Preparing for Outages

Be Prepared for Storms!

To report an outage:
call Mountrail-Williams Electric Cooperative at 800.279.2667.

To find updates about outages in your area:
check out our Outage Center

Storm Checklist

If your lights go off during a storm, be prepared for the power outage.
Assemble supplies to have on hand rather than rushing around when the storm is coming and waiting in long lines for milk or bread.
Rotate your supplies to keep them fresh and use the following checklist to prepare for power outages:

Keep a 3- to 5-day supply of drinking water in plastic bottles. Plan on at least 1 gallon of water per person, per day.
Store a manual can opener with enough nonperishable foods for 3 to 5 days. Canned meats, tuna fish and peanut butter are good foods to store. Don’t forget pet foods!
Conserve water by using paper plates and plastic utensils.
Have a camp stove or grill for outdoor cooking.

Coordinate with neighbors for care of the elderly and disabled living alone.
Maintain a supply of prescriptions, nonprescription drugs, vitamins and special dietary foods.
Playing cards, books, drawing and writing supplies, and board games help pass the time. If you have a video camera and tapes, your family can make a storm documentary.
Keep sanitary and personal hygiene supplies replenished. Premoistened cleansing towelettes are useful and help conserve water.
Use plastic trash bags and ties for garbage.
Put first-aid kits in your home and car.
Make sure you have cold weather clothing, foul weather gear, blankets and sleeping bags.
Consider purchasing alternative UL-approved heating devices. For example, a fireplace insert or woodstove will keep the heat in your home instead of up the chimney.
Use flashlights and other battery-operated lighting instead of candles.
Keep fire extinguishers fully charged.
Fill your bathtub with water for bathroom use before the storm (if you have a well).

Check to see current weather conditions.

Never connect a standby generator into your home's electrical system. There are only two safe ways to connect a standby generator to your equipment.

Stationary Generator:
An approved generator transfer switch, which keeps your house circuits separate from the electric co-op, should be installed by a professional.

Portable Generator:
Plug appliances directly into the outlet provided on the generator.

Never run your generator in an enclosed space. Set up and run your generator in a well-ventilated area outside the home. Make sure it's out and away from your garage, doors, windows and vents. The carbon monoxide generated is deadly.

Use a heavy-duty extension cord to connect electric appliances to the outlet on the generator.

Start the generator first before connecting appliances.

Members are currently notified via phone call to the phone number on file.

Beginning August 1st, 2023 members may receive an email and/or text message, to the provided contact information on file, notifying them of any planned outages in their area.
You can update your contact information via SmartHub or by calling 800-279-2667.
Sample Email:
Sample Text:

Planned Outage Tips

Open Planned Outage Tips configuration options

Have a back-up plan for life support equipment if you have it.
Adjust your refrigerator and freezer to the coldest temperature possible in advance so that things can get chilled more than normal. (Remember to return them to the normal temperature after the outage is over.) Food will stay colder longer if you keep the refrigerator/freezer closed during the outage!
Unplug sensitive electronics such as computers and televisions.
Charge your cell phone in advance so it has a full charge.
Keep a flashlight with extra batteries in a convenient place.
If you have a landline phone, make sure you have a hard-wired device. (Cordless phone don't work without electricity)
Reset clocks, thermostats, and other programmed equipment after power is restored.
Inform MWEC if you have a generator. Do not use it unless you're sure it was installed safely. An incorrectly installed generator can damage your property and endanger you and our lineworkers who may be working on nearby powerlines.

Outage Center

Preparing for Outages

Preparing for the Storm

Storm Checklist

Planned Outages

Planned Outage Tips

Storm Checklist

Have Plenty of Food

Stay In Touch

Keep Things Going

Stay Happy, Healthy and Warm

Generator Safety

What is a "planned outage"?

How are members notified of a planned outage?

What if I have multiple meters affected by a planned outage?

Planned Outage Tips