Stay Safe During an Outage and Around Power Lines

Safety during a storm is always paramount for our crews and members. Please always assume a downed line is live and stay away from it!

Outages can occur from time to time. If an outage occurs, restoring power in a safe and timely manner is a priority. If you have an outage, please call the Office at 607.293.6622 as soon as possible. The Cooperative’s automated outage system tracks customer calls and field crews are dispatched to the impacted area.

The Cooperative’s Outage Map is provided as a courtesy to keep members informed. It is for general informational purposes only. Outage numbers are estimates when the map is updated and accuracy is not guaranteed for official purposes. Please contact us if you have questions. When widespread outages occur, restoration begins with repairs that will restore service to the largest number of customers in the least amount of time. Substations are repaired first, followed by major feeder lines (3 phase); then local feeders, tap lines, and individual service lines are repaired to restore power to individual customers who may still be without power.

Be Prepared for Storms!

To report an outage, call Otsego Electric Cooperative at 1-607-293-6622 or 1-866-591-3192.

If your lights go off during a storm, be prepared for the power outage. Assemble supplies to have on hand rather than rushing around when the storm is coming and waiting in long lines for milk or bread. Rotate your supplies to keep them fresh and use the following checklist to prepare for power outages:

Keep a 3- to 5-day supply of drinking water in plastic bottles. Plan on at least 1 gallon of water per person, per day.
Store a manual can opener with enough nonperishable foods for 3 to 5 days. Canned meats, tuna fish and peanut butter are good foods to store. Don’t forget pet foods!
Conserve water by using paper plates and plastic utensils.
Have a camp stove or grill for outdoor cooking.

Coordinate with neighbors for care of the elderly and disabled living alone.
Maintain a supply of prescriptions, nonprescription drugs, vitamins and special dietary foods.
Playing cards, books, drawing and writing supplies, and board games help pass the time. If you have a video camera and tapes, your family can make a storm documentary.
Keep sanitary and personal hygiene supplies replenished. Premoistened cleansing towelettes are useful and help conserve water.
Use plastic trash bags and ties for garbage.
Put first-aid kits in your home and car.
Make sure you have cold weather clothing, foul weather gear, blankets and sleeping bags.
Consider purchasing alternative UL-approved heating devices. For example, a fireplace insert or woodstove will keep the heat in your home instead of up the chimney.
Use flashlights and other battery-operated lighting instead of candles.
Keep fire extinguishers fully charged.
Fill your bathtub with water for bathroom use before the storm (if you have a well).

Check to see current weather conditions.

Check to see current weather conditions

Storm Checklist

Have Plenty of Food

Stay In Touch

Keep Things Going

Stay Happy, Healthy and Warm