September is National Preparedness Month – Are You Prepared?

As much as I hate to admit it unpredictable weather and the first hints of winter can bring power outages. Being prepared can make a big difference if the power goes out.  

We’ve seen tornados, thunderstorms, ice storms, and heavy wet snow in the early winter, all of which can lead to significant damage to the power system. 

While our line crews work around the clock to restore service, some outages can last hours or even days in exceptionally severe conditions. Being prepared at home is crucial.  

We’re not alone facing major disasters, though. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) serves as a vital safety net for communities and utilities like ours. When a disaster is federally declared, FEMA’s Public Assistance program can reimburse electric co-ops for up to 75% of the costs of replacing poles, lines, and other damaged infrastructure. Without those funds, rebuilding our electric system would result in sharp rate increases to our rates after a disaster. Congress is considering reforms to FEMA to help get assistance out faster while keeping these critical programs intact. 

We’ve been vocal, along with co-ops nationwide, in telling lawmakers to “fix, not nix” FEMA. FEMA needs to remain strong and responsive. A bill moving through Congress has bipartisan support to streamline FEMA and ensure it continues to support rural communities after disasters. We’ll keep advocating to maintain FEMA as the reliable safety net it has always been. 

Preparedness Tips: 

So, what can you do at home? Focus on your family’s preparedness. Here are practical steps to ensure you’re prepared for an extended outage: 

  • Water: Store an emergency water supply (at least 1 gallon per person per day for 3 days). Before a big storm, fill a bathtub with water for washing and flushing toilets. 
  • Food and Medication: Keep a stock of non-perishable foods for at least three days. Have a manual can opener handy. Always refill essential prescriptions early enough to not run out during an emergency. 
  • Backup Power: Consider safe backup power options like portable generators or home battery systems. Never run a generator indoors and keep it well away from the house. Use external battery packs or car chargers for smaller devices. 
  • Stay Warm & Informed: Have extra blankets, winter clothes, and a safe heat source. Use flashlights and extra batteries instead of candles. Keep a battery-powered or hand-crank radio for news updates. Invest in a car charger or power bank for your cell phone. 
  • Communication & Plans: Make a family emergency plan. Identify a place to meet or a way to contact each other. Let a friend or relative outside the area know your status after a major event. Keep important phone numbers written down. Check on neighbors, especially those who are elderly or have special needs. 

At URE, we are continually improving our systems and emergency response plans, but we count on you to prepare at home as well. Being without power is never easy, but a little preparation can make it safer and more comfortable until our crews can restore service.  

Take advantage of resources like Ready.gov, which has excellent checklists for making a plan and building an emergency kit. You can also check out URE’s website for helpful preparedness tips at URE.com.

Let’s all take steps this month to ensure our families and communities stay safe when the next local disaster strikes.