What to do before and during an outage Plan Ahead You can be prepared for a power outage by following a few simple steps:

• Install surge protectors for critical electrical devices.
• Test emergency releases on garage door openers.
• Have at least one non-cordless or cellular phone in your house.

 Put together an emergency kit. Suggested items to include:

• Several flashlights or a battery-operated lantern.
• Battery-operated clock and radio.
• Extra batteries.
• Small fire extinguisher.
• First-aid kit, fully supplied with a manual.
• Travel-size games, books, or cards to occupy the kids.
• A list of phone numbers that includes Connexus Energy's outage number (763.323.2660) and the telephone number of your electrician.

Auxiliary Generators If you plan on using an auxiliary generator, please notify Connexus Energy beforehand. Improper installation and use could damage equipment and cause serious injuries to you and/or our employees who work on power lines.
When the Power is Out

• Stay away from downed power lines. Treat all power lines as though they are energized and report it to Connexus Energy by calling 763.323.2660.
• Keep freezers and refrigerators closed to help preserve food. Keep ice in your freezer in advance. Foods will stay frozen for 12 to 48 hours.
• If you must drive, respect all intersections as four-way stops.
• If you have water in your basement as a result of a storm, be alert to the risk of electric shock when the power comes back on. Never use electric appliances near water - even on a wet floor.
• Be sure to switch off all appliances that were "on" or "running" when the power went out, especially electric stoves and ovens. Dishwashers, clothes washers, and dryers may be left on - they will resume their cycles once power is restored.
• If you don't have reliable surge protectors, unplug radios, TVs, VCRs, and computers until power is restored.