What to do When the Power Goes Out

When the power goes out Caney Fork Electric Cooperative crews are ready to respond 24 hours a day. Contact your cooperative by using the following numbers according to which area you live in:

Most outages are small and take only a short period of time to restore. When power outages are widespread, an overall plan of action is put in place that involves every employee.

The steps in a major outage:

1. Determine what major feeder lines coming from the substations are affected and then proceed to get those lines operating.
2. Determine major taps ( which are lines running off the major feeder lines down side roads) and get those restored next.
3. Work individual problems.

Caney Fork Electric Cooperative is sensitive to those that have health problems and to businesses that suffer because of no electricity.  In case of a power outage, individuals on life support should take an additional step, planning for a power backup system to prevent a life-threatening situation during an outage.

Caney Fork Electric Cooperative strives to keep outages down to a minimum, but they are a fact of life, so be prepared when one occurs.

What to do when the power goes out?

There are many reasons the power may go out, a tree falling on the line, lightning, a car hitting a pole or even the occasional animal in a transformer. Whatever the cause, you and your family need to know what to do when the power goes out.

 Keep a flashlight handy.

• Have an emergency kit with a battery radio, candles, matches and a can opener.
• Keep enough food and water on hand for several days.
• Have a cooler on hand to store perishables.
• Have a first-aid kid, with bandages, disinfectant, aspirin and other medications that may be needed regularly.
• Plan for alternate methods of heating your home.
• Keep available an UL approved fire extinguisher.

Steps to follow when the power goes out.

• Don't panic.
• Locate a kerosene lamp or candles to light.
• Look to see if your neighbors have lights.
• Check fuses or breakers. If these are okay and your phone is working, call Caney Fork Electric Cooperative.
• Turn off heat pumps, air conditioners and electric heating. Then when the power comes back on it won't overload the line.
• Stay away from downed power lines.
• In the winter, stay warm by wearing several layers of clothing and don't forget to wear something on your head. Choose a small well-insulated room, which has few windows and seal it from the rest of the house. Eat something, the body burns food to produce calories that keep you warm. Layer blankets and quilts at bedtime. Open draperies to let sunshine through.
• In the summer, wear lightweight, loose fitting cotton clothing; if you're in the sun, wear light colored clothing and a protective hat. Keep draperies closed on sunny days. Open windows at night or on mild days for ventilation. Take baths to lower body temperature. Drink plenty of fluids. Keep activity to a minimum. Keep refrigerators and freezers closed to prevent thawing. Cook over a fireplace, barbecue grill or camping stove; be sure to cook outside to prevent fumes in the home.