Checklist
Ice-storm checklist for a rural house
Print it, or keep it by the fuse panel. It's short on purpose.
Before the storm
Do these in the fall, not the night before.
Write down what you want to run: furnace, pump, freezer, lights
Check the inlet cover and the cord for cracks
Keep fuel stored outdoors and away from the house
Know where the main breaker is
When the power goes
Start with safety, then the furnace.
Run the generator outdoors, well away from windows, doors and vents
Never plug it into a wall outlet
Switch the main off before you bring a generator breaker on
Bring on the furnace first, then the well pump
When it comes back
Don't rush it.
Switch the generator breaker off, then the main on
Shut the generator down and let it cool before you refuel
Look at the mast and meter from the ground for damage
Call first
When to call 911 or your utility before us
Fire, smoke or a burning smell
Call 911. If it is safe, turn off the breaker.
Wires on the ground
Stay well away. Call your utility, and 911 if there is fire.
Sparks, or a hot or scorched outlet or panel
If it is safe, turn off the breaker. Then call us.
Water near wiring, or a shock
Stay out of the water and call 911 if anyone is hurt.
After ice
If ice or a tree pulls the service mast loose
This is the most common ice-storm repair on a rural house. The mast is the pipe that carries the service wires up from the meter. When it tilts, the wires can be live. Stay clear of it, and don't touch the meter.
The order it goes in
Your utility cuts the power to the house.
We repair the mast and meter base, and pull the permit.
The inspector looks at it.
Your utility reconnects.
Want an inlet in before the next storm?
Send us a photo of the outside wall and the panel.