Storm Center - Points to Remember

Who Do I Call?
Why Do I See Non-DS&O Vehicles Working in the Area?
What Should I Do If I Have a Portable Generator?
What Should I Do If I See A Downed Line?
What Should I Do If I Have A Critical Care Patient Living In My Home?
Watch Utility Service Vehicles on the Roadways for Your Safety & Their's
Why Did A DS&O Vehicle Pass By My House Without Stopping?
Will I Be Compensated For My Power Being Out?

Who Do I Call?
When DS&O experiences a major power outage, report it by calling 1-800-376-3533. Rest assured that DS&O personnel will work as quickly as possible to restore electrical service.

Why Do I See Non-DS&O Vehicles Working in the Area?
In major outages, we call on assistance from other cooperatives and contract crews. For this reason, you may see vehicles from other Kansas Electric Cooperatives in your area.

What Should I Do If I Have A Portable Generator?
If you have a portable generator, it should be isolated from our lines, or be equipped with a properly installed double-throw switch installed by a licensed electrician. Generators that are not isolated or installed properly can feed back in to our lines and possibly electrocute anyone coming in contact with those wires, including you, children, neighbors, our line personnel, pets, or livestock. To report an outage call 1-800-376-3533.

If you plan to use a portable generator, here are some important safety precautions:

• First, locate your generator in a well-ventilated area. Never run it inside, even in your garage. Gasoline-powered generators produce carbon monoxide and the fumes can be deadly.
• Second, plug appliances directly into the generator using heavy duty, properly grounded extension cords. Make sure that extension cords are not frayed or worn. Do not connect your power generator directly to your home's main fuse box or circuit panel. Limit the number of appliances you use to no more than the recommended wattage of the generator.
• Read all instructions carefully and follow the manufacturers recommendations. Use the generator only when necessary, and don't overload it. Turn it off at night while you sleep and when you are away from home, to avoid possible fire hazard.

For your safety .... the safety of neighbors, and the safety of DS&O employees working to restore electricity do not attempt to connect your generator to your home wiring.

If you have any doubts about how to properly use a portable electric generator, contact the manufacturer or a licensed electrician for assistance.

What Should I Do If I See A Downed Line?
It is important to stay away from any downed lines. Please do not try to remove any debris tangled in power lines, even if you think the line is dead. To report a power outage or downed lines, call 1-800-376-3533.

What Should I Do If I Have A Critical Care Patient Living In My Home?
If you or another family member depends on life support, and the loss of electricity affects these life support systems, please alert DS&O prior to an outage occurring. You can do this by providing DS&O with written proof (a letter) from an attending physician that your or your family member requires such equipment. DS&O will then red-flag your address in our system.

Watch Utility Service Vehicles on the Roadways for Your Safety & Their's
During an outage we will have crews working on lines in your area. Many of these lines are along main roads and highways. For your safety and the safety of our crews, please drive slowly and be aware of our crew vehicles. To report a power outage call 1-800-376-3533.

Why Did A DS&O Vehicle Pass By My House Without Stopping?
If your power is out, do not be concerned if you see a DS&O vehicle drive by your house without stopping. The crew may be en route to a location where a live line is down, they may need to inspect breakers or transformers along your main line, or they may need to return to base for further supplies. Crews repair damage to parts of the system that bring power to you first, like transmission lines and substations, before handling problems at individual homes. Please know that we are making every effort to restore power to you as quickly as possible. To report a power outage call 1-800-376-3533.

Will I Be Compensated For My Power Being Out?
No. For reasons that can be technical, physical, or acts of God, DS&O cannot guarantee uninterrupted energy to your home or business. While your cooperative has one of the finest availability records of any electric utility in the country, events within and outside our control will prevent us from always having power at your location.

While the power is out, no electricity is being consumed, so your meter does not register any consumption for billing. Upon restoration, none of your appliances will consume more energy than if the power had never been out.

If you, or any member of your household, has a condition which requires electric power, it is your responsibility to have a back-up plan. That plan may include moving to another location where power is available for your use. Remember that in a time of catastrophic loss of electric power such as during a sevre thunder storm or tornado, there may be no electricity flowing anywhere within 100 miles.