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A winter storm system is expected to cause power outages across southwest Ohio and Northern Kentucky this holiday weekend. A mix of dangerously low temperatures, high winds and snow is predicted to move across the region beginning late Thursday evening and continuing through Friday evening.
It's a running joke that snow in the forecast means grocery stores are flooded with people buying milk and bread to tide them over during the storm. But there's more to being prepared than a grocery run. Here are some other ways you can be ready to ride out the winter weather.
Don't be powerless if outages happen. Have a plan
Snow on its own typically has little to no impact on the electric system. However, high winds may bring down trees, limbs and power lines, while below-freezing temperatures result in increased stress on the power grid.
These types of winter storms can also create hazardous driving conditions, impeding Duke Energy workers’ ability to assess storm damage and restore power. Duke says crews are prepared and will work as quickly as possible to restore power, however, expected high winds will also restrict some restoration efforts.
The quickest way for customers in Ohio and Kentucky to report power outages is by calling 1-800-543-5599. You can receive status updates on a power outage affecting you by texting REG to 57801, or sign-up online.
Duke Energy has a number of suggestions as to how customers can be prepared and stay safe before, during and after a storm.
- Ensure all your electronic/mobile devices are fully charged.
- Ensure an adequate supply of flashlights, batteries, bottled water, non-perishable foods, medicines, etc., as well as the availability of a portable, battery-operated radio, TV or weather radio.
- Stay away from power lines that have fallen or are sagging. Consider all lines energized as well as trees or limbs in contact with lines. Please report downed power lines to Duke Energy or local emergency services.
- If a power line falls across a car that you’re in, stay in the car. If you must get out of the car due to a fire or other immediate life-threatening situation, do your best to jump clear of the car and land on both feet. Be sure that no part of your body is touching the car when your feet touch the ground.
- If you are driving and encounter emergency responders or other roadside work crews, remember to move over. It’s the law in Ohio and Kentucky, and a good practice for all drivers.
- If you use a generator due to a power outage, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure safe and proper operation. Operate your generator outside; never operate it inside a building or garage.
- Don’t use grills or other outdoor appliances or equipment indoors for space heating or cooking, as these devices may omit carbon monoxide.
Avoid the headache of frozen pipes
As the temperatures plummet, one of the biggest issues can be frozen pipes. State Farm and the Red Cross have advice for homeowners. When it gets bitter cold, the insurance company said letting warm water drip overnight, preferably from a faucet on an outside wall, could help keep pipes running.
It also suggests keeping cabinet doors open to allow heat to get to un-insulated pipes under sinks and appliances near exterior walls. If the house is going to be unoccupied, State Farm suggests keeping the temperature in the house above 55 degrees and having a neighbor check the house daily.
If pipes do freeze:
- Leave the faucets turned on and call a plumber.
- Do not use electrical appliances in areas of standing water.
- Do not use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove or open flame.
- Try to use a hair dryer or an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe.
- Apply heat until full water pressure is restored and check all other pipes.
More:Traveling this winter? Here are 10 emergency products you should always have in your car
Traveling in winter weather?
Driving anywhere in the cold weather and winter months requires special considerations. Here are some tips from Elizabeth Carey from AAA.
- Check the National Weather Service website for area road conditions, including regional winter weather advisories and storm watches, and download a good weather app to make sure you’re prepared.
- Test your car's battery. Most car batteries last three to five years, so if your battery is more than three years old, get it checked before a cold-weather road trip. Make sure you have jumper cables on hand and know how to use them.
- Check your tires. Make sure all four tires have the proper tread for the best traction while driving in potentially snowy conditions. If you live in (or are heading to) an area with heavy winter weather, snow tires will provide the best traction. Regular, all-season tires work well in light to moderate snow conditions, too, provided they have enough tread.
- Check your wiper blades and fluid levels. If it's snowed recently, a lot of salt is going to hit your windshield. So make sure to top off your windshield wiper fluid reservoir so you can see out of it. Make sure your wiper blades can clear your windshield, and replace any blade that leaves streaks or misses spots. Don’t forget the engine coolant/antifreeze when checking fluid levels as well.
- Pack your winter gear, but don’t wear it while driving. Make sure you have coats, scarves, gloves, boots and hats with you, but keep them separate while driving. Pack the winter gear close at hand, but save the layers for the outdoors.
- Stock an emergency kit. If there is no snow brush/ice scraper combo in your car, rectify that ASAP. Don’t leave home without a proper car emergency kit that includes some basic items like a first aid kit, snacks (for both humans and any pets), ice scraper with brush, basic tools (screwdrivers, pliers, wrench), warning flares, cloths or paper towels, some drinking water, and an emergency blanket in case you find yourself stranded in some bad winter weather.
- Make sure you have important numbers and emergency services programmed into your phone and bring along a charger.
- Pack a shovel and sand (grit). A shovel and bag of some sort of grit (sand, salt, cat litter) will help your tires grab on icy surfaces as well as give some extra weight in the back of the car. If you get stuck in the snow (or plowed in), you’ll be glad you packed a small shovel to dig yourself out.
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