LCEC – Lee County Electric Cooperative

Preparation is key when power outages occur

We are in the midst of storm season which brings with it a lot of unpredictable weather. Although LCEC works around the clock to keep the lights on even in the worst of conditions, it is wise to be prepared in the event of a power outage. Below is a list of things to help you prepare:

• Know where your circuit breakers are and how to check if a circuit breaker is tripped.
• Always keep a healthy supply of batteries on hand for things such as flashlights, radios, etc.
• Keep an ice chest and “Blue Ice” freezer packs on hand. This cooler can be used to protect medicines and special foods.
• Consider having a hard-wired telephone in your home, in addition to always keeping your cell phone charged.
• Store your cupboards with water and other staples in case of an extended outage. Water is especially important if you are on an electric pump.

These simple steps can make a huge difference during a power outage. To report an outage to LCEC:

• Call 239-656-2300 or 800-599-2356. One of our representatives or the LCEC Interactive Voice Response system will provide you with as much information as possible.
• Be sure to check if your breakers are on before you call to report an outage. If you leave your home during an outage, please be sure appliances such as the oven, stove or iron are not on. When power is restored, this could cause a dangerous situation.
• In the event of severe weather where large outages may occur, there is no need to report your outage. In the rare case of a widespread outage, LCEC is already aware of the interruption in power and is working as quickly and safely as possible to restore power.

Visit www.lcec.net for more information on storm preparedness and other useful energy tips and tools!