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Prepare for the unexpected with these tips from Black Hills Energy

CHEYENNE, Wy – Sept. 11, 2024 – September is National Preparedness Month, and as we saw this summer, extreme weather can lead to flooding, tornadoes, or even wildfires – unexpected emergency situations that can catch families off guard. Black Hills Energy is ready to respond to whatever comes our way and wants to help families be prepared.
 
“At Black Hills Energy, our most important job is to deliver safe and reliable energy to our customers,” said Dustin McKen, general manager of Wyoming operations. “It's through advance planning, preparation and training that our teams expertly manage our utility systems, in good weather and in bad. And, when extreme weather causes an energy emergency, we’re ready to move quickly and safely to support our customers.”
 
Three tips to prepare at home: 

 

  1. Make an evacuation plan for your family and loved ones. Identify multiple escape routes out of the neighborhood should you need to leave with little advance warning. Plan a safe meeting location where you can meet if you get separated. 
 
  1. Gather important supplies in an emergency supply kit and keep this handy. Your kit should have enough food, water and supplies for people and pets to last three days. Include important papers and documents, emergency contact numbers, prescription medicines, eyeglasses, computers, phones, chargers and hard drives, credit cards and cash, and pictures.
 
  1. Stay safe at home by making sure your smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers are up to date and working well. Replace batteries and equipment if needed. 
 
To learn more about creating an emergency plan, visit www.blackhillsenergy.com/be-prepared


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Additional Safety Information
 
Natural gas safety reminders
If you smell natural gas, with its telltale rotten egg odor, leave the area immediately and call 911 from a safe location. Avoid using electrical devices, phones or light switches in the immediate area as they can create a spark and ignite a fire. Make sure everyone in your household knows how to recognize the signs of a gas leak so they know how to stay safe.
 
Spotlight on Damage Prevention
We work hard to educate our customers and communities about the importance of calling or clicking 811 before digging. This applies to everyone, from contractors running excavation equipment, to families planting a new garden. Calling One Call of Wyoming |at least 48 hours before breaking ground is the best way to prevent damage to underground utilities, which in turn prevents service interruptions, injuries and fatalities. Learn more at blackhillsenergy.com/811
 
Electric safety reminders
In the event of an emergency, remember to avoid downed or damaged power lines. Assume any downed power line is energized; never touch a fallen line. Keep your distance and call 911 immediately.
 
Spotlight on Wildfire Management
We are working every day to improve the safety and resilience of our power grid to reduce wildfire risks across our service area. Learn more at blackhillsenergy.com/wildfire-safety
 
About Black Hills Energy
Black Hills Energy is a customer focused, growth-oriented utility company with a tradition of improving life with energy and a vision to be the energy partner of choice. Based in Rapid City, South Dakota, the company serves 1.3 million natural gas and electric utility customers in eight states: Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wyoming. More information is available at:  www.blackhillsenergy.com.

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