Community Commitment
April 3, 2024
Storm season is coming: Be prepared for severe weather
Practical tips for staying safe when the weather changes
With the onset of spring, the potential for thunderstorms and tornadoes increases. Xcel Energy is always prepared to respond in the case of outages and service interruptions. To ensure you and your family are similarly prepared in case of severe weather, here are some practical tips to consider before the next storm strikes.
Know what’s coming.
Stay aware of the weather conditions and forecast. Tune into your local news channel of choice or download a weather forecasting app on your smartphone. Reach out to neighbors, friends and family to discuss emergency plans if dangerous weather is predicted.
Sign up for outage notifications.
If outages occur, it is essential to have access to the most recent updates about power restoration. Sign up for outage notifications through the My Account feature on the Xcel Energy website or by downloading the mobile app available on iOS and Android.
Additionally, the Xcel Energy website hosts an outage map that displays information on the number of customers out and anticipated time for restoration. You can also stay informed by following Xcel Energy on Facebook and Twitter.
Report your outage.
Get a jump on power restoration by reporting outages. You have many ways to report outages:
- Via the Xcel Energy mobile app available on iOS and Android.
- Online at www.xcelenergy.com/outage.
- Via text by texting ‘OUT’ to 98936 to report an outage, or text STAT to the same number to check the status of a power outage.
- Call 1-800-895-1999 and follow the prompts—the automated phone reporting system lets you report outages in less than 60 seconds. Once the cause of the problem is identified, the system or an Xcel Energy representative will provide customers with an estimated restoration time.
Stay away from downed power lines.
Always assume an electric line, even one that is on or near the ground, is energized and therefore dangerous. Never, under any circumstance, touch or move a downed power line. If you come across a downed power line, leave the area and report it immediately by calling 1-800-895-1999.
Build a home emergency kit.
Xcel Energy recommends assembling an easily accessible kit that you can rely on in the event of a power outage. When assembling an emergency supply kit, remember the “Six Ps”:
- People and pets. Pack supplies for yourself and your pets, including non-perishable foods, a gallon of water per person, per day, a change of clothing and hygiene and sanitation supplies for a minimum of three days.
- Papers, phone numbers and important documents. Prepare a folder with your critical documents, including social security cards, passports, birth certificates and deeds, among others. If possible, keep these in a waterproof/fireproof container that can easily be taken with you.
- Prescriptions, vitamins, eyeglasses and medical devices. Include enough supply to meet your family’s needs for at least three days. Keep a first aid kit of sufficient size for your family, as well.
- Pictures and memorabilia. Set aside items that would be irreplaceable if lost in a severe weather event.
- Personal computers, phones, hard drives, disks and chargers. Pack these items as they may be expensive to replace and may contain data that is irreplaceable if lost.
- Plastic (bank cards) and cash. Have both on hand – you don’t know if vendors will be able to accept credit or debit cards if a storm affects infrastructure.
Observe food safety.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), food safety is directly related to the temperature of the food. To maintain refrigerator and freezer temperatures, keep doors closed as much as possible. A full freezer will stay at freezing temperatures for approximately two days, and a half-full freezer for about one day. Visit the USDA website for more information.
How we prepare for severe weather
Xcel Energy is known for fast restoration during weather-related outages, and one reason for that is the preparation done in advance. Crews and equipment are assembled in advance at local service centers when threatening conditions are on the horizon. Xcel Energy invests in its infrastructure to ensure it is robust and reliable. The company also trains employees so they can respond quickly, enlists outside companies to assist when necessary, and partners with communities to protect the public.