Know what to do in a power-outage emergency? Test your Powersmarts

1. I have a Power Outage Kit that includes a battery oper-ated radio with extra batteries; candles and matches; a manual can opener; wind-up clock; flashlights; first-aid kit; bottled water and canned food. It’s in a handy location. ___Yes (10 points) ___Somewhat (5 points) ___No (0 points)

2. I know where my main electric switch is located and how to safely reset the circuit breaker or change a fuse.___Yes (10 points) ___Somewhat (5 points) ___No (0 points)

3. I’m prepared to be on my own without assistance for several days in the event of a widespread power outage emergency.___Yes (10 points) ___Somewhat (5 points) ___No (0 points)

4. Computer users who save their data frequently and who have installed a UPS or surge protector are less likely to lose data in the event of a power outage.___True ___FalseTrue. A power outage may cause you to lose whatever is on the screen. Give yourself 10 points if you said True.

5. Generators must be separated from the electric grid with a transfer switch to avoid back feeding power onto the grid.___True ___FalseTrue. Back feeding can seriously injure a lineman working to restore power. Give yourself 10 points if you said True.

6. It’s okay to heat a room with a gas or charcoal grill in the event of a power-outage emergency.___True ___FalseFalse. Never attempt this dangerous practice. Use your fireplace safely too--since they can suck oxygen out of a room. Make sure there is proper ventilation. Give yourself 10 points if you said False.

7. Security alarm systems can be triggered when the power goes out.True ___False True. You may wish to make appropriate arrangements if you have such a system. Don’t forget to know how to use your electric garage door openers’ manual override. Have

an emergency key release if the garage door is the only ac-cess to your home. Give yourself 10 points if you said True.

8. A downed power line is okay to drive over.___True ___FalseFalse. Never assume that a wire is safe to touch or drive over. Always assume that downed power lines are en-ergized. Visit http://www.osha.gov/Publications/electri-cal_safety.html for more. Give yourself 10 points if you said False.

9. After a power outage, it’s a good idea to unplug appli-ances that will come on automatically.___True ___False True. It’s a good idea to bring the power up gradually to avoid any potential damage that a surge might cause, es-pecially with sensitive electronics. Just remember to leave one light on so you will know when the power is restored.

10. I know my utility’s Power Outage Hot Line to call in the event of an outage.___Yes (10 points) ___No (0 points)

Your score100-75 Congratulations -- you’re Powersmart. Help teach others to know what to do when the power goes out.75-55 Not bad, but you could use a little brush-up. 55-0 Not good. You’ll definitely want to study up--you’ll be glad you did!

ML&P CustomersWhen the lights go out, check to see if it’s just your home or the entire neighborhood. If the power outage affects your neighborhood, call the Power Outage Hotline. If it’s just your home, check your fuse box or circuit breakers. If your fuses are not blown, call ML&P. And please be patient--our crews are dispatched as quickly as possible.

ML&P Power Outage Hotline279-7671