safety and security

Dec 14, 2020 | Safety and Security | 14 comments

Holy snowflake! 10 tips for winter storm safety

We want you to stay safe when a winter storm strikes

Whether you love winter, hate it, or simply don’t give a snowflake, we want you to stay safe when a winter storm strikes. ❄️

Electrical safety is just part of the story when the snow starts piling up. We’re ready to safely respond to any resulting power outages. The question is: Are you prepared to stay safe – at home and on the road?

Here are 10 ways to stay safe when Mother Nature really brings the snow.

Snow Removal

  • Don’t wear loose clothing, like scarves, that can get pulled into a snow blower’s moving parts.
  • Always turn off your snow blower, or unplug it if it’s an electric model, before clearing a clog at the auger or discharge chute.
  • Start and run your snow blower outside, never in a garage or enclosed space where carbon monoxide can accumulate.
  • If you have a history of heart problems, or you’re inactive, check with your doctor before shoveling. And stretch beforehand to prevent muscle injuries.
  • Dress in layers and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. It’s not a race. Take breaks if you get tired.

Driving

  • If you don’t have to travel – stay home. Winter weather causes about a half million crashes each year, resulting in over 2,000 deaths.
  • If you must drive, slow down, accelerate and decelerate slowly, and increase your following distance to 5 or 6 seconds.
  • Going long distance? Let others know your destination, route, and estimated arrival time. Pack a kit that includes blankets and heavy clothing for emergencies, along with extra food and water.
  • If you’re stuck, stay with your vehicle. If necessary, clear the exhaust pipe to eliminate deadly carbon monoxide fumes from entering your vehicle. To conserve gas, run your car for short periods, just enough to remove the chill.

Electrical Safety

  • Always stay clear of any downed power lines and call PPL at 1-800-342-5775 to report them. Assume any downed line is energized.

 

Sources: American Automobile Association; Consumer Reports; Mayo Clinic; PPL Electric Utilities

14 Comments

  1. Diya Putthan

    Winter storm can be stressful. I always get things ready whenever the huge winter storm comes and also way in advance during the fall season. The most difficult part was shoveling the driveway. I was told to be careful when I shovel the driveway as I can risk breaking my back. Thanks to those tips from above, I feel less worried about the snowstorm. Thank you for the safety tips!!

    Reply
  2. Robert A Rothermel

    Thanks for your good service and your concerns.

    Reply
  3. Robert L Harrison

    YES I KNOW WHAT WINTER STORMS ARE LIKE WORK FOR PPL FOR 33 YEARS AND I KNOW THAT SOME TIMES YOU NEED BIRD DOG TO GET PEOPLE TO THE TROUBLE SO IF YOU DO NEED SOME ONE I CAN DO THAT I DID IT BEFORE BUT THERE IS ONE THING TO LET YOU KNOW I AM HANDY CAPTHANK YO U I AM IN THE LANCASTER AREA PHONE NUMBER xxxxxxxxxx THANK YOU

    Reply
  4. Mary Altemose

    Thank you PPL for this newsletter. Very informative and I will keep it handy in case I need it.

    Reply
  5. Donald Kerstetter

    Thanks for your email & suggestions

    Reply
  6. Carlton R. Sheets

    The message I just received (re: Storm Gail) is deeply appreciated. Our concern and thanks go to all the essential workers who are ready to deal with the various issues associated with a storm of this magnitude. Kudos to PPL!!

    Reply
  7. carlos cortes

    I really be grateful that you send all this information thanks again

    Reply
  8. Theresa Caschera

    How do we report a power outage if no electricity

    Reply
    • Kathryn

      Good Afternoon Theresa, If you are without electricity, outages can be reported online at pplelectric.com/outage, by texting “Outage” to TXTPPL (898775) or by phone at 1-800-342-5775 and using our interactive voice response (IVR) system. Thanks for reaching out to us!

      Reply
  9. Jean pecknoe

    Thanks to a very nice lady from Allentown who actually called me back to inquire if I needed help.
    Odd situation I shared with her is that I am in my electrically powered recliner chair with the foot rest in the up position. with the loss of power there is no way to get my feet down so I can get out of the chair. The lady from PPL was nice to call me back and ask if she could contact someone for me to help me in any way. Her caring way was reassuring to me and I certainly appreciated it. Thank you for having nice people working at PPL

    Reply
  10. Ann Sassaman

    Please don’t call the 610 number..
    It is bad…can’t hear on it and lots of static. We put a false message on it and will not answer it. Onlt have it for the internet line.
    Call 484-553-2145 for business ,or alerts. Do not call 484-460-9xxx except in an emergengy. My husband goes to bed and gets up early for his work.
    We’ve been having the 3 phones all ringing at once with the same message,and husband stumbles out of bed all anoyed. I’ve asked this before.
    Remember JUST CALL THE 484-553-2xxx NUMBER PLEASE.
    Thank you,
    Ann

    Reply
    • Kathryn

      Good Morning Ann, Please change your outage alert preferences under http://www.pplelectric.com/alerts or call to speak to a Customer Service Representative who will change this for you at 1-800-342-5775 option 4. Thank you!

      Reply
  11. Hemalatha bali

    I live at Cheshire ct ,reading pa 19608 ,There is no power for my light pole in front my house and also in my kitchen it is almost for a week now ,in my area almost 3 houses not having power to there out side lights. please check the out side connection . Thank you. Hemalatha bali.

    Reply
    • Kathryn

      Good Afternoon Hemalatha, Please call to speak to a Representative in our Service Department to report the street light that is out. You will need to provide the 10-digit pole number for the report. Thank you!

      Reply

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