Prepare for storms

The News-Sentinel (Fort Wayne, Ind.) (MCT) - Have an emergency kit ready for power outages.

With winter storms swirling around the nation, Indiana Michigan Power has some tips if customers lose power.

Never touch a downed electrical wire; immediately call your power company.

Prepare an emergency kit including a flashlight and radio with fresh batteries plus fresh water for cooking and drinking and a manual can opener.

Disconnect trip breakers in your electrical panel to avoid a surge when power is restored. Leave just one or two light switches on and turn on appliances gradually when power is restored.

If you leave your house, turn off your water at the main shutoff valve and open faucets to drain water to avoid pipes freezing and bursting.

If you use an emergency generator, it is legally required that it be disconnected from main power lines to avoid possible power back feeds that could shock utility workers or cause fires.

___

© 2009, The News-Sentinel (Fort Wayne, Ind.).