What to do about a power or internet outage: Tips from Columbus providers
Power and internet outages are a fact of life, especially with central Ohio weather.
We've all lost our power or connection unexpectedly had to suddenly make alternative plans.
Columbus-based company American Electric Power says most customers primarily want to know that the company is aware of the outage and that the company is doing something about it.
Power outages, AEP Ohio says, are most commonly caused by trees that fall on power lines outside of AEP's right of way. Restoring power from caused by damage to power pole, from a car accident for example, can take longer than a tree that falls into a power line.
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Here are tips from companies on what to do should an outage occur:
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— Sign up for text alerts, download AEP Ohio’s mobile app to check outage status and restoration information, or follow AEP Ohio on Facebook and Twitter.
— Customers can report outages by visiting AEPOhio.com or by calling 800-672-2231.
— Try not to open the freezer or refrigerator.
— Generators should be used only in well-ventilated space. Never use one inside.
— Never heat the house with the oven.
— Keep flashlights with fresh batteries close by.
— The bathtub can be used to hold water if water service has been lost.
— Stay away from downed power lines and call 911 and AEP to report them immediately.
— Customers can monitor outages on AEP's outage map.
— Homeowners are responsible for electrical equipment attached to the house. AEP Ohio is responsible for wires, service lines and facilities that deliver electricity to your house and meters that measure electricity use.
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Is there a Spectrum outage? How to confirm
Spectrum — a provider of cable television, internet and phone service — likely knows there is an outage before a customer calls to report one.
When customers call, they will receive a message telling them that there is an outage. Spectrum will add a banner to its website, Spectrum.net, alerting customers to service issues. The banner will be seen just by affected customers.
Spectrum's storm center website offers storm prep tips and will direct them to a webpage with additional information about the event.
If customers choose, they can opt-in to receive updates on the status of service by text, email or phone call. They can sign up for notification at Spectrum.net or by calling (833) 267-6094.
The Spectrum app shows service issues if there is an outage in the customer's area. It also may provide a range of service should a service upgrade affect service.
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How Breezeline (formerly WOW!) monitors for outages
Customers in Ohio can call 866-496-9669 (information about service interruptions is provided via phone messaging) or go to “Maintenance Advisories” at wowway.com.
This spring, WOW! customers in Columbus will transition to Breezeline, at which time their outage notification contact information and website information will be updated.
The Breezeline Network Operations Center actively monitors its network and works with call center and field services teams to ensure timely repairs and to inform customers when outages occur.
It provides outage updates on our IVR and website today and expects to introduce text messaging options in the future.
mawilliams@dispatch.com
@BizMarkWilliams
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Power outage or internet outage in Columbus, Ohio? Tips for what to do
