Posted on: Friday, January 16, 2009
Emergency tips
Hawaiian Electric Co. is asking customers to take the following safety precautions, as appropriate:
ADVANCE PLANNING
Make sure you have a battery-powered radio on hand to listen for updates on the weather.
Double-check emergency equipment such as flashlights, radios, cell phones and other battery-powered equipment to be sure they are working.
Turn off and unplug any unnecessary electrical equipment, especially sensitive electronics. This will prevent damage to the equipment from surges when power is restored.
If someone in your home is dependent on electric-powered, life-sustaining medical equipment, check backup facilities. Remember to take your equipment, medicine and/or supplies with you when you go to the hospital or emergency facility.
If you plan to use a portable generator, make sure it is placed in a well-ventilated area (preferably outside) and be sure to follow all instructions in the manufacturer's manual.
Keep cash on hand. If outages occur, you may not be able to withdraw cash from banks or ATMs.
Turn your refrigerator and freezer to their coldest settings. If power goes out, this will keep food fresher longer.
IN A POWER OUTAGE
If your power goes off, use flashlights instead of candles or kerosene lamps, and be careful with cooking flames.
Don't use charcoal or other fossil fuels to cook with indoors, as they can create deadly fumes.
If you were cooking when the outage occurred, remember to turn off the stove, oven or other appliances and remove items such as pots and pans from the burners.
During a power outage, a fully stocked freezer will keep most of your foods frozen for up to 72 hours — if you don't open the door. The freezer section of a refrigerator-freezer will keep most of your foods frozen 10 to 24 hours.
ELECTRICAL SAFETY
Do NOT approach downed utility lines or touch fallen or low-hanging wires, nor anything they may be in contact with.
Stay away from downed lines. Warn others to stay away. Call Hawaiian Electric Co.'s Trouble Line at 548-7961 or dial 911 for emergency assistance.
COMMUNICATIONS
Check local media and/or tune in to radio stations for the latest reports.
Keep telephone lines clear for police and other emergency services. Call HECO only to report downed sparking power lines or unsafe electrical equipment. Key numbers:
1. Customer service inquiries: 548-7311
2. Trouble Line: 548-7961
3. Emergency: 911
