By KATHLEEN SZOT
NIPSCO External Communications

Storms and severe weather can be unpredictable, but now Northern Indiana Public Service Company is introducing NIPSCO Alerts — a new way for customers to stay informed in the event of a power outage.

NIPSCO Alerts allows customers to sign up and receive power outage updates, including estimated restoration time via text, email or automated phone message.

“Getting timely information into the hands of our customers during a power outage — whether it’s during a storm or not — is critical,” said Deb Owen, NIPSCO vice president of customer operations. “NIPSCO Alerts is the latest way NIPSCO is working to continually improve the service to our customers and communities.”

How to Sign Up

Subscribing is easy and free. NIPSCO does not charge for alerts, but individual carriers may charge for text messaging and data rates depending on specific mobile plans.

Customers may visit NIPSCO.com/Alerts or call (800) 464-7726 to sign up for NIPSCO Alerts. An online account is required for customers who wish to sign up for the alerts through NIPSCO’s website.

In addition to NIPSCO Alerts, NIPSCO will continue to provide updates regarding the current number of customers affected, where outages are located and when power is expected to be restored, which can be found in a variety of ways including:

• NIPSCO.com/OutageCenter — Find a real-time outage map, current power outage status and estimated restoration times.
• m.nipsco.com — View the same outage map and details on NIPSCO.com from your mobile device.
• Facebook.com/NIPSCO or Twitter.com/NIPSCO — Follow NIPSCO’s progress through popular social media channels to view photos and power restoration updates.

While customers have the ability to receive information regarding the status of their power outage, NIPSCO urges customers to report any outage when it occurs. Customers can report their issue 24 hours a day, seven days a week, using the following two options:

1. Online – Visit NIPSCO.com from a mobile or desktop device and enter some basic information about your outage. Customers can request a call or notice when power has been restored.
2. Via phone – Call (800) 464-7726 and follow the automated prompts. Customers can request a call when power has been restored using this option as well.

Preparing for Severe Weather

Finally, customers can also prepare for storms by following some simple customer safety tips, including:

•  Monitor the weather and know what conditions are forecasted for your area.
• Check to see if shrubs or trees need trimming or if you have any weak limbs. Be particularly careful when working near power lines.
• Compile a storm preparedness kit, including essential medicines, non-perishable food items and water, flashlights, portable radios, extra batteries and a manual can opener.
• If someone in your family requires life support equipment, make prior arrangements for a back-up power supply. This may mean having a back-up power supply such as a generator or going to a health care facility that has back-up power.
• Avoid opening the refrigerator or freezer. Food will stay frozen in a fully loaded freezer for 36 to 48 hours if the doors remain closed. If the freezer is half full, the food will generally keep 24 hours.

The public is also reminded to always avoid downed power lines, damaged poles or other hazardous situations. Every downed wire should be treated as if it is a live wire.