It’s a rare event for our area, but accumulations of ice and snow coupled with fluctuating winter temperatures can bring down tree limbs of various sizes, along with the potential to knock down power lines causing outages to occur.
In a winter storm emergency, safely restoring power to our members is the highest priority, and electric utility crews will work as long as necessary to restore service. Even so, restoration times can vary depending on the circumstances, so it’s best to be ready for anything.
If you lose power, avoid going outside if possible. Downed power lines could be submerged in snow and ice and difficult to identify. When outside, treat all downed and hanging lines as if they are energized electric lines: Stay away, warn others to stay away and immediately contact your electric co-op. Remember that downed power lines do NOT have to be arcing, sparking or moving to be live and deadly.
It’s important to be prepared for dangerous winter storms and the power outages they may cause. You need the right emergency items and knowledge to stay warm and safe in a winter storm.
Prepare an emergency kit with the following items:
- Battery-powered radio and flashlights with fresh batteries
- Extra blankets
- Water for drinking and washing
- Non-perishable food and a non-electric can opener.
- First aid kit and prescription medicines.
To help you stay safe and warm when a storm hits:
- Switch off lights and appliances to prevent damaging appliances and overloading circuits when power is restored. Leave one lamp or light switch on as a signal for when your power returns.
- Keep faucets turned on slightly so that water drips from the tap and prevent pipes from freezing. Know how to shut off water valves just in case a pipe bursts.
- Do not use charcoal grills or gas ovens to heat your home; this could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Stay inside and dress in warm, layered clothing.
- Follow operating instructions for alternative heat sources, use fire safeguards and be sure to properly ventilate. Always keep a multipurpose, dry-chemical fire extinguisher nearby and know how to use it.
- Stuff towels and rags underneath doors to keep the heat in.
- Cover windows at night.
- Move around to keep warm, but not enough to perspire. Perspiring causes the body to lose fluids which could potentially lead to dehydration.
- Keep a close eye on the temperature in your home. Infants or persons over age 65 are more susceptible to the cold. You may want to stay with friends, relatives or in a shelter if you can’t keep your home warm.