Storm Outages

Responding and Restoration

Power outages can be caused by many events, such as thunderstorms, windstorms, heavy snowfall, vehicles striking power poles, or even animals getting into energized equipment. The two most important things customers can do to mitigate the effects an outage has on their family is to be prepared for an outage before it occurs, and have a plan for recovery after power has been restored.

Outage Preparation and Safety

Design a “Power Out Kit”. Have several flashlights ready and available, and place one in your nightstand. Be sure to have plenty of spare batteries on hand, and test the flashlights on a regular basis. Keep your mobile device charged and consider having a portable charger in case you need to charge your device while power is out. Use caution if you decide to use candles and/or storm lamps for emergency lighting.

If you have a generator, you must follow all safety procedures for its use. Do not use it indoors. Do not hook the generator into your electrical panel. Plug the needed appliances into the generator. Be absolutely certain that the generator is isolated from your home’s electrical system. Backfeed from a very small generator can be deadly if it reaches Alpena Power Company’s wires. Linemen have been electrocuted by the backfeed from generators.

When thunderstorms approach, you may want to unplug sensitive electronic equipment such as computers, microwaves, and stereos. This will protect them from damage from the surges caused by lightning strikes. Homeowners with wells may want to fill some containers with drinking water, and also to set aside some water to use for flushing the toilet. During winter outages, have extra blankets or sleeping bags available. If you use an alternative source of heat such as a woodburner or kerosene heater during an outage, be aware of the safety precautions needed for these devices. During a prolonged outage, avoid opening refrigerators and freezers, as this will cause them to warm up faster.

If you have a family member using electrically powered equipment for a medical condition, such as an oxygen generator, be sure to have backup supplies on hand, and a plan for moving to another location until your power is restored.

If your power goes out, check your circuit breakers and fuses. If they are okay, call Alpena Power Company at 989.358.4900 and select option 1 from our Interactive Voice Response menu to report your outage. We maintain 24-hour dispatch of Lineman to help you. Do not rely on your neighbor to call. If you have an emergency such as wires on the ground, arcing or sparking wires, or a tree on the line use the same phone number but select option 2 for emergency.

Please call immediately if you see a downed line. Do not assume that because your power is out that the line is dead. Let Alpena Power determine this. Do not approach the line, as there may be other lines down that you do not see. Keep away!!!