Severe Weather: Spring Storm Season Tips
Springtime in Oklahoma can often result in severe weather. At PSO, our work begins well before the storm starts as we track incoming weather to keep a close eye on parts of our service territory that may be affected. You can do your part to stay safe and informed during sever weather by following these tips:
Create an Emergency Kit & Checklist
Be ready for outages by assembling an emergency kit with the following items long before bad weather is on its way:
- Flashlights and fresh batteries
- Portable cell phone charging bank
- Battery-powered radios or televisions
- Water bottles
- Backup generator
- First aid kit
- Tool set
Additionally, consider creating a checklist that outlines things you or your employees should know should a storm come your way.
- Create storm prep list for employees that details actions to take prior to a storm (i.e. secure windows and any outdoor furniture)
- Ensure employees know what your emergency plan is and are properly trained on what to do
- Ensure critical business data is backed up
- Create a contact list for state and local entities that support your business operations
Stay in the Know
You can sign up for alerts at PSOklahoma.com/Alerts to receive email and text messages or download our mobile app to check outage status and restoration information. Customers can also view and report outages, and get more storm information by visiting PSOklahoma.com/StormCenter.
Stay Away, Stay Alive
Stay away from all downed lines, sparking equipment or debris they may touch. Any downed wires should be treated as live and dangerous because they carry an electric current that can cause serious or even fatal injuries. If you encounter a fallen wire, keep yourself and others away, and call 911 and PSO immediately.
Remember, Safety First
When the lights go out, remember to unplug electronics and appliances to protect them when the power is restored. Never operate lanterns, heaters, fuel-fired stoves or burn charcoal without proper ventilation to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning and fire. Also, let our crews know if you’re using a generator — this protects you and our line workers as they work to restore power.
Visit PSOklahoma.com/Safety for more info and tips.