We work to maintain a reliable power delivery system, but severe weather and other events sometimes cause power outages that require many hours and even days to address. Be prepared and know what to do should a power outage occur.
Report your outage in one of three ways
Before outage
Preparation
- Download the WPS app to report outages and get notifications
- Add our Outage Hotline to your phone: 800-450-7240
- Charge mobile devices and portable charging packs
- Get back up power supply if you have a well pump or sump pump
- Have a plan for your medical needs such as refrigerated medicines and for medical devices powered by electricity
- Assemble an emergency kit:
- Flashlights and extra batteries
- Bottled water — half gallon/day per person
- First-aid kit
- Portable charging pack for cell phones and mobile devices
- Specialty items for infants, seniors or disabled family members
- Follow us for outage updates on Twitter and Facebook
Enroll in outage alerts
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Other considerations
- Get a generator to power important appliances; test every 30 days
Generator safety
- Use surge suppression devices for protection when power returns
- Freeze jugs of water for refrigerator or cooler, or drinking
- Keep some canned or dried food available and a hand-operated can opener
During outage
- Report your outage in one of three ways:
- Stay at least 25 feet away from downed power lines and assume they are energized
- Report downed power lines to us or local law enforcement
- Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible
- Unplug or turn off appliances to avoid overloading when power is restored
- Stay out of flooded basements or rooms
- Go to safe shelter if your home is extremely cold or hot
- Use flashlights, not candles
- Get power restoration updates on the WPS app or online
- Use generators properly
- Leave a light on to know when power is restored
- Check with municipality for shelters or other resources during extended outages
- Use key for electronic entry doors if keypad is not battery operated
- Use food safety tips for frozen and refrigerated items
- Check on neighbors and relatives, especially seniors or anyone with medical conditions
- Be cautious during flooding and use our flood safety tips
After outage
Cold weather tips
- Wear layers of clothing to keep warm
- Close blinds or drapes and avoid opening doors to retain heat
- Use generator to power furnace
- Use properly vented fireplace or wood-burning stove, if you have one
- Do not use outdoor grills, kerosene heaters or camping heaters
- Go to safe shelter when extremely cold
