Outage Preparation

 
Emergency Kit for Cold-weather Power Outages:

• 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