TO REPORT A POWER OUTAGE CALL 1-800-256-7973

Southwest Rural Electric Co-op is dedicated to proving the highest quality, most dependable power available. We're continually seeking innovative ways and taking advantage of new technologies to ensure we're meeting that goal.

But, regardless of how hard we work, it's impossible to eliminate all power outages beyond our control. For example lightning, high winds, ice or snow storms, a vehicle hitting a utility pole, a squirrel causing a short circuit, a mistake by tree trimmers or persons cutting firewood, construction workers digging into our lines, or electric equipment failure.

So, while we can't completely eliminate power outages, we can help your cope with them. This section will cover some helpful hints on what to do if the electricity goes off.

If you are ever caught in an outage, here is what you should do:

• Call SWRE and report the outage. Be sure to have your account number or map location number ready, which can be found on your billing statement. Once we receive your report, your location is logged into our computer system for repairs.
• Please be patient if the lines are busy. During major outages, our telephone lines are overloaded with members calling to report their situation. Calls are answered 24 hours a day. All calls are answered in the order they are received.
• If you have special needs that require electricity for your well being, for example life support system, please notify us of your circumstance either prior to or immediately following an outage. We will register this information with our dispatch department and mark your account for priority repairs. You may also want to consider temporary precautionary measurers such as moving the patient to a hospital or contacting local police or fire departments for emergency equipment.

Other helpful tips during outages:

• Keep a supply of blankets, flashlights, candles, spare batteries, snacks and a battery powered radio for severe weather situations.
• Keeping your freezer closed will preserve its contents for 24-48 hours, depending on how much food is stored and the size of the unit.
• Wrap blankets around your refrigerator or freezer to keep food cold.
• In cold weather, close doors, windows, and curtains to save heat. Select one room to occupy and make sure it is properly ventilated. Use blankets to insulate your windows. Also, keep some non-perishable food and drink items available for extended outage situations such as ice storms.

• REPORT DOWNED LINES IMMEDIATELY!
• Never touch a downed wire regardless of how harmless it may look! Stay away from it and keep others away, too. Report it immediately to Indian Electric Cooperative. If you cannot contact us, call the local police or fire department. During a severe storm with many area affected, it could take some time for us to make repairs. In this case, police and firemen may guard the downed line until it can be repaired.
• Don't operate lanterns, heaters or fuel-fired cook stoves without adequate ventilation.
• Do not burn charcoal indoors because it releases carbon monoxide.
• Always refuel outside away from flames or sparks.
• Don't store fuel inside your home.
• Wipe up fuel spills immediately.
• Don't allow children to carry candles or oil lamps around the house. A fall could spell disaster!