Dangerous weather conditions are forecast in our service area.
As the current winter storm continues throughout the day, keep this important information about outage reporting in mind:
REPORTING OUTAGES OR DOWNED POWERLINES
Call: 800-579-3019
KEEP YOUR DISTANCE FROM DOWNED POWERLINES.
All outages must be reported by phone. We cannot accept outage reports in posts or messages received on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or any other variety of social media.
AUTOMATED REPORTING AFTER HOURS
When large scale outages occur, our call center may enter into an “automated” mode, in which your outage is reported by recognition of your phone number.
It is important that you understand which phone number is your primary number when reporting your outage. When the automated system does not recognize a phone number, it will ask for the primary phone number to be entered manually.
If you have a member of your household making the call to report the outage, they will need to know which phone number is assigned as the account’s primary number. We recommend sharing your primary phone number with everyone in your household, or anyone who may report your outage on your behalf.
Additionally, it is important to check the numbers listen on your account for accuracy. If you have recently updated your phone number or removed one from service, please contact our Customer Services Department so you can be efficiently found in our system.
OUTAGES AND SOCIAL MEDIA
SPPD provides updates of major outage situations on several of our social media channels, including Facebook and Twitter. While these sources do not provide specific information about every outage, we do share updates regarding major outages that affect a large area, and at times, outages that are lengthy in nature. You can follow these pages, search for “Southern Public Power District” on either channel and stay tuned! Also remember, we cannot dispatch linemen for outages reported on social media–they must be reported by phone: 800-579-3019.
PREPARING FOR THE STORM
The needs for each household is varied, according to the needs of individuals in each residence. Gather supplies in the event that you need to remain at home for several days without power.
Some of the common needs for every home are as follows:
- Flashlight (Please do not use candles during an outage)
- Batteries
- Portable Radio
- One gallon of water per person, per day
- Supply of non-perishable food items
- Blankets for warmth
PORTABLE GENERATORS
Take extra precautions when using a portable generator. They are a great resource during an extended power outage, but if they are installed or used improperly, they can be deadly. Please read this tips:
- Make sure your generator is properly grounded. Read the unit’s manual for specific instructions.
- Keep your generator dry.
- Plug appliances directly into the generator.
- Be sure extension cords used with generators are rated for the load you need and are free of cuts, worn insulation and have three-pronged plugs.
- Do not overload the generator.
- Do not operate the generator in enclosed or partially enclosed spaces. They can produce high levels of carbon monoxide very quickly.
- Use a GFCI to help prevent electrocutions and electrical shock injuries.
