In December 2013, a severe ice storm struck Northern United States and southeastern Canada, producing freezing rain and snow. CNN reported tens of thousands of customers were without power in the below freezing temperatures, with many without power for at least four days. Two dozen people died from causes related to that ice storm.
“The Federal Emergency Management Association tells us that winter storms are deceptive killers because most deaths are indirectly related to storms,” says Molly Hall, executive director of the Energy Education Council’s Safe Electricity program (OR YOUR EXPERT HERE). “To be truly prepared for a winter power outage, you need more than supplies. You need to know what to do when a snow storm strikes.”
Winter storms can severely damage power lines by weighing lines down with ice, causing trees to fall into power lines or creating hazardous road conditions resulting in automobile accidents with power poles. All of these scenarios can create prolonged power outages.
When the lights go out, you should first contact your utility company to inform them of the outage. Once they are aware of an outage, they will immediately begin the assessment and restoration process. How long it takes to get your power restored depends on the extent off the storm’s destruction, the number of outages, and when it becomes safe for utility personnel to get to the affected areas. Until the power comes back on, do all you can to keep your family comfortable.
After contacting the utility, get out your storm preparedness kit to help get you and your family through the power outage. This kit will need to be assembled ahead of time and should include such items as: bottled water, non-perishable food, blankets, warm clothing, first aid kit/medicine, flashlight, radio, extra batteries, and toiletries.
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