Utilities

Power Outages

Power outages can occur for several reasons including severe weather such as hurricanes, rolling blackouts or terrorist attacks.   Power outages should be reported directly to your utility company.

If there is no power in your neighborhood:

Inside

• Turn off and unplug appliances and computers.
• Leave one light on to show when the power has been restored.
• Avoid using candles. They are fire hazards.
• Do not use a gas stove for heating or operate generators indoors, including the garage. Both could cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Learn about food safety when your refrigerator's power is off.

Outside

• If a traffic signal is not working, treat it as a stop sign. 
• If you see a downed power line, you should assume it is energized and stay away from it – then call your utility company to report it.
• Keep away from flooded areas as the water could be hiding an energized line.

North Carolina Power Company Storm Tips:

Duke Power 

Electri-Cities

N.C. Electric Membership Cooperatives 

Progress Energy 

Public Service Gas of North Carolina

« this page last modified 02/08/08 »