Severe winter weather has been forecast starting Thursday, February 29th, and is expected to last through Sunday, March 3rd. The high winds and heavy snow may produce hazardous conditions and increase the potential for power outages. Poor road conditions, challenges accessing remote areas, heavy snow, falling trees, and/or the nature of repairs required may result in extended power outages. As such, it is important for you to prepare now.
Here are some tips to help you prepare:
- Put together an emergency kit with flashlights, battery-operated radio, extra batteries, bottled water, warm clothing, blankets, and more.
- Store at least a 48-hour supply of non-perishable food and water.
- Plan for medical needs that a loss of power may impact. Keep a list of the nearest medical facilities, hospitals, and nearest accessible transportation. Consider creating a support network of people who can help you in the event of a disaster. Keep a contact list in your emergency kit and on your electronic device.
- Keep your cell phones and other electronic devices fully charged. Consider purchasing a back-up battery device to extend the use of your electronic devices.
- Create a plan to safely heat your home. Avoid burning coal or wood in an indoor area without proper ventilation. For carbon monoxide safety tips, please visit our Carbon Monoxide Safety page.
- Keep your contact information on file up-to-date to receive text, email, and voice notifications in the event of an outage. Call customer care at 1-800-782-2506 or click HERE to update.
- Learn how to use our new outage map, so you can report outages and view outage updates on the map.
- For more helpful information, visit our Outage Tips page.
- First, check to see if the power failure is limited to your home or business. If your neighbor's power is still on, check your circuit breaker panel or fuse box. If the problem is not a blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker, call Liberty to report the outage.
- Keep access to your panel clear of snow to help expedite repairs.
- If you are not in the area and your camera system or smart home devices are not working, call your internet provider first to check if communications are down. Then check Liberty’s outage map prior to calling Liberty to report an outage.
- Report power outages through the outage map on My Account (you do not need to be a My Account user to view and access the outage map) or by calling 1-844-245-6868.
- Stay at least 30 feet away from downed wires and report them by calling 1-844-245-6868. Follow the power line safety tips in our video.
- Learn how Liberty restores power and why it may take a while for your power to return.
- Estimated restoration times (ERT) may not be available right away as crews need to assess situations to determine repairs needed. Liberty will provide an ERT when available.
- ERTs are subject to change as new developments arise. Power restoration may occur before or after an ERT depending on weather, access, and repairs.
In the event of an outage, our crews will work to restore power as quickly and safely as possible. Forecasts can change rapidly. Please stay tuned to your local news sources and take steps now to prepare for potential winter weather outages.