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Weather Safety

Weathering the Storm

Follow this guide to help stay safe during severe weather.
Community

No matter what your forecast calls for, it is important for you to know how to prepare for a severe weather threat.

Let’s walk through ways you can stay prepared for any storm.

Some items this article will cover include:

  • Reporting outages or downed power lines
  • Safely operating a portable generator
  • Preparing for a storm and staying safe during a storm
  • Steps Dominion Energy takes to restore power during an outage

Storm Preparedness

  • Create an emergency kit with flashlights, batteries, cleaning supplies and face coverings.
  • Prepare a first-aid kit with bandages, anti-bacterial wipes, over-the-counter medications, and prescription medications. 
  • Prepare a supply of water and non-perishable food.
  • Remember to carry your healthcare information with you and to prepare your medical devices, especially if you are disabled or elderly.
  • Charge your phone and other electronic devices fully before the storm arrives.
  • If severe weather is expected, turn off major appliances like heat pumps and water heaters.
  • Download the Dominion Energy app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, to track restoration efforts and report outages quickly and safely.

 

Getting Power Restored

We are ready when severe weather strikes
Mobile app

Report Power Outages

To ensure the fastest response, please let us know if you lose power. The fastest way to report or track an outage is online or on the Dominion Energy app. We encourage customers to download the Dominion Energy app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store before inclement weather hits. You can also call us to report an outage or a downed power line.

Stay away from downed power lines

Avoid Downed Power Lines

Storms and high winds can cause power lines to fall. Always consider them energized and dangerous. Keep family members, neighbors and pets a minimum of 30 feet away, call us right away, and choose the option to report a downed wire.

 

Generator safety

Generator Safety

A portable generator can be a valuable piece of equipment to own when power to your house is temporarily off after a storm. If you have a generator, be sure it is fueled, tested, and properly connected before the severe weather arrives. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and always operate outdoors with good ventilation. Improper use of a generator could be life-threatening for customers and for line crews working to restore power. Learn more about generator safety.

Dominion Energy works to restore power

Restoration Process

When a storm causes power outages, we work to restore critical infrastructure first. This includes facilities critical to public health and safety such as hospitals, fire and police departments, and water treatment systems. Crews then work to return service to the largest number of residential and business customers in the shortest amount of time. Once major repairs are completed, individual homes and smaller groups of customers have service restored.