Be Prepared For Winter Storms

When winter temperatures drop and storms hit, it can be challenging to stay safe and warm. Winter storm severity varies depending on where you live, but nearly all Americans are affected by extreme winter storms at some point. NEC Co-op Energy cares about your safety, and we want you to be prepared.

NEC Co-op Energy encourages all members to stock up on supplies before the winter weather impacts our area. Being prepared and informed is the best way to stay safe and remember to protect the 4 Ps (people, pets, pipes, and plants).

During a winter power outage

  • Before you report your outage, make sure the outage goes beyond your home. Check your breakers or fuses and the power lines to your house. If the lines are damaged or down, stay back and call your electric cooperative.
  • Stay warm… On top of dressing in layers and huddling under extra blankets, hang your darker ones on the windows to draw in heat. Keep doors and windows closed and use towels to block drafts around them. If necessary, move to your basement, which may be more insulated by the ground.
  • …but keep your food cold. Food can stay frozen 24 to 36 hours if the refrigerator/freezer door stays closed. Always have a bag of ice cubes in the freezer in case you have to evacuate or when you’re out of town; if the cubes melt and refreeze while you’re away, the food in the freezer will probably be spoiled.
  • Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Never use gas generators, camping stoves or barbeques indoors; keep them in well ventilated areas and don’t use them for heating your home.
  • Listen for updates. Listen to the news on a battery-powered or hand-cranked device. If you’re using a cellphone, choose texting over calling to keep phone lines free, or use your landline. Save 911 for emergencies.
  • Prevent additional damage. Unplug appliances and electronics to avoid a surge when the power comes back on; leave one lamp on so you know when the power comes back. If you have electric heat, keep all taps on a slow drip to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting.
  • If you have a member of your household on life support, prepare to implement back up plans for power interruptions.
In the event of an outage remember, NEC Co-op Energy does not maintain your power lines. The quickest way for you to get your power back on is to report your outage directly to your energy delivery (wires) company. In the meantime, please follow these safety tips:
 
1. Visit https://neccoopenergy.com/report-an-outage/ to contact your wires company.
2. Avoid downed power lines or sparking equipment.
3. Never remove debris that’s within 10 feet of a power line.
Winter weather can be unpredictable and dangerous, and planning ahead can often be the difference between life and death.
Additional Resources:
www.texasready.gov – Disaster preparedness, information, and resources

www.ready.gov/winter-weather – Winter storm safety before and during

www.weather.gov/safety/winter – Traveling during extreme weather tips

Winter Preparedness Checklist  – Be prepared  for extended outages.

www.tdem.texas.gov – Texas Division of Emergency Management

www.tceq.texas.gov – Information for public water systems, household debris management, and safe drinking water

 Texas Dept. of Transportation: Evacuation/Travel Information

Storm Prediction Center: The National Weather Center