Storms and outages
Storm, Outage & Generator Safety
North Dakota weather can change fast. Blizzards, ice, high winds and summer storms can bring down lines and knock out power. Here is how to prepare, stay safe during an outage and use a generator without putting yourself or our line crews at risk.
Power out?
Report your outage
Report through SmartHub or call 701-444-9288. After hours, call 800-584-9239.
See a downed line? Stay at least 35 feet away and call 911.
Power out?
Ways to Report an Outage
Report outages using any of these methods. Make sure we have your current phone number on file, and have your account number handy. It helps us find the problem and restore your power faster.
SmartHub mobile app
Report an outage right from your phone or tablet with the SmartHub app.
See how it works
SmartHub online
Sign in to SmartHub from your computer to report an outage or update your contact information.
Sign in to SmartHub
Live outage viewer
See current outages across our service area on the map, and log in from the viewer to report an outage.
Open the outage viewer
Be ready
Before a Storm
Build an emergency kit now so you are not scrambling when the weather turns. Plan for at least three days without power.
Have a plan if you rely on power
If anyone in your home uses medical equipment that needs electricity, have a backup power source and a plan for where to go during a long outage.
- Flashlights and extra batteries
- Water, about one gallon per person per day
- Nonperishable food and a manual can opener
- First aid kit and a supply of medications
- Charged phones and portable power banks
- Battery powered or hand crank radio
- Warm blankets, coats, hats and gloves
- Make sure your phone number is up to date in SmartHub
When the lights go out
During an Outage
Report it
Check your breakers first, then report the outage through SmartHub or by calling us. Do not assume your neighbors already reported it.
Unplug electronics
Turn off or unplug computers, TVs and sensitive equipment to protect them when power returns. Leave one light on so you know when it is back.
Keep food cold
Keep the refrigerator and freezer closed. A refrigerator keeps food cold for about 4 hours. A full freezer holds its temperature for about 48 hours.
Cold weather
Winter Outages
Outages during a North Dakota winter can turn dangerous quickly. Stay warm and avoid the hidden danger of carbon monoxide.
- Dress in layers and close off rooms you are not using.
- Never use an oven, gas stove or grill to heat your home.
- Use only space heaters rated for indoor use and keep them 3 feet from anything that can burn.
- Install carbon monoxide alarms with battery backup on every level of your home.
- Let faucets drip to help keep pipes from freezing.
- Check on elderly neighbors and family members.
Backup power
Generator Safety
Generators are a big help in a long outage, but used the wrong way they can poison your family or send deadly electricity back onto the lines our crews are repairing.
Protect our line crews
Never backfeed
Plugging a generator into a wall outlet or connecting it directly to your electrical panel can send power back through your transformer and onto the lines. This is called backfeeding, and it can injure or kill lineworkers and neighbors. Use a transfer switch installed by a licensed electrician.
- Never run a generator indoors, including in a garage, basement or shed, even with doors open.
- Place it at least 20 feet from doors, windows and vents.
- Use a transfer switch or plug appliances directly into the generator with heavy-duty, outdoor-rated cords.
- Turn it off and let it cool before refueling. Store fuel in approved containers away from living areas.
- Do not overload it. Add appliances one at a time and keep the generator dry.
Cleanup
After the Storm
Storm damage is not always easy to see. Take your time and stay alert as you check your property.
- Stay away from downed lines and anything touching them, and call 911.
- Do not walk or drive through flooded areas. Water can hide energized lines.
- Have a licensed electrician inspect wiring and appliances that got wet before using them.
- Throw away refrigerated food that has been above 40°F for more than 2 hours.
- Report damaged poles, lines or meters to McKenzie Electric.
Report outages, downed lines or hazards
Call McKenzie Electric Cooperative. Crews are on call 24/7.