As winter storm arrives, APS provides preparedness tips for customers

While this week’s winter storm may mean light chances of snow in Arizona’s high country, the colder temperatures and high winds are a good reminder to make sure you are ready for whatever Mother Nature brings. Arizona Public Service (APS) crews prepare year-round to keep power flowing to customers reliably, no matter the weather. Before a harsh winter storm arrives that may cause damage to the electrical grid, APS customers can take steps now to prepare, stay informed and be safe.

Before a winter storm:

• Update your contact information with APS to ensure you receive important information. Download the APS app or visit aps.com/outagecenter to create an online account to receive text or email alerts and safety tips in case of a power outage.
• If you use life-sustaining medical equipment that requires electricity, call to register for the APS Medical Care Program at 602-371-7171 or 800-253-9405. This alerts APS of your needs in the event of an outage.
• Keep your phone charged and have a portable back-up power bank ready to go.
• Have a flashlight with extra batteries nearby.
• Keep important phone numbers like those of medical providers, family, friends and APS stored in your cell phone and written down.
• Stock up on enough water and non-perishable food items for your whole family.
• If you have an electric garage door, make sure you know how to open it manually so you can leave your home if you are without power.

 
During a winter power outage:

• Report outages on aps.com, through the APS app, or call our 24/7 Outage Hotline at 602-371-3680 or 855-688-2437.
• Monitor the APS Outage Map for information about power outages in your community. Customers with updated contact information will automatically receive outage alerts from APS via text message or email.
• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed to keep food cold.
• Turn off and unplug home devices and major appliances to avoid electrical spikes when power is restored. After power is restored, wait 5-10 minutes to plug in and turn them back on.
• If you see a downed power line, make sure you stay at least 100 feet away, call 911 and then call APS at 602-371-7171 or 800-253-9405.

How APS prepares for winter storms:

• APS crews regularly maintain more than 38,000 miles of power lines throughout the state, clear hazardous vegetation that could impact lines and use advanced technologies like drones and robots to inspect equipment to proactively detect issues before they cause problems.
• APS meteorologists track and monitor storm activity so crews can prepare for potential impacts to electrical equipment.
• In northern Arizona, field crews keep specialized vehicles and tools on hand so they can access power lines and electrical equipment in areas where terrain can be challenging and unreachable by standard bucket trucks.
• APS vehicles are stocked with appropriate supplies and lineworkers are trained on how to respond and restore power for customers as quickly and safely as possible during adverse winter storms.