Recent Monsoon Storms Prompt Safety Reminder

August 15, 2008

Over the past two weeks, the monsoon season has hit Arizona with a fury. Storms have resulted in downed power lines and outages that have impacted customers around the state.

While it’s APS’ job to restore service in the event of an outage, being safe and looking out for the safety of others is something everyone can do. It’s likely the most recent round of storms won’t be our last, so APS offers several safety tips to help get you through the remainder of the monsoon season:

• Be prepared.
  Have the following items handy: battery-operated radio, flashlights, an ample supply of batteries and at least one telephone that is not cordless. The entire family should know where the flashlights are kept before an outage occurs. Do not use candles as a source of light. In the event of a prolonged outage, the media will keep customers informed.
  
  
• Look around.
  If an outage occurs, first check your neighborhood. If yours is the only home without power, check to see if a main fuse is blown, or a main circuit breaker tripped. Take extra precaution in the event the home’s equipment has been damaged. If the outage is beyond your home, call APS.
  
  
• Stay away from downed power lines.
  In fact, stay away from all downed lines. Even if you believe it’s a cable or telephone line, the dangers of electricity are simply too great to take that chance. Assume any line is an energized line. In the case of a downed line, immediately call 911, then APS.
  
  
• Turn off or disconnect all major appliances and sensitive equipment.
  However, do not turn off your refrigerator or freezer. Chances are you may forget to turn them back on once power is restored. Even with the power off, food will stay frozen 12 to 24 hours – as long as the refrigerator and freezer doors are kept closed. Do keep at least one light on, so you know when power is restored.
  
  
• If a power line contacts your car while you’re in it, stay in the vehicle.
  Try to attract help by blowing the horn and remain calmly in the vehicle until help arrives. Keep others away. If you must leave, jump and land with both feet together, being careful not to touch the vehicle and ground at the same time. Once on the ground, either hop with both feet or shuffle to move at least 50 feet away from the vehicle.
  
  
• Respect electric facilities.
  APS asks everyone to stay clear of all electric facilities, including substations, power poles and wires. In the event someone witnesses a non-APS employee tampering with company equipment or other suspicious activity around APS facilities, call the nearest law enforcement agency and APS.
  

APS, Arizona’s largest and longest-serving electricity utility, serves about 1.1 million customers in 11 of the state’s 15 counties. In 2008, APS won its second Edison Award in recognition of innovative leadership and operational excellence in the electric industry. Given annually by the Edison Electric Institute, the Edison Award is considered the industry’s most prestigious honor. With headquarters in Phoenix, APS is the principal subsidiary of Pinnacle West Capital Corp. (NYSE: PNW)

Damon Gross
(602) 250-2269