ODOT releases roadway safety video as winter weather begins
Ohio Department of Transportation warned travelers to give crews enough room to clear the roads after dozens of accidents.
Snow in the forecast brings more than just a winter wonderland. It also increases the chance of power outages.
Winter precipitation can cause power lines to sag, particularly if a snow-laden branch pushes them down. Those power lines can snap, causing outages. Crashes caused by winter weather can also damage power poles or other equipment, leading to power outages.
If the lights do go out, there are ways to confirm whether your area has already been reported as having an outage and, if so, how long the wait time may be for power to be restored. All power company websites also allow for the reporting of outages through that medium.
While preserving the battery life of electronic devices that could be needed in emergency situations, like cell phones, should be prioritized, there are ways to get information about how long an outage could last.
How to check for AEP power outages in Ohio
AEP Ohio offers several ways to check whether there is a power outage in the area.
The company offers an outage map on its website that is available for anyone to view. Customers who provide their login credentials can access more detailed information based on the address for their account.
Customers can also sign up to get notified of outages in their area through their AEP accounts.
AEP also has a mobile application that provides the same information to customers.
How to check Columbus Division of Power outages
Customers of the Columbus Division of Power can access an online power outage map.
The map is accessable through the city’s website.
How to check South Central Power outages
South Central Power Customers can use the company’s website or mobile application to report outages and get information about outages, both planned and unexpected, in the area.
The company offers text message alerts for customers to receive information about outages.
How to check First Energy or Edison Ohio outages
Customers who utilize First Energy can receive updates through text message enrollment and view area-specific location outage information on the company’s website. A map is updated regularly with outage information as it becomes available.
Customers outside of Ohio can also look at outages by toggling through the map’s settings for their respective states.
Reporter Bethany Bruner can be reached at bbruner@dispatch.com or on Bluesky at @bethanybruner.dispatch.com.
