It’s Storm Season - DP&L’s Tips to Be Prepared

High winds and lightning can damage Dayton Power & Light Company (DP&L) equipment and result in outages for customers. Understanding how DP&L restores power and what you should do before, during and after an outage can help you weather the storm.

How DP&L Restores Power

DP&L takes several measures throughout the year to help prevent outages from occurring. We clear vegetation and other obstructions away from our electrical lines to reduce line interference. DP&L inspects and tests all its poles and hardware equipment on a periodic basis, making replacements and reinforcements where necessary. Additionally, high voltage transmission lines are inspected several times a year to assure they operate properly. Learn more about how power reaches your home every day.

Unfortunately, outages do occur. DP&L works to restore your power as quickly and safely as possible. When widespread outages do occur, DP&L brings in additional crews and moves resources to aid in the restoration efforts. Our power restoration process is designed to address emergency situations that may pose danger first, and then to restore power to as many customers as possible. There are several situations and critical facilities that receive "first priority:”

Once critical facilities have the power they need to operate and deal with the emergency, we work to restore large groups of customers and then address any lingering problems at individual homes. This is the most efficient and effective way to restore power to our customers and to enable critical services that provide care and assistance in our communities.

Since the electrical grid is a complex system, sometimes a person a block away or on the street behind you may receive electricity from a different source than you. This is one reason why certain homes in a neighborhood may have electricity, while others nearby do not.

Another reason your home may be without power could be a damaged service line directly to your home. DP&L needs to know about each outage in order to return service to all customers. This is why it is important for each customer to report his or her individual outage by calling 877-4-OUTAGE (877-468-8243).

After DP&L has restored service to your area, we will attempt to confirm your power has been restored if you reported the outage. To ensure you receive this phone call, check to make sure customer service (800-433-8500) has the best phone number to reach you. If your service has not been restored, you will have an opportunity to report the continued outage, letting DP&L know you have a problem with your individual service. In some cases, the homeowner may need an electrical contractor to repair damage to the home before service can be restored. Learn what damage requires an electrical contractor.

What to do before an outage

Have a plan in the event of a power outage. If you or someone at your location relies on continuous operation of medical equipment, please contact your county’s Emergency Management Agency. This organization can guide you on creating your contingency plan and point you to local resources that are available during emergencies. You may also contact DP&L’s Customer Service at 937-331-3900 or 800-433-8500. We will note it on your account; however, DP&L cannot guarantee you priority restoration, and you need to be prepared with a back-up plan should an outage occur.

Have a storm kit with an emergency radio (battery operated or wind-up), water, non-perishable food, flashlights and a first-aid kit. Learn what else you should include in your kit.

Plan for your pets during storms as well. Your cat or dog may be frightened by thunder and lightning—the best place for them is always inside your home, especially during severe weather. Just in case they run away during a storm, always make sure your pet is wearing an ID tag that has your current address and phone numbers. Also consider microchip identification, available at the Humane Society of Greater Dayton (937-268-PETS). A microchip is the size of a grain of rice and will allow your pet to be returned to you even if it is no longer wearing its collar or tags. A current photo demonstrates ownership of your pet and is helpful if you need to circulate flyers or take out an ad in your local newspaper if your pet is lost.

By placing an emergency decal on your front window or door, fire and police who respond during an emergency are alerted to the animals inside. These pre-printed and durable decals display different types of pets, with space for you to write in the number of these pets in your home.

What to do during an outage

Report your outage by calling 877-4-OUTAGE (877-468-8243).

Never touch a power line. If you see a downed or sagging power line, assume it is live. Report downed wires to DP&L by calling 877-4-OUTAGE, 937-331-3900 or 800-433-8500. If you feel the situation is an immediate, life-threatening emergency, call 911 first. If a line is down in or near your yard, keep people and pets away from it. Walk your dog on a leash until the line is repaired.

Be careful with perishable food. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Safety Inspection Service, a refrigerator will keep food safely cold for about 4 hours if it is unopened. A full freezer will hold the temperature for approximately 48 hours (24 hours if it is half full and the door remains closed). More food safety tips.

If you use a generator, keep it outside of your home or building and away from windows or other areas where the exhaust could enter your home. Make sure to follow the instructions carefully along with these generator safety tips.

Unplug electronics prior to severe storms and always after you have lost power. Avoid touching electrical cords while lightning is near your home and avoid using your "corded” land-line telephone. Go through your home when the power goes out and make sure that all heat-producing appliances are turned off or disconnected from a source of electricity so that when power is restored your home is safe from accidental fires. More outage tips.

Allow utility crews to focus on restoration. It’s not uncommon for people to be interested in the work our crews perform and to talk to the crew members about the status of restoration. These crews are dealing with extremely hazardous conditions and they need to focus all of their skills and knowledge to stay safe. For the safety of our crews and for your own safety, please stay away from utility crews and do not approach their work area or their vehicles.

What to do after an outage

Don't enter a flooded building or basement where there is standing water unless you've had the main power turned off. Make sure you reset your clocks and other electronic equipment like your microwave and restock your storm kit.

About DPL

DPL Inc. (NYSE:DPL) is a regional energy company. DPL was named one of Forbes’ "100 Most Trustworthy Companies” in 2009.

DPL’s principal subsidiaries include The Dayton Power and Light Company (DP&L); DPL Energy, LLC (DPLE); and DPL Energy Resources, Inc. (DPLER). DP&L, a regulated electric utility, provides service to over 500,000 retail customers in West Central Ohio; DPLE engages in the operation of merchant peaking generation facilities; and DPLER is a competitive retail electric supplier in Ohio, selling to major industrial and commercial customers. DPL, through its subsidiaries, owns and operates approximately 3,700 megawatts of generation capacity, of which 2,800 megawatts are low cost coal-fired units and 900 megawatts are natural gas and diesel peaking units. Further information can be found at www.dpandl.com.