What Should You Do If Your Power Goes Out?

First, check to make sure you haven't blown a fuse.

Once you've confirmed you (and, possibly your neighbors) are experiencing an actual service disruption, call our Electric Emergency telephone number
—789-2121—to report it.

Depending on the volume of calls being received by our Electric Dispatch Office, your call should either be answered by one of our dispatchers or routed through our automated answering system. During massive outages, there is a possibility that both our "live" and automated response lines could be overwhelmed, making it difficult for you to get through. Please know that we do everything possible to ensure this won't happen, but if you should experience difficulty reaching us, please try again later and keep trying until you are successful. Even during widespread outages, it is best not to assume we know your service is out. In the event of a severe storm, damage can occur not only to major infrastructure components that carry power throughout large parts of the city but also to the service wires that feed individual homes.

Next, try to not to open your refrigerator or freezer unless absolutely necessary. In the event of an extended outage, this will help keep the units sufficiently cool/cold to preserve your food for at least a couple of hours.

Turn off (unplug, if feasible) lights, appliances and electronics. This will help protect them against a possible surge when power is restored. Keep one light or radio on to let you know when power has been restored.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website contains more good tips on what to do when your power goes out.