As spring approaches, so does the increased risk of severe weather. Last year, we experienced extensive outages due to severe weather, and we want to ensure our members are prepared. Here are some important safety tips to follow before, during, and after a storm.

Before the storm

• Charge your devices. Keep your phone fully charged and consider purchasing or having an external battery pack nearby in case of an extended outage.
• Stay informed. Have a battery-powered radio or weather app ready for updates on watches and warnings.
• Protect electronics. Unplug appliances and other electrical devices to prevent damage from power surges caused by lightning.
• Prepare an emergency kit. Stock up on bottled water, non-perishable food, extra batteries, a first-aid kit, flashlights, and any necessary medications.

During the storm

• Follow and check the Marshall County REMC Facebook page for any outage announcements, updates, and more weather-related news. During storm events, this is where we keep our members informed about our efforts to get the lights back on. 
• Be aware of weather updates. Make sure to check for weather watches and warnings from your local news outlets and weather centers as storms pass through the area. This could give you extra time to get to a safe space or to an internal part of your home, if needed.

After the storm

• Avoid downed power lines. If you see one while driving, turn around — NEVER attempt to drive over or around it. Call 911 to report it.
• Stay inside your vehicle if a power line falls on it. Call 911 and remain inside unless there’s an immediate danger, like a fire. If you must exit, jump clear of the vehicle without touching it and the ground at the same time, landing with your feet together. Then shuffle away with your feet together.
• Check for hazards. When assessing damage outside your home, watch for broken glass, exposed nails, or weakened tree limbs that could fall.
• Use flashlights, not candles. Avoid fire hazards when inspecting your home in the dark.
• Treat all downed lines as live. Never touch a downed power line or anything in contact with it. Report it immediately by calling 911.

If an outage occurs, know that MCREMC linemen are out working as quickly and safely as possible to restore power. Stay informed by following outage updates on our Facebook page at facebook.com/MarshallCountyRemc and our website at marshallremc.com (scroll to the bottom of the home page for Facebook feed). 

To report an outage, visit SmartHub at marshallremc.smarthub.coop/ui/#/login, call 574-936-3161 option 1 or text “OUT” to 855-931-4756. 

Check out our live weather camera feed on our YouTube channel @marshalloremc7736!