As Xcel readies extra crews, here’s your checklist ahead of this week’s winter weather

When we’re prepared, it generally pays off, right?

At least that’s the hope when it comes to this week’s predicted wintry mess of rain, ice and snow.

Xcel Energy already is staging employees “who will work to get the lights back on if customers lose power during the snow, freezing rain and wind predicted for the region,” it said in a statement.

“Xcel Energy has increased staffing levels and put operational plans in place to make sure key employees, including line workers, are available and able to respond to outages that may occur due to severe weather.”

To make sure you’re as prepared as they’re trying to be, here are some useful tips from Xcel to review ahead of the weather:

Report your outage

Customers can help Xcel Energy get a jump on power restoration by reporting outages. Customers have several ways to report outages.

• Through the My Xcel Energy mobile app, available in the Apple App Store and through Google Play.
• Online at xcelenergy.com/out.
• Via text by texting OUT to 98936 to report an outage, or texting STAT to the same number to check the status of a power outage.
• By calling 800-895-1999 and following the prompts. The automated phone reporting system lets customers report outages in less than 60 seconds. Once the cause of the problem is identified, the system or an Xcel Energy representative will provide customers with an estimated restoration time when available.

Stay informed

If outages occur, it’s important for customers to have access to the most recent updates about their power restoration. Customers can stay informed by using the My Xcel Energy mobile app or visiting the Xcel Energy website. The website hosts an outage map that displays information on the number of customers out and anticipated time for restoration when available. Customers also can stay informed by following Xcel Energy on Facebook and Twitter.

Other ways customers can prepare, stay safe

Stay away from downed power lines

Always assume an electric line, even one that is on or near the ground, is energized and therefore dangerous. Never, under any circumstance, touch or move a downed power line. If you come across a downed power line, leave the area and report it immediately by calling 800-895-1999.

Build a home emergency kit

Xcel Energy recommends assembling an easily accessible kit that can be used in the event of a power outage. Useful items may include:

• • Xcel Energy phone numbers: 800-895-1999 for residential or 800-481-4700 for business.
  • Battery-powered radio or television.
  • Flashlights.
  • Batteries.
  • Backup phone chargers.
  • Phone that does not require electricity.
  • Nonelectric alarm clock.
  • Bottled water and nonperishable food.
  • Manual can opener.
  • First-aid kit.
  • Extension cords, for partial outages.
  • Manufacturer’s instructions on how to manually open power-operated doors such as garage doors.

Heating safety

If using a space heater, take care to ensure safety as more than 65,000 home fires are attributed to heating equipment each year in the United States, according to the Electrical Safety Foundation International.

When using a space heater, make sure the heater has the label showing it is listed by a recognized testing laboratory, and read the manufacturer’s instructions and warning labels. Additionally, inspect the heater for cracked or broken plugs and connections; don’t use it if they are frayed, worn or damaged. Never leave a space heater unattended. Turn it off when leaving a room, and don’t go to sleep with a space heater on. Additionally, Xcel Energy offers rebates and incentives to install energy-efficient furnaces and insulation.

Observe food safety

According to the United States Department of Agriculture, food safety is related directly to the temperature of the food. To maintain refrigerator and freezer temperatures, keep doors closed as much as possible. A full freezer will stay at freezing temperatures for approximately two days and a half-full freezer approximately one day. Visit the USDA website for information.