As monsoon season approaches, Arizona Public Service (APS) and Salt River Project (SRP) are joining forces to provide San Tan Valley residents with crucial guidelines to prepare for potential power outages. With different areas of San Tan Valley served by APS and SRP, it is essential for residents to familiarize themselves with the safety recommendations from both utility companies.
While APS and SRP are committed to maintaining reliable power supplies and prompt repairs, it is vital for customers to take proactive measures to ensure their own safety during unpredictable monsoon storms.
Monsoon 2023 is expected to be drier and hotter than normal due to an active winter storm season, making it all the more important for residents to plan ahead. Follow these essential steps to be prepared:
- Create an emergency supply kit: Assemble an emergency kit that includes non-perishable food items, a can opener, an adequate water supply, a first-aid kit, a battery-operated radio, flashlights, extra batteries, a portable phone charger, and any necessary medications.
- Develop a family communications plan: Compile a list of important phone numbers for medical providers, family members, friends, and both APS and SRP customer care centers. Ensure you have the following contact information readily available:
- APS Customer Care Center: (602) 371-7171
- SRP Customer Care Center: (602) 236-8888
Additionally, identify a cool and safe location outside of your neighborhood, such as a family member's home, where you can seek refuge during an outage.
- Keep your contact information up to date: Regularly update your contact information with both APS and SRP. Sign in to your respective utility company's website or contact their customer care centers to update your email, text, and phone numbers. By doing so, you will receive timely notifications and updates regarding any outages in your area.
- Learn how to manually open your automatic garage door: Familiarize yourself with the process of manually opening your automatic garage door. This knowledge will be invaluable in case of a power loss when you need to leave your home.
- Secure outdoor objects: Take preventive measures to secure outdoor objects that could become hazardous during high winds. Items such as umbrellas, kiddie pools, and trampolines can be swept up by strong winds and potentially cause damage to power lines. Properly secure these objects to avoid outages.
During and after a storm, prioritize safety around electricity with the following precautions:
- Stay at least 100 feet away from any downed power lines. Immediately call 911 to report the situation, and then contact the respective utility company (APS or SRP) to notify them.
- Unplug unnecessary equipment and appliances in your home to prevent electrical spikes when power is restored.
- For residents who rely on life-support medical equipment requiring electricity, make sure to register for the respective Medical Preparedness Program offered by both APS and SRP. The contact information for registration is as follows:
- APS Medical Preparedness Program: (602) 371-7171
- SRP Medical Preparedness Program: (602) 236-8888
By following these crucial steps and remaining informed about safety guidelines provided by APS and SRP, San Tan Valley residents can prepare for the monsoon season with confidence. For additional safety tips and information, visit the respective utility company websites at aps.com/safety and srpnet.com/safety.
By working together and prioritizing safety, let's ensure a secure and uninterrupted monsoon season for all San Tan Valley residents.