battery-operated fans, depending on climate
- Individual needs for infants, seniors, pets or family members with unique health conditions
- Sign up for local emergency text alerts.
Outage Safety Advice
- Stay at least 30 feet away from downed power lines and call 911 to report it immediately.
- Turn off appliances and electronics to protect them against power surges.
- Never cook indoors with charcoal.
- Use flashlights instead of candles to avoid fire hazards.
- Consider staying at a hotel or with a relative during extended outages.
Discussions about what to do in an emergency can be difficult, but being prepared is crucial and can save lives. Start a conversation with your loved ones today with these helpful tips:
- Find a time to talk when everyone is calm and relaxed.
- Spread the conversation over a set period so decisions aren’t rushed and people feel more comfortable discussing the topic.
- Share the preparedness steps you’ve taken and encourage others to ask questions about actions that might work for them.
NES also recommends enabling text messaging through your online account so you can quickly report a power outage by texting “OUT” to 637797 (NESPWR). You can also call 615-736-6900 to report an outage. Additionally, we encourage customers to follow us on X or Facebook for near-real time updates.
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