Safety is always a major concern for us at Hendricks Power. In the event of an outage, please keep the following tips in mind to help ensure your safety, and the safety of those around you.
Keeping safe...
- Never touch a downed wire, regardless of how harmless it looks, and keep others away as well.
- Call Hendricks Power at (317) 745-573 and 911 to report downed power lines or equipment.
- Do not operate lanterns, kerosene heaters or fuel-fired cook stoves without adequate ventilation. They release deadly carbon monoxide.
- Do not allow children to carry candles or oil lamps around the house.
- IF YOU OWN A GENERATOR, do not connect it to your home's power system unless it has been properly installed and disconnects you from the main power grid when it's operating. If connected to the grid, the generator sends electricity back down the li nes, not just to your home. This can be deadly for our line crews!
- Check on elderly neighbors, those who have medical conditions and anoyone requiring medical equipment that runs on electricity.
- Avoid opening your refrigerator and freezer as much as possible. Food inside should stay cold for hours if the door is left closed.
Supplies to keep on hand...
- A battery-powered radio or TV and spare batteries
- Candles and matches. Flashlights and spare batteries.
- Blankets and warm clothes to wear in layers, including sweaters, jackets and coats. Gloves and hats will trap heat lost through your hands and head.
- Firewood and matches if you have a wood stove or fireplace.
- Non-perishable food items -- peanut butter, crackers, trail mix, energy bars, canned fruits and soups, beef jerky, etc.
- Paper products for meals.
- First-aid supplies, hand cleaner and wipes.
- An ample supply of prescription medication.