Prepare for Power Outages
Be Safe, Be Prepared
UGI works hard throughout the year to keep the lights on for our customers. Unfortunately, in cases where severe weather damages our system, outages can occur. We can’t promise there won’t be severe weather, but we can take steps to be safe if there is. The best way to stay safe? Be prepared.
Preparedness Tips
- Use electrical surge protectors/suppressors on electronic equipment. Electronic equipment should be plugged into separate, grounded circuits.
- If you depend on medical equipment for life-support, consider purchasing a back-up power supply or arranging to stay with family or friends in advance of a potential outage.
- If you use a generator during an outage, please make sure it is used safely. To prevent carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, generators, grills and similar items should only be used outdoors in a well-ventilated area.
- Talk to a qualified electrician about having a lightning arrester installed in your main circuit panel. If you have equipment that must continue to have power, an electrician can also assist with the purchase and installation of an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS).
- If freezer space is available, have a supply of frozen freeze-packs, bags of ice, and consider freezing containers filled with water for use during an outage.
- During power outages, keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed and only open them when necessary. If the door is kept closed, a full freezer will keep food frozen for 36 to 48 hours. Use gallon containers filled with water to keep your freezer full if you have space.
- When buying electronics, look for items that include a battery backup.
Create an Emergency Kit
- Flashlights and fresh batteries (avoid using candles, which fire)
- Cell phone with chargers and back-up battery
- Portable electronic devices with back up wireless connection (“hot spot”), back-up battery, and chargers
- Battery-powered radio
- Bottled water (one gallon per person per day)
- Non-perishable foods that require no heating: canned goods (with hand-operated can opener), juices, peanut butter, “no-freeze” entrees and snack bars.
- Blankets, bedding or sleeping bags and a change of clothes
- First aid kit and prescription medications
- Special items for infants, the elderly or family members with special needs
- Pet supplies
- Extra set of car keys and house keys
- Contact information for family, friends, emergency services, and UGI: 800-276-2722
- Extra cash