COLUMBUS, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska’s largest public power utility is urging residents to be prepared for possible power outages due to spring storms.

The Nebraska Public Power District’s warning comes in observance of Severe Weather Awareness Week.

Joel Dagerman with NPPD says people should avoid downed power lines and always regard them as live to prevent electrocution. Motorists should not drive over downed power lines, and if a power line falls on a vehicle, the occupants should stay in the car until power crews arrive on the scene to remove it.

Also, if the power goes out, residents should turn off or disconnect any appliances, equipment or electronics to keep them from being damaged by any surges when the power comes back on.