Be prepared for summer storms

Posted by Jeph Novak on June 14, 2021

Summer is here, and with it comes the threat of severe storms and of course, outages. Now is a great time to remind yourself of what to do before, during and after a storm.

Stay informed

Before it’s too late, make sure your contact information is up to date on your WH account. When there is an outage, phone numbers help WH respond quickly to your location when you report an outage. You can also receive outage alerts via text or email.

During outages, stay informed by monitoring our social media channels and our outage map. There, you can learn where the outage is and when the estimated time of restoration is.

If you are ever experiencing an outage, call (763) 477-3100 or report the outage on our website to help us identify where the outages are so we can get our crew out ASAP!

Stay indoors

During thunderstorms, it is important to stay indoors for your safety. From strong winds to tree branches falling, not to mention the threat of lightning striking, outside is a dangerous place to be when it is storming. Get indoors as quickly as possible and, if you are able, avoid water and cement, as electricity can travel easily through them and cause harm. If you or someone you know is struck by lightning, make sure to call 911 immediately.

Keep your refrigerator closed

If your power goes out, it is important to keep your refrigerator closed. This will ensure the food inside will stay cool for approximately four hours. If you open the fridge during an outage, you risk letting the cold air out, which can cause the food to go bad. Learn more about how long different foods can last without refrigeration.

Keep an emergency kit

It is best to be prepared for anything during summer storms. Keep an emergency kit in your home in case power goes out and you need backup supplies. Here are a few things you should keep in your emergency storm kit at home:

• Flashlight
• Battery-operated radio
• Extra batteries
• Battery-operated or portable cell phone chargers
• First aid kit
• Extra food and water

Assess damage after the storm

After a storm, it is a good idea to check the exterior of your home, including windows, siding and the roof, to see if any damage was done. In severe storms, high winds and flying debris can cause damage to your house which can cause leaks and other problems. You should also check your yard to see if any large branches or trees were damaged and if they need to be taken care of by a professional.

If you notice downed power lines, be sure to stay away from them, as downed lines can still carry electric currents and pose dangerous threats. Report downed lines to WH at (763) 477-3100.

This summer, when storms roll through, you’ll know what to do. Be prepared and stay safe. Remember to sign up for outage alerts, report outages and stay patient when you experience an outage. Our crews are working hard to restore power quickly and safely!