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Duke Energy is monitoring forecasts and preparing for severe weather that has the potential to produce damaging winds and flooding in its Indiana service territory.

“A critical part of being safe in severe weather is being prepared,” said Clint Carnahan, general manager of emergency preparedness at Duke Energy. “We do regular storm planning throughout the year, and we want our customers to be prepared as well so they can react quickly during a storm.”

As part of being prepared, Duke recommends people ensure mobile phones remain charged and that they have an adequate supply of flashlights, batteries, bottled water, nonperishable foods, and medicines.

If someone the home has special needs or relies on electric-powered life support equipment, determine the actions to take in the event of an extended power outage, including alternate shelter arrangements.

Duke Energy customers who experience an outage during a storm can report it the following ways:

• Text OUT to 57801 (standard text and data charges may apply).
• Use the Duke Energy mobile app. Download the Duke Energy App from a smartphone via Apple Store or Google Play.
• Visit duke-energy.com/outages on a desktop computer or mobile device.
• Call the automated outage-reporting system at 800.POWERON (800.343.3525).
• Receive the most up-to-date information about restoration efforts by enrolling in Outage Alerts.
• Visit Duke Energy’s interactive outage map on the company’s website to find up-to-date information on power outages, including the total number of outages systemwide and estimated times of restoration.

Some additional tips to be aware of:

• Electric current passes easily through water, so stay away from downed electrical lines.
• Don't drive over – and don't stand near – downed electrical lines.
• Never replace a fuse or touch a circuit breaker with wet hands, or while standing on a wet or damp surface.

More tips on what to do before, during and after a storm can be found at duke-energy.com/safety-and-preparedness/storm-safety.