Power outages can occur for several reasons including severe weather such as hurricanes, rolling blackouts or terrorist attacks. Power outages should be reported directly to your utility company.
Inside
- Turn off and unplug appliances and computers.
- Leave one light on to show when the power has been restored.
- Avoid using candles. They are fire hazards.
- Do not use a gas stove for heating or operate generators indoors, including the garage. Both could cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Learn about food safety when your refrigerator's power is off.
Outside
- If a traffic signal is not working, treat it as a stop sign.
- If you see a downed power line, you should assume it is energized and stay away from it – then call your utility company to report it.
- Keep away from flooded areas as the water could be hiding an energized line.
Duke Power
Electri-Cities
N.C. Electric Membership Cooperatives
Progress Energy
Public Service Gas of North Carolina