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Those who have experienced Arizona’s Monsoon season know that nature can be an unpredictable and destructive force. APS offers tips for braving the elements and coping with possible summer outages.
Here is how you can prepare for Monsoon season outages:
- First check fuses or circuit box to determine if the outage is isolated to your location.
- Unplug or turn off all major appliances, such as air-conditioning and dishwashers to avoid a power surge when the electricity comes back on.
- Unplug voltage-sensitive appliances such as home computers and other electronic equipment to prevent damage to your appliances. Use surge suppressors to help protect electronic equipment.
- Leave on a few lights so you can tell when the electricity has been restored.
- Keep refrigerators or freezer doors closed. If the refrigerator gets above 40 degrees or the food is warm do not consume it.
- Food in a filled freezer will stay frozen for two days, and in a half-full freezer one day. Also keep in mind that pork, poultry, fish, and hamburger will go bad if the temperature goes above 40 degrees.
- Once the electricity is restored, wait at least one minute before turning your appliances back on.
- If you decide to leave the house during an outage, make sure that all heat-producing appliances are unplugged and turned off.
Be prepared
One good way to be prepared for the Monsoon storms before they arrive is to have a few items set aside.
- Make sure to have several flashlights and a battery-operated radio in a spot that is easy to find.
- Store non-perishable foods such as cereals, canned fruits and breads.
Downed Power Lines
Always stay away from downed power lines; treat them as if they were energized. Never assume that a fallen wire is safe.
- The line could be energized, and it could energize the ground around it. 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 or could be touching an energized line. In the case of a downed line, immediately call 911, then APS.
- Never try to remove someone trapped by a downed power line. When you see someone in need of help immediately call 911.
- If a power line hits your car when 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 for a life-threatening reason, jump and land with both feet together, being careful not to touch the vehicle and ground at the same time, and hop or shuffle your feet until you are at a distance of at least 50 feet from your vehicle or equipment. Never attempt to return to the vehicle to obtain personal items. Utility or emergency workers can help you obtain your belongings after the situation is made safe.
- If trapped in your home when downed lines are in the vicinity it is best to stay indoors and call APS immediately to report the downed wires. If you need to leave your home due to an emergency situation, make sure to use a good flashlight and inspect your walking path well to avoid stepping on, our walking into, fallen or sagging power lines that may not have fallen all the way to the ground. If your neighbors still have power, check your breaker or fuse box, but again be careful to watch for downed lines in your path.
Lightning Safety
Lightning creates a magnetic field that radiates out and can be picked up by electrical wires, even if it doesn't actually strike your home. Nearby lightning strikes can cause electrical voltage fluctuations.
- Some manufacturers recommend that you unplug sensitive electronic equipment (TVs, VCRs, stereos, computers, etc.) that can be damaged by changes in voltage.
- Surge suppressers can provide full-time protection for sensitive electronic equipment, but they are not foolproof. Appliances, such as refrigerators and stoves, probably will be all right.
- During lightning storms, avoid taking a bath or shower or running water because metal pipes can conduct electricity. Also, stay off the telephone.
More Safety Tips
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