With freezing temperatures moving into our area this weekend, take time now to prepare for the comfort and safety of your family.
Remember, while it may be tempting to crank up the heat, your next electricity bill will reflect how hard your heater worked to warm your entire home. Below are some tips we've gathered to help you stay warm, efficient and safe:
- Space Heaters: Maintain at least a 3-foot distance around space heater, away from all flamable items. Never leave a space heater unattended; turn it off when you leave the room. Always plug heater cord directly to wall outlet and never use an extension cord.
- Blankets and Heating Pads: Electric blankets and heating pads are fire hazards when used incorrectly. Inspect for frays or tears in wiring, discard if damage is found. Never sandwich electric heating devices between other blankets to avoid overheating. Do not use extension cords.
- Clothing and Cover: Dress warmly, head coverings, gloves, warm socks, sweater, jackets and extra blankets.
- Set Thermostat to 68°F or Lower: Each extra degree of heat can increase your bill by 6-8%.
- Ceiling Fans: Slow clockwise rotation drives warm air down.
- Windows: Keep coverings closed when sun is not out, open coverings to warm home when sun is shining.
- Seal Drafts: Check around doors and windows for airflow, seal as needed.
- Dangerous Heat: Never use stoves, ovens or clothes dryers to heat your home. In addition to posing extreme fire risk, these items often cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
For more information on winter efficiency and safety, please visit: www.weather.gov/safety/winter-before
Heavy ice or snow may cause power outages. MidSouth has emergency plans in place with materials and crews prepared to respond immediately. Should service interruptions occur, we will work around the clock to restore power to each and every member.
Members requiring electricity for medical necessity or health reasons are encouraged to have a plan in place should power outages occur.
Please login to your MidSouth account to ensure contact info is accurate (email address and phone number) and notifications are enabled. Follow the MidSouth Electric Facebook page for the most up-to-date information.
Know How to Report Electric Outages
During weather emergencies it can become more difficult to place and receive phone calls. Please use the following methods to report electric outages:
- MSEC App (take time to update your app today to use this feature)
- Text OUTAGE to 352-667 (make sure your cell number is connected to your account through the online portal or app)
- Call 936-825-5100 to report via automated phone system
Stay Up-to-Date with the Latest Forecasts
Choose a reputable source to monitor storm progress and follow them on social media.
Follow @MidSouthEC on Facebook
During storms and severe weather, MidSouth posts restoration progress and other information to Facebook. Turn on page notifications for the latest updates.
Review Your Emergency Preparedness Plan
Now is a good time to review your family’s plan. If you need additional tips, visit our Winter Safety page or our Storm Preparation page.