APS Encourages Customers to Observe Preparedness Month
Families Should Remain Ready Throughout Year

September 16, 2009

While the 2009 monsoon season is nearing its conclusion, preparation for all types of emergencies should be a year-round endeavor.

September is National Preparedness Month, a nation-wide effort during which Americans are encouraged to take simple steps to prepare for potential emergencies in their homes, businesses and communities. In its sixth year, National Preparedness Month is sponsored by the Ready Campaign and Citizen Corps.

For its part, APS encourages Arizonans to be prepared for the occasional power outages that monsoon season and other periods of inclement weather can bring. Even though outages become less likely after the summer storm season, APS suggests each home have an outage preparedness kit that consists of the following:

• Flashlight
• Battery-operated radio
• Extra batteries for the flashlight and radio
• Glow sticks
• A basic first-aid kit
• An address book listing the names and phone numbers of friends and family who could offer a place to stay in the event of a prolonged outage
• A list of electrical safety tips (available at aps.com).

The items listed above can be found in nearly every grocery store and pharmacy and they can be purchased for less than $20. In addition, it is suggested that people keep a charged spare cell phone battery and/or a landline phone that does not require being plugged into an outlet. Under no circumstance should candles be used as a source of light.

"There is nothing more important than the safety of the public and our employees," said Randy Boles, APS Senior Public Safety Consultant. "Whether it's on the job or at home, preparation is a key component of any safety program. We encourage our customers to have plans in place for any potential emergency, and make sure these plans are discussed among the entire family."

For more information about National Preparedness Month, visit the Ready Campaign Web site at ready.gov. Tips for staying safe around electricity can be found at aps.com. Any questions can be directed to APS at (602) 371-7171 in the Phoenix metro area, or (800) 253-9405 statewide.

APS, Arizona's largest and longest-serving electricity utility, serves about 1.1 million customers in 11 of the state's 15 counties. With headquarters in Phoenix, APS is the principal subsidiary of Pinnacle West Capital Corp. (NYSE: PNW)

Damon Gross
Phone: (602) 250-2269