Power outages have affected several counties in Central Pennsylvania, including Dauphin, Cumberland, and Lancaster, as of Wednesday (April 16). The outages have disrupted daily activities, causing significant inconvenience to residents and businesses.
PPL Electric Utilities has been working to restore power to affected areas. Their smart grid system aims to restore power to many customers within minutes before repairs are fully completed. Residents are encouraged to report outages and stay informed through PPL Alerts, which provide notifications via text, email, or phone call when there is a change in outage status. For safety, PPL Electric advises people to stay at least 100 feet away from downed power lines and report them immediately.
The cause of the outages has not been specified, but utility companies are working diligently to restore power and minimize disruption. Residents are advised to follow safety guidelines and stay updated on the status of outages through official channels.
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Power outages can happen unexpectedly, so it's important to know how to respond. According to Ready.gov, the first step is to report the outage to your utility company. Identify your local Transmission and Distribution Utility (TDU) to ensure you're contacting the right entity.
To protect your appliances, unplug them to avoid damage from power surges when electricity is restored. Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed to maintain cold temperatures. Refrigerated food is safe for up to four hours; if the outage lasts longer, store food in a cooler with ice.
For lighting, use flashlights or battery-operated lamps instead of candles to reduce fire risks. Ensure you have extra batteries available. During extreme weather, gather in the most comfortable part of your home. Stay hydrated and dress appropriately for the temperature.
Generators can be helpful, but use them safely. Avoid running them indoors to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Communication is key during an outage. Conserve your cell phone battery and consider using walkie-talkies or a battery-operated radio to stay informed.
Planning ahead for power outages can minimize discomfort and risk. Preparing a checklist, similar to hurricane preparedness, can ensure you're ready for unexpected outages.