Power Out? What Do I Do When…

I need to report a power outage.There are several ways to report an outage, including:
- Report an outage online using JCP&L’s online outage reporting tool at https://www.firstenergycorp.com/outages_help/Report_Power_Outages.html.
- Call 888-LIGHTSS (888-544-4877)
- Report your outage via text message; get started by texting REG to 544487. (Message and data rates may apply.) See page 8 for additional information on our SMS communication options.
- View/report power outages on our 24/7 Power Center maps at http://outages.firstenergycorp.com/nj.html. (Note: power outages may be reported through a link on the Power Center map by simply putting in a resident’s phone number associated with their JCP&L account.)
- Customers with a communications disability can report an outage by using the appropriate TTY/TDD relay service, or by using the online form or text message service listed above.
When reporting an outage, please be ready with the following information:
- Street address of the outage location
- Whether or not, to the best of your knowledge, neighbors are affected by the outage
- Phone number where you can be reached
I have an emergency:
- Call 911, then report to JCP&L.
- If there’s a downed power line, stay at least 30 feet away.
- Emergency responders/dispatchers have a special hotline number for reporting emergencies to JCP&L and a form that can be utilized for reporting non-life and limb emergencies.
What can I do to prepare for storms or emergency events:
- Communication is key during storms and emergencies.
- You should review your personal emergency preparedness plans.
- Well and septic customers should store a several-day supply of water.
- Be aware about the possibility of falling trees or branches, which present a significant safety issue and are the leading cause of power outages in JCP&L territory.
Downed Wires & Electrical Emergencies
- You can’t tell by looking if a downed wire is “live” or “hot,” or not. Always assume a downed wire is carrying electricity, which can severely injure or kill you.
Downed Wires
- Stay at least 30 feet from any downed power line, and don’t go near the pole or anything touching the line.
- Call 9-1-1 immediately, then follow with a report to JCP&L. Provide as much information as possible about the exact location of the downed wire. (Note: Only call 9-1-1 if you actually see a downed wire. Do not assume that because your power is out, there must be a wire down.)
- Warn others to stay at least 30 feet away from the downed line and keep pets away as well.
- If a downed line is near water – even a small puddle – keep well away.
- Don’t drive or walk under or over downed power lines.
- If a wire falls on a vehicle, passengers should stay inside the vehicle until help arrives and provides further instruction.
- Downed power lines that come in contact with a vehicle create a dangerous situation. Do not touch the vehicle. Call 9-1-1 immediately to report it.
- Additionally, be careful not to stand under damaged tree limbs or power lines.
  - Tree limbs can be weakened in a storm, but not fall until several hours or days later
  - The same holds true for power lines or poles.