Heavy accumulations of ice and snow can bring down utility poles, trees, and limbs—knocking out power for days at a time. In 2008, over two-thirds of the population of New Hampshire was without power and/or communications due to an ice storm. Power outages lasted for weeks during a time of freezing temperatures and added snowfalls. In addition to shutting down power and communications, snow and ice can make transportation dangerous, if not impossible.
All these factors make it difficult to cope with an ice storm once it hits, so preparation is essential. To prepare, the Energy Education Council’s Safe Electricity program recommends that you have the following items on hand before a storm hits:
- Flashlights with fresh batteries.
- Matches for lighting candles and gas stoves or clean burning heaters.
- Wood for a properly ventilated fireplace.
- Prescription medicines and baby supplies.
- Food that can be kept in coolers and a manual can opener.
- A non-cordless telephone and/or fully charged cellular phone.
- Bottled drinking water.
- Battery-powered emergency lights and radio.
A home generator can also be helpful as long as you are familiar with safe operating procedures.
“To be truly prepared you need more than supplies. You need to know what to do when a storm strikes,” advises Molly Hall (OR YOUR EXPERT HERE), executive director of the Safe Electricity program. “Ice storms can cause severe damage to power lines, which creates safety risks. After an ice storm, avoid going outside if possible.”
Downed power lines could be submerged in snow and ice, making them difficult to identify. When outside, treat all downed and hanging lines as if they are energized. Stay away, warn others to stay away, and immediately contact your utility company. Remember that downed power lines do NOT have to be arcing, sparking, or moving to be “live”—and deadly.
When the power is out because of an ice storm, Safe Electricity suggests these tips to stay safe:
- Stay inside, and dress in warm, layered clothing.
- Close off unneeded rooms.
- When using an alternative heat source, follow operating instructions, 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.
- Keep a close eye on the temperature in your home. Infants and people over the age of 65 are more susceptible to the cold. You may want to stay with friends or relatives or go to a shelter if you can’t keep your home warm.
Power outages due to ice storms are especially threatening because of extreme cold temperatures. You can prepare your home for a storm before it ever arrives with these winterizing tips:
- Insulate walls, attics, and pipes.
- Caulk and install weather-strips on windows and doors.
- Install storm windows or plastic sheeting to cover windows.
- Repair roof leaks.
- Call the utility company to cut branches away from your home and power lines.
Ice storms can create hazardous and stressful conditions, but with the proper knowledge and preparation, you can stay safe and warm in an ice storm. For more tips on electrical safety, visit SafeElectricity.org.
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