Education

Tips for weathering the storm during a power outage.

Report an Outage: Call 877-4Outage (877-468-8243)

Never Touch a Power Line

If you see a fallen or sagging power line, or a line that is in contact with tree branches or other foliage, assume it is live and dangerous. Report fallen wires to DP&L by calling 877-468-8243. If there is a life-threatening emergency, call 911 immediately.

If there is a fire, get to a safe place and call 911. The fire department will respond to the emergency and contact DP&L, if necessary.

Give Customer Service the Best Number to Reach You

After DP&L has restored service to your area, we will attempt to confirm your power has been restored if you reported the outage. To ensure you receive this phone call, check to make sure customer service (800-433-8500) has the best phone number to reach you. If your service has not been restored, you will have an opportunity to report the continued outage, letting DP&L know you have a problem with your individual service.

Be Careful Using Candles, Portable Heaters and Generators and Your Fireplace

Candles

Avoid using candles if possible. Flashlights are a safer alternative. If you do use candles, be sure to place them on a stable surface away from combustible materials, and be careful around children and pets. Never leave burning candles unattended.

Portable Heaters and Generators

When using portable heaters and generators, follow all manufacturers' instructions and think safety first. One of the most important precautions is to ensure that you have proper ventilation for this type of equipment. Keep generators far from your home (your porch is too close). More generator safety tips.

Install a Carbon Monoxide Alarm

Do not use a kerosene heater or gas logs for heat unless you have a working carbon monoxide alarm.

Fireplace

Gas and wood-burning fireplaces both emit carbon monoxide. Make sure you have a functioning carbon monoxide detector in your home to detect the odorless gas. Use caution anytime you burn anything in your home and make sure that the area is well-ventilated and monitored for carbon monoxide.

Keep the Refrigerator Closed

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the refrigerator will keep food safely cold for about 4 hours if it is unopened. A full freezer will hold the temperature for approximately 48 hours (24 hours if it is half full and the door remains closed). More food safety tips.

Unplug Electronics

Go through your home when the power goes out and make sure that all heat-producing appliances (ovens, ranges, toasters, curling irons, etc.) are turned off or disconnected from a source of electricity so that when power is restored your home is safe from accidental fires.

A good practice is to always ensure there are no papers or other flammable materials on top of your electric range, in case it is accidentally turned on.

Know What You're Responsible For

At a typical residential customer's location, there is a service line that connects to the home through a masthead, service entrance cable and meter box. See what you are responsible for maintaining.

Allow Utility Crews to Focus on Restoration

When a utility crew arrives in a neighborhood, it's not uncommon for people to be interested in the work that they're doing or want to talk to the crew members about the status of restoration. These crews are dealing with extremely hazardous conditions and they need to focus all of their skill and knowledge to stay safe. They go through years of training and use special equipment to minimize the chance that they will get hurt while doing their job. For the safety of our crews and for your own safety, please stay away from utility crews and do not approach their work area or their vehicles.