As the storm season remains active, Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO) is committed to helping residents stay safe and prepared. In the latest installment of their “Ways to Save” video series, SWEPCO focuses on emergency preparedness and the essential items to include in an emergency preparedness kit. September is also National Preparedness Month, making this the perfect time to ensure you and your family are ready for any severe weather.

Each Tuesday, ArkLaTex residents can learn proven tips, incentives, and programs that can help them learn how to reduce energy consumption and save money. This week, Michelle Marcotte offers some insight into what to include in an emergency preparedness kit – an essential part of staying safe during storm season.

“It’s so important for people to prepare as we’re seeing stronger, more frequent storms come through our area,” Marcotte said.

SWEPCO’s crews and call centers are always on high alert, conducting drills and practicing storm scenarios to ensure they can respond effectively to any outage situation. This proactive approach is designed to minimize downtime and restore power as quickly as possible. But SWEPCO’s commitment to preparedness doesn’t stop there. They also emphasize the importance of their customers having a plan in place.

Creating Your Emergency Preparedness Kit

Just as SWEPCO has a detailed response plan, they recommend that residents develop their own emergency preparedness plans. A crucial part of this plan is having an updated emergency preparedness kit ready for use. Here are some essential items that should be included:

• First Aid Kit and Medications: Ensure you have a well-stocked first aid kit and any necessary medications for you and your family.
• Flashlight and Fresh Batteries: Power outages can happen, so having a reliable flashlight and extra batteries is essential.
• Candles, Matches, or Lighters: These can provide light and a source of heat if needed.
• Water: Store enough water for drinking and cooking.
• Supplies for Babies and Pets: Don’t forget to include necessary supplies for the youngest and furriest members of your family.
• Mobile Charger: Keep a mobile charger handy to ensure your devices stay powered.
• Nonperishable Food and Manual Can Opener: Stock up on canned and other nonperishable food items, and make sure you have a manual can opener.

Stay Informed and Prepared

SWEPCO encourages all residents to take time to make their own plans, should storms make their way to the ArkLaTex. For more detailed preparation tips for hurricanes and other severe storms, visit SWEPCO’s safety page at SWEPCO.com/safety. The KTBS weather team and SWEPCO will continue to monitor the weather.

By taking these steps and staying informed, residents can ensure they are prepared for whatever storm season may bring. SWEPCO’s dedication to safety and preparedness is a testament to their commitment to the communities they serve. Stay safe, stay prepared, and remember that SWEPCO is here to help you weather the storm.