When a power outage occurs during hot weather, take steps to maintain safety and comfort until power is restored.

A summer thunderstorm has left members without electricity this hot holiday weekend. We understand this is a difficult time to lose power, and the cooperative is utilizing all possible resources, including outside contractors and crews, to restore power this weekend.

Take care of yourself in the extreme heat by drinking plenty of water, limiting outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day, and seek out public places with air conditioning if necessary. 

Know and understand important safety precautions and steps to cope with heat until power is restored: 

• Use natural ventilation to cool homes and consider purchasing battery-powered fans.
• Close all drapes and blinds on the sunny side of your residence.
• Keep refrigerator or freezer doors closed. A freezer that is half full or full can keep foods frozen 24 to 48 hours. Foods can stay safe in an unopened refrigerator up to four hours. If an outage lasts longer than four hours, remove and pack meat, milk and other dairy products in a cooler with ice.
• Take your family and pets to a basement or the coolest level of your home. Also consider going to an air-conditioned public place during warmer daytime hours.
• If you use a standby generator, make sure a transfer safety switch is used or connect the appliance(s) directly to the generator. Back feed creates danger for anyone near lines, particularly crews working to restore power.

Stay informed and be prepared for additional anticipated hazardous weather this weekend, including damaging winds.

National Weather Service (Pittsburgh Region) Information

Report outages by calling 800-282-8610 or through SmartHub.