APS urges winter storm preparation

Kelly O'Sullivan/Independent Newsmedia

Ahead of forecasted winter storms, Arizona Public Service encourages customers to take steps to stay safe, warm and informed. While Arizona winters are generally mild, sudden storms, freezing temperatures and strong winds can disrupt power and create hazardous conditions.

APS maintains over 38,000 miles of power lines statewide  and uses advanced tools like drones and robots to inspect equipment and reduce outages.

Crews perform upgrades, clear vegetation year-round and position specialized vehicles to access electrical equipment in rugged terrain during storms. A team of meteorologists plays a vital role in APS’s storm preparation and response efforts by closely monitoring weather patterns. While their expertise helps APS anticipate and respond to changing conditions, weather can be unpredictable and safe power restoration may still require time depending on the severity of the event.

Watch this video to learn  how lineworkers restore power:

Even as APS crews work around-the-clock to keep energy flowing, preparation at home is key to staying safe.

Be informed and prepare a plan

• Make sure APS can reach you quickly with outage alerts. Download the APS mobile app or visit aps.com/outagecenter and create an online account to receive text or email notifications. If you have a current email or phone number on file, you are automatically enrolled.
• Customers who depend on electricity for life-sustaining medical equipment should register for the APS Medical Care Program by calling 602-371-7171 or 800-253-9405. This program helps APS prioritize communications to participating customers during outages.
• Know the location of community warming centers in case of an outage.
• Charge mobile devices and keep a portable power bank ready.
• Build an emergency kit that includes flashlights, extra batteries, bottled water and non-perishable food for several days.
• Store essential phone numbers — medical providers, family, friends and APS — in your phone and on paper.
• If you have an electric garage door, learn how to open it manually in case power is lost.

Stay safe during an outage

• If your power goes out, report it immediately through the APS mobile app, online at aps.com or by calling 602-371-3680 or 855-688-2437. Monitor the APS Outage Map for real-time updates.
• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed to preserve food and unplug major appliances to prevent damage from electrical surges when power returns. Wait five to 10 minutes after restoration before plugging devices back in.
• Safety around downed power lines is critical. Stay at least 100 feet away, call 911 and then notify APS. Never attempt to move or touch a fallen line.

Additional winter safety tips

• Dress in layers and keep extra blankets on hand.
• Use space heaters safely — keep them at least three feet from flammable materials and never leave them unattended.
• If you use a generator, operate it outdoors and away from windows to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

For more winter safety guidance, visit the Arizona Emergency Information Network — AzEIN.

Energy savings during the holidays

APS customers on Time-of-Use 4pm-7pm Weekdays or Time-of-Use 4pm-7pm Weekdays with Demand Charge rate plans can enjoy lower rates all day on major holidays, including Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Learn more about rate options at aps.com/plans. For more tips on preparedness and energy savings, visit aps.com/safety and aps.com/save.

Editor’s note: APS, headquartered in Phoenix, serves about 1.4 million homes and businesses in 11 of Arizona’s 15 counties, including the West Valley. Please submit comments at yourvalley.net/letters or email them to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.