EMERGENCIES


   


WHAT TO DO DURING AN OUTAGE OR ELECTRICAL EMERGENCY

McMinnville Electric System is known for providing reliable electric service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.  But, power outages do happen on occasion and usually do not last long.   If you need to report an electrical outage or electrical emergency any time of the night or day, weekends or holidays please contact MES by calling:

                                    473-3144

If this is not during normal business hours, please listen to the recorded message and follow the instructions.  This is the most efficient and fastest way to get the information to our crews.  However, in the event you can not get through on that number, please call one of the following numbers:

                                               815-2011 or  815-2693

Things like lightning strikes or automobile accidents that involve power poles can cause loss of power for a short time.  Sometimes the problem is more severe and becomes a major disaster, like an ice storm or tornadoes that cause widespread power outages that can last for hours and even days.  Whatever the cause, your friends at MES want you and your family to be prepared to better cope with an emergency.

1. STAY AWAY from downed power lines and broken utility poles. Please note the location and call us immediately. Even lines that look harmless can be dangerous.
2. If your power is out, check with your neighbors. If they still have electricity, check your fuses or circuit breakers. If that doesn't solve the problem, give us a call at 473-3144.  Be prepared to give your name, address, and any other information that might be helpful such as any loud noises you might have heard before the power went out, or how long you have been out of power.
3. Your outage will be handled as soon as possible. However, if your power is still out once your neighbors' has been returned to service, you should call the MES office again.
4. In a major disaster, your power could be out for an extended period of time. To keep the food in your refrigerator and freezer from spoiling, limit the times you open the refrigerator and freezer.   Food will keep much longer if the doors are left closed.
5. Switch off your heating and cooling equipment and other appliances during an outage.   When service is restored, overloaded lines could cause another outage.  Having as much load as possible turned off in your home can help prevent this.  Remember to leave a light on so you’ll know when service has been restored. 
6. Prepare a "lights out" kit: keep a flashlight, extra batteries, spare fuses, and battery-powered radio handy. Know where the electric service panel for your home is located and how to reset circuit breakers or replace blown fuses. Make sure your family knows where the kit is and what to do if you are not at home.
7. Have enough food and water on hand for several days.  Include non-perishable food stuff and don’t forget an old-fashion, manual can opener.  Also remember to have a first-aid kit, baby supplies if appropriate, and candles or a kerosene lamp for light at night (these should be used with care and caution to prevent a fire).