Join us in emphasizing safety around the home

September is National Preparedness Month—a time to review safety tips so you are ready for the unexpected, including energy-related emergencies.

Suspect a gas leak?

If you smell a strong, persistent gas odor:

• Don't switch on any light, appliance or even use your phone—it might cause a spark.
• Put out all open flames and don't smoke or light any matches.
• Call MGE from a neighbor's house, away from the gas odor.

If your home is ever without power?

• Check your circuit breakers or fuses.
• Look out your window for anything unusual, such as fallen wires or tree limbs on a power line. Do not go near any downed wires.
• See if your neighbor is also without power. Even if neighbors are without power, don't assume that we know about your outage.
  • Notify MGE ALERT at 608-252-7111 to report the outage at your home.
• Unplug all sensitive electronic equipment and turn off light switches to help prevent overloads when power is restored.
• Keep the doors to your refrigerator and freezer closed until power has been restored.
• Use a battery-operated TV or radio for weather and outage-related news updates. A smart phone also may be of help if cell towers and online services are working.
• If your power remains out after your neighbor has lights, call MGE.

Emergency planning—safety at home

• Know what to do in an emergency and be sure everyone in the house is informed.
• Devise a home evacuation plan. Be sure everyone knows a safe escape route and common place outside to meet.

For more safety information

mge.com/home/safety for advice from MGE.

ready.gov/america/local/wi.html for community and state information. Details include links to prepare for common weather risks in our state.

ready.gov/america for National Preparedness Month details.