September is National Preparedness Month. Is your family prepared?
Get prepared with our Emergency Preparedness Guide.
September is National Preparedness Month, a time to think about how we can protect ourselves, our families and our communities when unexpected emergencies happen. Whether it’s a severe storm, a power outage or another type of emergency, being prepared can make all the difference.
At PPL Electric, preparedness is something we focus on all year long. We strengthen and modernize the energy grid, monitor the health of the electric system, use technology to identify needed repairs and invest in smart grid technology that can automatically reroute power around trouble spots. We also closely monitor weather forecasts and prepare additional crews and resources when severe weather is expected so we can respond safely and efficiently when outages occur.
We work year-round to prepare for storms and emergencies, and we encourage our customers to do the same. National Preparedness Month is the perfect reminder to review your plans, refresh your supplies and make sure you know how to stay informed.
Create an Emergency Plan
One of the most important things you can do before an emergency is create a plan. When a storm or power outage happens, it’s much easier to stay calm and focused if you’ve already thought through what your family will do. Knowing where to go, who to contact and what supplies you’ll need can help keep everyone safe.
Start by talking with your family about different scenarios, such as severe weather, extended power outages or other emergencies. Identify a meeting place, make sure everyone knows how to contact one another and practice your plan regularly.
As you build your plan, ask yourself:
- Does everyone know who to contact if an emergency happens while family members are in different locations?
- Does everyone know where to meet if communication is difficult?
- Have you planned for the needs of children, pets or family members with medical conditions?
- Do you have enough supplies to get through several days if services are disrupted?
- Does everyone know where to find emergency information and updates?
It’s also a good idea to keep a paper copy of important contacts. If your phone battery dies or cell service is unavailable, you’ll still have access to the numbers you need.
Even if your family already has an emergency plan, September is a great time to review it and make sure it still meets your current needs. Families change, and your preparedness plan should change with them.
Assemble an Emergency Kit
A well-stocked emergency kit can help your family stay safe and comfortable during an emergency. Experts recommend having enough supplies to last at least three days.
Your emergency kit should include:
Food and Water
Store enough non-perishable food and water for every member of your household. Foods such as canned goods, granola bars and other shelf-stable items work well. Don’t forget a manual can opener if you’re storing canned food. Plan for approximately one gallon of water per person per day.
Flashlights and Batteries
Keep flashlights available throughout your home along with extra batteries. Flashlights are a much safer option than candles, which can create a fire hazard during a power outage.
First Aid and Medications
Include a first aid kit with bandages, antiseptic supplies and any prescription medications your family may need. You may also want to keep common over-the-counter medicines on hand.
Communication Tools
A battery-powered or hand-crank radio can help you receive important news and weather updates if internet or cellular service is limited. A portable phone charger is also a valuable addition to any emergency kit.
Clothing and Comfort Items
Pack blankets, warm clothing and other seasonal items that may be needed if temperatures change. Emergencies can happen at any time of year, so plan accordingly.
Hygiene and Personal Care Items
Include basic hygiene supplies such as hand sanitizer, wet wipes, toothpaste and toothbrushes. Families with infants or young children should also pack diapers and baby wipes.
Important Documents
Store copies of important documents, insurance information and emergency contact lists in a waterproof container. Having quick access to these documents can be extremely helpful during an emergency.
Once your kit is assembled, place everything in a sturdy container and store it somewhere that is easy to access. Make sure everyone in your household knows where it is located.
Stay Informed and Stay Connected
During an emergency, information is one of your most important tools. Staying informed can help you make good decisions, stay safe and know what to expect.
Before severe weather arrives, sign up for local emergency alerts and pay close attention to weather forecasts. Charge phones and other devices and keep backup charging options available.
PPL Electric customers can also stay connected in several ways:
- Report outages online at pplelectric.com, via the PPL Electric mobile app or by texting “Outage” to TXTPPL (898775).
- Manage your alerts at pplelectric.com/alerts to receive updates by text, email or phone.
- Check outage status and estimated restoration times at pplelectric.com/outage.
- Follow PPL Electric on social media for storm preparation, outage and restoration updates.
It’s also a good idea to keep a battery-powered radio nearby and maintain a written list of important phone numbers in case electronic devices become unavailable.
Preparedness Starts Today
Emergencies rarely happen when it’s convenient. That’s why National Preparedness Month serves as an important reminder to take simple steps today that can make a big difference tomorrow — create an emergency plan, build an emergency kit and stay informed.
Preparedness isn’t about expecting the worst — it’s about being ready for the unexpected. The more prepared you are today, the more confident and resilient you’ll be when challenges arise.