Winter Storm Tips

Mother Nature is always keeping us on our toes. With winter weather soon on its way, FirstEnergy wants you to be prepared for the cold months ahead. These tips will help ensure you’re ready when the wind whips and ice and snow accumulate.

Winter Storm Preparation Tips

• Prepare in advance of severe weather by having emergency supplies on hand:
• Fully charged cell phones, laptops and tablets.
• Car charger to charge devices if your power is out.
• Flashlight, portable radio and extra batteries.
• Hard-wired phone to report an outage or emergency. A plain, hard-wired phone can operate on power delivered through the phone line.
• Extra blankets or a sleeping bag for each person.
• First-aid kit.
• Medications and other personal health items for each person.
• Emergency supply of bottled water and/or fill your bathtub with fresh water.
• Supply of convenience foods that do not require cooking. Don’t forget the can opener!

If you should lose power, manage through safely by following these tips:

• If you’re using a backup generator for emergency power, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use it safely.
• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed. These appliances are well insulated, so food will keep for several hours if doors are closed as much as possible.
• Use a flashlight or battery-powered lantern for light. Use care when burning candles; open flames are a dangerous fire hazard.
• To safeguard your equipment and appliances – and to ease the initial load when power is restored – turn off or unplug televisions, VCRs, DVD players, stereos, computers and appliances that use electric motors, such as refrigerators, freezers or air conditioners, until power is restored. Leave an incandescent light on so you know when the power comes back on.
• DO NOT use gas stoves, charcoal grills or other open-flame heat sources for warmth. Deadly carbon monoxide gas – which is odorless and invisible – may build up in your home without you realizing it.