Sep 1, 2026 | Safety and Security
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).
- 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.
Aug 24, 2026 | Safety and Security
The start of a new school year brings plenty of excitement, along with new routines and busy schedules.
Whether you’re helping a child get ready for school, sending a student off to college or simply sharing the road with school buses again, now is the perfect time to brush up on a few important safety reminders.
Check your chargers and devices
Laptops, tablets, smartphones and other electronics have become essential tools for students of all ages. Before the school year begins, take a few minutes to inspect charging cords and devices for signs of wear.
Replace frayed or damaged cords, use manufacturer-approved chargers whenever possible and avoid charging devices on beds, couches or other soft surfaces that can trap heat.
Create a safe study space
Many students spend hours completing homework, attending virtual lessons or studying online. A safe study space can help prevent electrical hazards and distractions.
Avoid overloading outlets and power strips, keep cords organized and make sure electronics have plenty of space for airflow. These small steps can help keep devices operating safely throughout the year.
Have a conversation about electrical safety
Back-to-school season is also a good opportunity to talk with children about electrical safety.
Remind them to stay away from downed power lines, substations and other electrical equipment. If they ever see a downed wire, they should stay far away and tell an adult immediately.
Don’t forget about college move-in safety
For many families, August means helping a student move into a dorm room or apartment.
As electronics, appliances and school supplies make their way into a new space, it’s important to avoid overloading outlets and power strips. Extension cords should never be run under rugs or across walkways, and damaged electrical equipment should be reported right away.
Establishing safe habits at the beginning of the semester can help students avoid problems later on.
Stay alert on the road
The start of the school year brings more students to sidewalks, bus stops and crosswalks.
Drivers should slow down in school zones, watch for pedestrians and eliminate distractions behind the wheel. Taking a little extra care during busy morning and afternoon hours can help keep students, families and communities safe.
Start the school year on a safe note
Back-to-school preparation involves more than notebooks, backpacks and class schedules. Taking a few minutes to review safety habits at home, on campus and on the road can help protect the people who matter most.
From the first day of school to the last, simple safety can make a big difference.
Aug 24, 2026 | Community Involvement
Every summer, Williamsport becomes the center of the baseball world as teams from around the globe arrive for the Little League World Series.
But before these soon-to-be young athletes take the field under the bright lights, it’s PPL Electric Utilities job to help give the kids a warm — and safe — welcome.
As a safety sponsor of the Little League World Series’ annual Grand Slam Parade, PPL Electric continues its long-standing tradition of supporting one of the most exciting youth sporting events in the world. During the parade, communities come together to welcome the players, coaches and families who have traveled from near and far to take part in the tournament.
Since 2018, a team of PPL Electric volunteers join the celebration by walking alongside the parade floats for a few of the competing teams. This year, our employees walked with teams from Japan, Texas and Alabama. Their role was simple but meaningful: helping make sure the young athletes were safely welcomed as they were introduced to cheering crowds throughout downtown Williamsport.
For many players, the parade is their first chance to experience the excitement and energy surrounding the Little League World Series. Seeing fans wave, smile and celebrate creates memories that can last a lifetime. Our team is proud to help make that experience safe and enjoyable for everyone involved.
This sponsorship reflects two values that are at the heart of everything we do: safety and community. Just as we work every day to help keep our customers and employees safe, we also believe in supporting the communities we serve across our 29-county service area. The Little League World Series brings people together, and we’re honored to be part of that tradition.
We wish all the teams the best of luck, and hope they enjoy a safe, fun and memorable experience at one of the greatest sporting events in the world.
Jul 10, 2026 | Storms and Outages
When severe storms moved through our service territory over the Fourth of July holiday weekend, they left behind widespread damage and more than 260,000 customer outages.
What followed was one of the largest restoration efforts in PPL Electric’s history.
As we observe Lineworker Appreciation Day on July 10, we want to recognize the thousands of employees, contractors and mutual assistance personnel who worked around the clock to restore power safely and efficiently to the communities we serve.
While customers often see the bucket trucks and crews making repairs in their neighborhoods, the restoration effort extends far beyond what happens along roadsides and in backyards. Lineworkers worked alongside forestry crews, damage assessors, logistics specialists, dispatchers, mechanics, safety professionals and many others to coordinate a complex response across our service territory.
More than 3,000 personnel supported restoration efforts during this event, making it the largest restoration workforce PPL Electric has assembled since Hurricane Sandy.
Crews repaired broken poles, replaced damaged equipment, rebuilt sections of power lines and navigated challenging conditions to bring customers back online. At the same time, support teams coordinated staging areas, delivered materials, assessed damage and worked to ensure crews had the resources needed to perform their jobs safely.
We are especially grateful to the mutual assistance crews who traveled from across the United States and Canada to help our communities recover. Their willingness to leave home and support customers they have never met reflects the strong partnership that exists across the electric industry.
Restoration work can be demanding, requiring long hours, specialized skills and an unwavering commitment to safety. During major storm events, lineworkers and support personnel often work day and night until every customer who can be restored is restored.
As this restoration effort comes to a close, we want to thank every member of the team who played a role in helping our customers recover.
On Lineworker Appreciation Day — and every day — we recognize and appreciate the dedication, professionalism and service of the men and women who help keep the lights on and respond when our communities need them most.
Thank you, lineworkers.
May 28, 2026 | Safety and Security
With warmer weather on the way, many people are heading outside to tackle yard projects, enjoy time with family and make the most of the summer season. As outdoor activity ramps up, PPL Electric Utilities is reminding you to stay aware of potential electrical dangers around their homes.
Safety is more than a commitment at PPL Electric Utilities — it’s a core value that guides everything the company does. That includes helping you recognize risks and take simple steps to stay safe near power lines and electrical equipment.
As you prepare your yard or start outdoor projects, it’s important to look above and below:
- Overhead power lines can pose a serious hazard if ladders, tools or equipment come too close.
- Always keep yourself and anything you’re using at least 10 feet away from power lines and carry ladders parallel to the ground to avoid accidental contact.
Planning to dig? Whether you’re planting a tree, installing a fence or starting a landscaping project, always call 811 at least three business days in advance. This free service helps identify underground utility lines and can prevent serious injuries and costly damage.
You should also be cautious around electrical equipment in the yard:
- Keep areas clear around pad-mounted transformers, avoid contact with equipment and keep children and pets away.
- Don’t use electrical equipment or extension cords in rainy or wet conditions.
- Check all outdoor outlets and install waterproof covers.
Most importantly, if you ever see a downed power line, stay far away and assume it is energized. Keep people and pets at least 100 feet back and, if you see a downed wire, report it immediately to PPL Electric by calling 1-800-342-5775 and say “downed power line.”
As summer approaches, a few simple precautions can go a long way toward keeping outdoor activities safe. By staying alert and informed, you can enjoy everything the season has to offer — without the risk.
