When severe weather is in the forecast - whether it's a winter storm or a strong summer thunderstorm - it's never a bad idea to be prepared. Here's a few behind-the-scenes efforts I&M uses to ensure you have safe, reliable power when you need it the most.

Proactive Maintenance: We continuously look for ways to prepare for the next storm. You will see I&M and our contractors in your neighborhood inspecting and trimming tree branches before they cause an interruption. Tree-related outages for I&M customers have dropped 20% over the past four years due to these efforts. We also have employees watching equipment in the office and employees in the field upgrading electrical equipment to better withstand weather conditions.

Storm Specific Training: Many I&M employees have an extra level of training that starts before the first snowflake or raindrop falls. I&M uses the Incident Command System (ICS), an emergency response framework, to coordinate effective and efficient restoration once a significant event has occurred. We use the structure to organize and communicate safe and prompt power restoration. Employees are trained during numerous “storm drills” throughout the year to stay focused and ready.

24/7 Weather Monitoring: During severe weather, we rely on our Emergency Preparedness teams and our parent company American Electric Power’s (AEP) full staff of meteorologists. Weather conditions are checked specifically for potential power outage threats to help I&M align line workers, tree trimming experts, damage assessors and support staff for the safest and quickest response to restore power.

Mutual Assistance: The more boots and trucks, the better. I&M and AEP are part of a nationwide network of power companies that help each other when widespread power outages happen. Before I&M asks for help from other utilities, we rely on, and provide support to, other AEP operating companies.

Whether it is a big or small storm, we will be there to safely and quickly restore power. You can also prepare for weather-related outages and connect with us. Take just a few minutes to sign up for I&M text or email alerts y update your online account con su información de contacto.

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