Be Prepared

MVEC is committed to provide reliable service you expect and deserve. While we do our best to prevent power outages, we want you to be prepared in case they do occur. Below are some simple steps to take if your power is interrupted.

If you have a power outage and your meter is on the house:

1. Turn everything off.
2. Check fuses in the main fuse cabinet. Replace both fuses or have fuses checked or check breaker in main service cabinet. Flip breaker off and on and set to the “on” position.
3. If you are not able to check the fuses or breaker, possibly ask a neighbor to check them.
4. If there is any problem with the meter socket, it is the member’s responsibility to have it repaired or replaced.
5. Are there any wires or poles down along the main line?
6. Are there trees on the lines?
7. Did you hear a loud noise outside? Contact MVEC dispatch for assistance at 952.492.8255 or 800.232.2328.

If you have a power outage and your meter is on the yard pole:

1. Turn everything off.
2. Check fuses under meter socket. Replace both fuses or have fuses checked or check breaker under the meter socket. Flip breaker off and on and set to the “on” position.
3. If you are not able to check the fuses or breaker, possibly ask a neighbor to check them.
4. Wires going to other buildings from the yard pole are the member’s own responsibility and the member must get an electrician to make repairs.
5. Are there any wires or poles down along the main line?
6. Are there trees on the lines?
7. Did you hear a load noise outside? Contact MVEC dispatch for assistance at 952.492.8255 or 800.232.2328.

Be ready with an emergency kit

• Assemble an emergency kit including candles, matches, firewood, battery-operated radio and clock, extra blankets, sleeping bags, containers for storing water, portable fire extinguisher, easily-prepared foods, canned goods and manual can opener.
• Many cordless phones require electricity and may not work during an outage. Have a battery back-up telephone. Keep your cell phones charged.

When the power is off:

• Turn off lights and small appliances; unplug computers, TVs and stereos. This helps avoid a surge in usage when the power is restored.
• Limit freezer and refrigerator door openings. Food will keep longer if doors remain closed. Check items for spoilage before serving.
• Do not use charcoal or gas grills indoors for cooking or heating. They produce carbon monoxide.
• If it is a winter outage, try to keep outside door openings to a minimum and use blankets, sleeping bags and extra clothes to help stay warm. Dress in layers and wear a hat. Cover drafty windows and doors with blankets. Close off doors and stay in the room with your heat source.
• Run a generator only through a properly installed transfer switch or plug appliances directly into the generator using a properly sized extension cord. Do not run the generator in enclosed spaces.

Outdoors:

• Don’t go out at night to look at storm damage. There may be a downed power lines or other debris that can cause serious injury.
• If you clear trees on your property, don’t try to remove those tangled in power lines.
• Stay away from downed power lines – always assume the lines are “live.” Call 911 for assistance.

In Home Life Support

MVEC strongly recommends having a back up power source and an emergency plan for extended outages when dealing with critical service loads.