What should you do if the power goes out?

For all service outages call: (712)754-2519 or 1-888-754-2519.

Electric Service is normally very reliable. However, power outages do occur for different reasons. If you experience a power outage, please take the following action:

  • Check your electrical panel. Look for tripped breakers or blown fuses. If there is a breaker below the meter, be sure to check it as well. Try to reset the breakers by switching them OFF then ON. If you have fuses that have blown, replace them with the proper size fuse. It is always a good idea to keep extra fuses on hand in the event that a fuse fails.
  • Contact neighbors to find out if they are without electric service. This information will help in determining whether or not the outage is an individual outage or a line outage.
  • Turn off all electrical appliances that were on, especially air conditioners or electric heating. However, you will want to leave a light on so you will know when your power has been restored.
  • Turn on your portable radio and listen for news report from Osceola Electric Cooperative. This will occur only when there has been a major planned outage or catastrophic conditions.
  • If you have access to the Internet, you can also view major outages listed on the Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives statewide outage map - http://outages.iowarec.org/(link is external).
  • Leave doors closed on refrigerators and freezers as much as possible during outages. Food will keep much longer if the doors are left closed.
  • If any member of your family is on a life-support system, please notify the Cooperative today so their name and address can be placed on a priority service list.

If it appears that the problem is with the cooperatives’ equipment and facilities, please do not hesitate to contact the cooperative for assistance. Be prepared to provide the name on the account, the account number, the service location and your telephone number.

It should be noted that a member will be charged a service fee for outages which are found to be related to the member’s wiring.

Storm Checklist

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 fo rmilk or bread. Rotate your supplies to keep them fresh and use the following checklist to prepare for power outages:

Have Plenty of Food

  • 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.

Stay In Touch

  • Have a portable,battery-powered radio and alarm clock.
  • Have one non-portable phone that will work even if power is interrupted.
  • Plan where to meet and how to communicate with family members if separated.
    Keep essential family member contact information near your phone, in your wallet, and in your glove compartment.

Keep Things Going

  • Keep plenty of gas in your car.
  • Keep extra batteries, matches, propane, charcoal and firewood.

Stay Happy, Healthy and Warm

  • 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).