Things You Need To Know to
Better Survive Power Outages
Jan2010 23
Medical facilities and members with healthcare issues requiring electricity should have generators, a battery backup or a site to which you can be transferred.
If an ice storm hits prepare for longer outages. Overestimate the time you may be without power.
Have extra water, extra food, more than adequate blankets for winter outages and an alternate place to go.
Stay tuned to media, via battery-powered radios, to learn where shelters are being set up.
Understand that a neighbor's power may be restored before yours. The co-op's linemen will be trying to restore power to the maximum number of homes. Homes on a single tap or ones with damage to the secondary service will take longer.
Have friends and relatives outside the outage area to check co-op's web sites for progress reports.
Members with power restored early should stay prepared. Melting ice and blowing winds can bring more trees and liens down for second outages, especially during the first few days.
Members should always look out for downed power lines. If you see a line on the ground, a broken pole or sagging lines, call the co-op to alert crews.
