Winter is here. And so is the possibility of an ice storm. And of course with that comes the possibility of something we really don't like to talk about - power outages.
There's lots you can do to prepare for outages due to winter storms and also things that you can do once a storm hits to make "going without" a little easier. This week, we'll be blogging all about it, so check back to be sure you've got the 411 before the storms get here.
We're going to kick it off with things you can do to prepare in advance for a storm.
Of course we do all that we can to prevent outages from happening in the first place, including regular maintenance of our equipment as well as regular right-of-way maintenance. But in the event of wintry weather, heavy ice can pull down large limbs and power lines - something that can't be prevented.
It's always good to be prepared, though! Here's a checklist of items to be sure you have on hand:
- Light: Keep battery powered flashlights and lanterns with extra batteries in a place you can easily access.
- Water: if you are on a well, have plenty of clean water in jugs on hand for drinking. Also, fill up bathtubs with water for flushing toilets.
- Food: You'll want to have non-perishable foods that don't have to be cooked - like peanut butter, crackers and canned fruit.
- Heat: Have lots of extra blankets and clothes on hand. If you have a fireplace, be sure there is an adequate supply of wood.
- Information: Remember that cordless phones won't work if the power is out. And don't forget to charge your cell phone battery. If you have a phone that can access the internet, you'll be able to report outages and get storm updates straight from our website.
- Medical plans: Have a contingency plan already in place if you have someone with a medical necessity for electricity in your home. This includes back-up power, extra medical supplies or an alternate location.
- Standby power: This one's optional in most cases, but if you do have a generator, be sure that you have a properly installed transfer switch.
For more info on storm preparedness and lots of helpful links, check out our website.
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