While this week’s winter storm may mean light chances of snow in Arizona’s high country, the colder temperatures and high winds are a good reminder to make sure you are ready for whatever Mother Nature brings, regardless of where you live in the state.
Arizona Public Service crews prepare year-round to keep power flowing to customers reliably, no matter the weather. Before a harsh winter storm arrives that may cause damage to the electrical grid, residents can take steps now to prepare, stay informed and be safe.
• Update your contact information with APS to ensure you receive important information. Download the APS app or visit aps.com/outagecenter to create an online account to receive text or email alerts and safety tips in case of a power outage.
• If you use life-sustaining medical equipment that requires electricity, call to register for the APS Medical Care Program at 602-371-7171 or 800-253-9405. This alerts APS of your needs in the event of an outage.
• Keep your phone charged and have a portable back-up power bank ready to go.
• Have a flashlight with extra batteries nearby.
• Keep important phone numbers like those of medical providers, family, friends and APS stored in your cell phone and written down.
• Stock up on enough water and non-perishable food items for your whole family.
• If you have an electric garage door, make sure you know how to open it manually so you can leave your home if you are without power.
• Report outages on aps.com, through the APS app, or call the 24/7 Outage Hotline at 602-371-3680 or 855-688-2437.
• Monitor the APS Outage Map for information about power outages in your community. Customers with updated contact information will automatically receive outage alerts from APS via text message or email.
• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed to keep food cold.
• Turn off and unplug home devices and major appliances to avoid electrical spikes when power is restored. After power is restored, wait five to 10 minutes to plug in and turn them back on.
• If you see a downed power line, make sure you stay at least 100 feet away, call 911 and then call APS at 602-371-7171 or 800-253-9405.
APS crews regularly maintain more than 38,000 miles of power lines throughout the state, clear hazardous vegetation that could impact lines and use advanced technologies like drones and robots to inspect equipment to proactively detect issues before they cause problems.
• APS meteorologists track and monitor storm activity so crews can prepare for potential impacts to electrical equipment.
Editor’s note: Mackenzie Rodgers is senior director of operations and maintenance for Phoenix-based Arizona Public Service, which serves approximately 1.4 million homes and businesses in 11 counties, and owns/operates the Palo Verde Generating Station. Please send your comments about this submission to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.
