Outage Center

Outage Preparation

 
Emergency Kit for Cold-weather Power Outages:Man Demonstrates how to use a can opener

  • Non-perishable food
  • Manual can opener
  • Bottled water (do not store in sunlight)
  • Lanterns
  • Flashlights
  • Fresh batteries
  • Battery-operated radio or charged cellphone
  • Canned fuel and matches for heating food in a chafing dish or fondue pot
  • First aid items and prescription medications
  • Firewood for a wood-burning stove or fireplace
  • Blankets or sleeping bags
  • Extra cash
  • Snow shovels
  • Ice-melting crystals for home entrances
  • Ice coolers for keeping refrigerated foods cold with ice or dry ice
  • Emergency Generator (learn more)

 Storm Preparation Tips from NOVEC:

  • Customers should ensure the phone number on their NOVEC account is up-to-date. This will help expedite outage reporting and power restoration. Update your information by logging in to your NOVEC account, or call Customer Care at 703-335-0500 .
  • Designate the safest shelter location. Be prepared to leave a mobile home for better protection. Include evacuation plans to accomodate children, the elderly, people with decreased mobility, and pets.
  • Keep cellphones charged.
  • Before a thunderstorm hits, unplug TVs, gaming consoles, microwave ovens, and computers to protect them from power surges and lightning strikes.
  • Have a chimney sweep clean a wood-burning fireplace before winter storm season arrives. It may be used more there's a power outage.
  • NOVEC's right-of-way crews work year round to trim tree branches that might fall on power lines. If a customer sees a tree or tree branches that look like they could fall on power lines, they should contact NOVEC's right-of-way department at 703-392-1661 or call Customer Care.
  • Post emergency phone numbers near the phone. Teach children how to call 911 and explain the circumstances that would require an emergency call.
  • Pick one out-of-state relative or friend for family members to call if they become separated during a storm. It is often easier to call out-of-state than within an area that's experiencing a storm. Post the contact person's name and phone number near the phone. 

What to do if power goes out

  • Call NOVEC at 703-335-0500 , or report the outage online by logging in on novec.com. Track outages and check for updates on the Outage Center.
  • Avoid opening freezers and refrigerators to keep food cold.
  • Only use portable generators, camp stoves, or grills outdoors to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Alternatively, heat food in a chafing dish or fondue pot over canned fuel.

If you see downed power lines  

Stay far away from downed power lines. The line itself and the ground near it could be energized and deadly. Notify NOVEC and the police immediately. Learn more.

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