Emergency Information:
If the Power Goes Off

Power Outages
Whitewater Valley understands that power outages can be disruptive. We work throughout the year to clear trees, one of the major causes of outages, and to repair and upgrade our poles and facilities. Despite all our effort, outages do happen.What should you do if your power goes out? First, please check your breakers and fuses at your control panel inside your home and also your breaker under the meter outside to be sure that it truly is an outage. Then, when you have determined that your service is out, please call 765-458-5171 or 800-529-5557. Be sure to have the following information when you call: 

1. The name under which your electric service is listed 
2. Map location number 
3. Your phone number — needed to call back or confirm power restoration 
4. The type of problem you are experiencing — flickering lights, complete power outage, etc. We also need to know if you have a generator, life support equipment, and/or livestock. We appreciate your call and will work promptly to assist you.

At the time you report an outage to our call center, you will be asked if you want a call back after power restoral. If you say yes, the system will automatically call you after the crew has called in the restoral of your outage. If you accept the call back service and your power is not restored, we will be notified immediately while the crew is still in the area. This will eliminate the frustration of a customer whose individual service does not pick back up after a line outage has been restored.

Once you have reported your outage to the Co-op, turn off your appliances, heating and cooling systems, etc. This will prevent the potential over-loading of the system when it is re-energized. Once power has been returned, slowly turn your appliances back on.

To protect perishable foods, keep your refrigerator and freezer closed to keep them as cold as possible during the outage. According to some experts, food can keep up to 48 hours if the appliances are not opened and closed.

If you must go outside, stay away from downed power lines. You should always assume that downed lines are energized and potentially dangerous. Do not attempt to remove trees or limbs from downed lines.
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Generators
It is very important for you to notify Whitewater Valley if you have a back-up generator. If generators are not used properly, they can cause a dangerous situation for lineworkers when power is restored. Some tips on generator use: 

Know your generator. Read all the information on installation, safety and maintenance, and follow instructions regarding maintenance and testing. When you need to use the generator, first turn off the main power switch or breaker in your home. Use it wisely. Don’t overload the generator. It should be used only when necessary, and only to power essential equipment. Overloading it will cause wear and tear, and could present fire and safety hazards. Plug appliances directly into the generator itself. Don’t try to wire your home’s electrical system into the generator. The generator could feed power back into utility lines as power crews work to restore your electric service, putting those workers’ lives at risk.Take care when fueling a generator. Never try to refuel the unit while it is operating. Avoid spilling gasoline or other fuels on hot components. Provide adequate ventilation and air cooling for the generator to prevent overheating and the accumulation of toxic exhaust fumes.
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Life-Support Equipment
If you have life-support equipment at your home, it is very important for us to know so that we can give you top priority in restoring power when there is an outage.  Please contact our office at (765) 458-5171 or (800) 529-5557 to receive a medical alert form to be filled out by your doctor.
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