Outage Safety
If the power goes out, follow these tips to help keep everyone safe.
Avoid downed wires
Look out for downed power lines during storms. If you spot one dangling or on the ground, stay at least 30 feet—about the length of a bus—away. Notify MGE immediately by calling 608-252-7000.
Electricity can jump from object to object. Keep in mind that objects touching a downed line (like a fence, tree or other object) also may be energized and dangerous to touch.
- Assume any downed wire is energized—even a wire lying perfectly silent and still may have high voltage running through it.
- Be aware that downed lines can be lying in puddles or flooded areas—stay at least 30 feet away.
- Do not touch or attempt to retrieve any toys or devices, such as drones and kites, that may be caught in an electric line.
- Do not touch someone who is being shocked by a downed line—you could be killed.
If you are near a downed power line or something touching a downed line, DO NOT WALK OR RUN. Why? Electricity travels through the ground in all directions. The voltage decreases the further you are away from the downed wire. If you walk or run, you could conduct electricity in one leg at one voltage into the other leg at another voltage. This could shock or kill you. Keep both feet on the ground and shuffle with your legs close together as you move away from the downed line.
Stay clear of areas where there are tree branches in suspended power lines.
If a line falls on your car, drive away if you can safely. If you can't, stay inside until trained help arrives. Avoid touching any metal parts inside or outside your vehicle. If anyone begins to approach, warn them to stay away and not to touch your car—they could be killed.
If you absolutely have to get out, JUMP out of the vehicle without touching the vehicle and the ground at the same time. Then shuffle with your legs close together to move away from the vehicle. If you have a young child or infant in the vehicle with you and you must get out, hold them tight to your body while you hop out of the vehicle. Do not touch the vehicle and the ground at the same time or you will become the electricity's path to the ground.
Damaged service lines
You own some of the equipment that brings electricity into your home (see graphic). If you have damage to the electric service lines coming into your home, you will need to have an electrician make repairs to your equipment first before contacting MGE to restore your service. If any of these items are damaged, DO NOT inspect yourself as the equipment may be energized. Call a qualified electrician to fix them immediately. MGE crews cannot repair customer equipment.
Using a generator
If you run a gasoline-powered generator, follow manufacturer guidelines. Be sure to place it outside and a safe distance from your home to avoid a buildup of carbon monoxide.
You should never connect a generator directly to your home's wiring. Power from a generator connected to a home's wiring will "back feed" into utility lines, potentially severely injuring or killing a neighbor or utility crew working to restore service. Instead, it's recommended to plug appliances directly into the generator's outlet. You should use a heavy-duty extension cord rated for outdoor use to keep the generator safely outdoors. If the appliance has a three-prong plug, always use a three-prong extension cord. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for grounding the generator.
If you do want to connect a generator to your house wiring, hire a licensed electrician to make the connection using a UL-listed transfer switch. The transfer switch will safely prevent your generator from back feeding into utility lines.
If you or someone in your family requires electrical life support equipment, we urge you to have a backup plan in case the power goes out. Please notify us of your situation by printing and completing MGE's Medical Condition Certification form. It must be certified by a medical, social service and/or law enforcement provider. Then mail or fax it to: MGE Customer Service, PO Box 1231, Madison WI 53701-1231 (Fax: 608-252-4714).
Winter outages
Depending on the outside temperatures, a well-insulated home will remain safely warm for several hours after the power goes out.
- Stay more comfortable by dressing in layers. Add a hat, extra socks and mittens to keep your extremities warm.
- Close off unneeded spaces to conserve heat and encourage all family members to stay in the same room. Limit the number of times you open and close exterior doors.
- Check on neighbors and friends, especially the elderly and those with health concerns.
- Open cupboard doors under sinks so pipes along outside walls won't freeze. If the outage becomes prolonged and you are on a municipal water system, turn the water on in a small stream to prevent pipes from freezing.
- Do not use your stove, oven or unvented heating devices to heat your home. They can produce carbon monoxide—a colorless, odorless gas—that can kill you. Dangerous levels of carbon monoxide also can be produced from improperly vented furnaces, plugged or cracked chimneys, water heaters, space heaters, fireplaces, stoves and vehicle tail pipes.
- Move your family to an area where the power is on and you can stay warm if the outage is prolonged and travel is possible. Be sure to make accommodations for pets.
- Clear ice and snow away from your gas meter and from furnace and water heater vent pipes. Obstructions may prohibit your equipment from starting when the power is restored.
Health and hypothermia
During an extended outage, you may be at a higher risk for developing hypothermia. This means your body temperature has been lowered from being exposed to the cold. You may be at special risk if you are 65 or older or if you have a medical condition that requires specific temperature settings. Check with your doctor.
- Bundle up and wear several layers of loose, dry clothing. Loose clothing is best because it traps warmer air around your body. If your hands and feet are cold, put on a hat and warm socks.
- Check on elderly neighbors and relatives to make sure they are staying warm. Hypothermia may cause confusion. This often prevents people from recognizing the danger and seeking help.
Food preservation
During a lengthy outage, you should take extra precautions to preserve food in your refrigerator and freezer. MGE is not responsible for any loss of food you might experience. Learn how to keep your food safe during an outage.
