Winter Weather Safety
Superior Water, Light and Power reminds customers to stay safe and informed when frigid temperatures and dangerous wind chills hit.
Sign up for outage notifications
Our outage app is available for download on iPhone and Android devices. Search for “Super Water Light Power” within the related device’s App Store. Once installed, you can get near real-time information about outages, estimated restoration times and the number of customers affected. You can find similar information on the outage map on our website.
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
We post the latest outage information on our Facebook and Twitter pages. We also regularly update local news media on outage restoration efforts, so listening to the radio or going to local news websites can help you keep track of our progress after a storm or major outage.
Report your outage
- Report an outage online or through our outage app.
- Call Superior Water, Light and Power at 715-394-2200.
Please remember, phones that require a connection to an electric outlet, such as a portable phone, will probably not work during an outage. Phones that are hard-wired to telephone company circuits should continue to work. Cell phones will work as long as the battery lasts.
Prepare and stay safe
- Take care when using electric space heaters. Purchase only space heaters that have been safety tested and UL approved. Make sure the unit has an emergency tip-over shut-off feature and heating element guards. The Energy Education Council offers other tips for safe operation.
- Snow and ice can damage gas meters and pipes. Use a broom to keep gas service equipment clear. Chimneys and vents for gas appliances must be cleared following a major snow or ice storm to enable proper venting and prevent carbon monoxide accumulation.
- Do not touch or go near any downed power lines. Always assume they are energized, and keep children and pets away from them. Contact with downed lines can lead to serious injuries or death. Call Superior Water, Light and Power immediately to report downed wires at 715-394-2200.
- Keep at least one flashlight for each household member, a battery-powered radio and extra batteries in an accessible place. During cold weather, have extra clothing layers, warm footwear, hats, gloves, and blankets or sleeping bags available. Be prepared to move to a location with power and heat during an extended power outage in extreme cold.
- The Red Cross has tips on assembling an emergency preparedness kit and preparing for a winter storm, avoiding frostbite and hypothermia. They also suggest you keep these items in your vehicle: windshield scraper and small broom; a small sack of sand for generating traction under wheels and a set of tire chains or traction mats; matches in a waterproof container; a brightly colored (preferably red) cloth to tie to the antenna; an emergency supply kit, including warm clothing and extra blankets.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reminds people that generators should be at least 20 feet away from your home to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Find more tips here.
- The U.S. Department of Agriculture says to keep a large, insulated cooler and frozen gel packs available in case of an outage. Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. Find more food safety tips here.
Bring your pets inside
The American Veterinary Medical Association says it’s not true that dogs and cats are more resistant than people to cold weather because of their fur. Like people, cats and dogs are susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia and should be kept inside. The organization offers more tips for keeping your pets safe in cold weather.
We’re prepared
Our electric system is designed to withstand harsh weather, but extreme cold, ice and wind can cause outages. Crews are ready to respond quickly and safely should the power go out.
