Report an Outage

To some, power outages are not just an inconvenience but may cause hardship, particularly for member-owners that use electrically-operated medical equipment in their homes. Roanoke Electric is not able to guarantee uninterrupted service to our member-owners. As a result, all member-owners who depend upon electrically-operated medical equipment should be prepared at all times with a backup power system or make other necessary plans to ensure health and welfare during outages.

In the event of a rotating outage, Roanoke EC will make its best effort to notify our member-owners using necessary medical equipment via phone prior to the outage. Fill out a “Medical Needs Notification” form in order to be listed.

• 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

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

• 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)