Preparing for a Power Outage

CUSTOMER SERVICES

Preparing for a Power Outage

Map of Current Outages

Video

Watch our 2-minute video on steps you can take to prepare for a power outage.

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Through rain and wind and snow and ice, Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO) strives to keep the power on for every home and business in our community. But we’ve had our share of hurricanes and ice storms, and sometimes, these weather conditions can cause our customers to lose power.

Although SMECO works as quickly as possible to get the lights back on, there are some steps you can take before, during, and after an outage to make it easier to cope. The key is being prepared. Be sure to plan for these fundamental needs.

To report an outage, call 1-877-747-6326
(1-877-74-SMECO).

Preparing for an Outage

Have an alternate source of light: keep flashlights and extra batteries in an established place where they can be found easily. Lanterns and candles are not recommended because they can cause fires.
Keep a battery-powered radio with fresh batteries, and stay tuned to local news bulletins and weather reports.
Keep your automobile gas tank full.
Maintain a supply of cash. Credit cards and ATM machines may not work if the power is out.
Stock emergency food and related items. Ideal choices are nonperishable foods that do not need cooking, such as canned fruit, canned milk, peanut butter, crackers, cereals and cereal bars, canned soup, and bread. Stocking up on refrigerated or frozen foods may not be a good idea if the power goes out.
Keep a manual can opener, along with disposable plates and utensils.
Keep your gas grill available year-round for cooking during an outage.
Store extra water in clean jugs, bathtubs, laundry tubs, or other containers if you know a storm is on the way.

During an outage, you may flush a toilet, then pour water into the toilet tank (not the bowl) before flushing again. Turn off the water supply to the toilet before flushing. Toilet tanks hold several gallons of water, so plan accordingly. Remember, melted snow or ice can be a source of water during winter outages. During the summer, you may be able to use water from a pool or hot tub.
Plan an alternate source of heat in the event of a cold-weather crisis. If you have a fireplace or wood stove, keep adequate kindling and firewood on hand. Have extra clothing, blankets, or sleeping bags available.
Consult your plumber or other home specialist for other steps to take in the event of a prolonged outage. These may include draining water from pipes, or other recommendations particular to your home, your situation, or your appliances. Have instructions on hand from your heat pump manual or your contractor on how to operate your heat pump after an outage.

Along with this publication, make notes and keep them with your emergency supplies.
Plan ahead for alternate sources of power or alternate lodging if someone in your household depends on electricity to operate life support systems. Check with your local fire department, which may offer temporary shelter. SMECO’s outage restoration policy is to make repairs that will restore service to the most people in the least amount of time.
Place your portable generator outside, never in the house, garage, attic, crawl space, or basement. Make sure your generator is connected safely; an improperly connected generator can cause serious injury or death. When your power comes back on, turn off and disconnect your generator.
Keep fresh batteries in your smoke detectors.
Make sure that you have a corded phone available. Cordless phones will not work without electricity. If you have a cell phone, an auto adapter may be needed to recharge your phone.

During an Outage

Turn off all the major appliances in your home, especially the heat pump. This will prevent damage to the appliances once the power is restored. Turn on appliances one at a time so the electric demand does not jump suddenly.
Make sure the oven and stove are off; this will prevent fires if the power comes back on while you’re away. Do not set dishes, towels, or paper on the stove; these may catch on fire if a burner is on when the power comes on.
Leave the freezer and refrigerator closed. This will help food stay fresh longer. Frozen meats may stay frozen longer if they are properly wrapped in freezer paper rather than plastic wrap.
Never touch downed power lines or attempt to remove trees from power lines. Contact with power lines may result in serious injury or death. Let qualified SMECO crews handle the clearing and repair work. Please report downed power lines to SMECO immediately.