Extreme heat weather preparedness

Extreme heat is common in Tennessee, especially during the summer months. Extended heat waves can stress the electrical grid due to increased demand for cooling and air conditioning and pose health risks, including dehydration and heat exhaustion. Learn how to stay safe in the heat while keeping energy bills as low as possible:

BEFORE a severe heat event:

1. Have your HVAC unit serviced twice yearly to ensure it’s running efficiently.
2. Determine if you need to add extra insulation to your home and/or attic.
3. Schedule a free Home Energy Checkup with an MTE EnergyPro.
4. Seal any large cracks in window frames, door frames, etc., to stop cold air from escaping.
5. Get in the habit of changing your air filter monthly. Replacing a dirty, clogged filter can reduce your air conditioner’s energy consumption by up to 15%.

DURING a severe heat event:

1. Drink plenty of water and stay in the shade as much as possible if you must be outdoors. Take frequent breaks.
2. Utilize ceiling fans to help keep you cool; set them to spin counterclockwise in the summer months to push air down and create a breeze. Remember to turn them off when you leave a room.
3. Close your blinds or drapes to block out the sun and keep your home cool.
4. Try to use large appliances like washing machines and dishwashers at night during off-peak hours.
5. Set your thermostat as high as possible while staying comfortable; the smaller the difference between the outdoor temperature and your thermostat setting, the more you will save on energy costs.
6. Instead of heating up your home by cooking with a conventional oven, use your microwave or a toaster oven. Even better, cook outdoors on the grill to save energy and keep heat outside.
7. Keep your house warmer than normal when you are away and lower the thermostat setting when you return home. A programmable thermostat will do this automatically without sacrificing comfort.

AFTER a severe heat event:

1. Inspect electrical systems for damage.
2. Check for ice accumulation on power lines and poles.
3. Keep people and pets at least 30 feet away from downed power lines. Don’t touch anything in contact with a downed line, such as a car, tree or fence. Please report a downed line to MTE immediately by calling 877-777-9020.
4. Report any power outages to MTE via the myMTE app or by calling 877-777-0215.
5. If you do lose power, keep your refrigerator and freezer closed to preserve food. According to the US Department of Agriculture, food in the fridge will last up to four hours, and a full freezer will be safe for 48 hours.
6. If needed due to outages, use generators safely:
   • Never operate indoors or in enclosed spaces.
   • Keep it dry and out of rain or wet conditions. Operate it on a dry surface under an open canopy-like
   • structure.
   • Let it cool down before refueling.
   • Only a qualified, licensed electrician should attempt to connect a generator to your main electric panel.
   • If connected improperly, power can “backfeed” onto utility lines, creating a dangerous situation for line crews.