News

Winter storm power outages

Posted February 01, 2011 10:00 pm

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Increasing winds and lowering temperatures, as well as vehicle drivers, caused an increase in outages last night for members of Egyptian Electric Cooperative.

At 3:30 p.m. yesterday, approximately 430 members of the Cooperative had been affected by the storm. By 10:00 p.m. last night that had increased to approximately 1,900 at the peak. Crews have decreased those to affected to 173 as of 5:30 a.m. <span id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT248">February 2</span>, 2011.

A rather larger area northeast of Carbondale (the north Reed Station Road area) was affected when a vehicle left the road and broke a power pole, knocking power out to nearly 700 members of the Cooperative. The accident also caused jumper wires at a junction to burn open and create additional problems for crews working to restore service.

Employees and crews will continue to work through the day to restore to those remaining without service. According to Jim Riddle, Executive Vice President and General Manager, "Many of those remaining without service are individuals. These will take longer to restore and many have service drops at their homes that are damaged. Cooperative crews will do all they can to assist these members, but some may have to do repair work before crews can restore service."

Egyptian Electric Cooperative is a member of Touchstone Energy® - an alliance of more than 710 local, consumer-owned electric utilities around the country. Egyptian Electric Cooperative is committed to improving the quality of life of our member-owners based on four core principles: integrity, accountability, innovation and commitment to community. The co-op serves more than <span id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT249">14,500</span> meters over <span id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT250">2,250</span> miles of line in parts of Jackson, Perry, Randolph, St. Clair, Washington and Williamson counties. For more information, visit <span id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT251">www.eeeca.coop</span>.

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Winter Storm Preparedness</h1>

Major Winter Storm Power Outage Safety Tips:

· Always keep a battery powered radio or TV, flashlights and a supply of fresh batteries readily available.

· Know where to find extra blankets.

· Fill spare containers with water for washing, and keep a supply of bottled drinking water on hand, at least one gallon of water per person per day to last at least 3 days.

· Keep a supply of foods that do not require cooking or refrigeration, along with a hand opener for canned food.

· Turn off lights and appliances to prevent overloading circuits and damaging appliances when power is restored. Leave one lamp or switch on to signal when your power returns.

· To prevent water pipes from freezing, keep faucets turned on slightly so that water drips from the tap.

· Do not use grills, stoves or other appliances designed for outdoor use only, inside to provide heat or for cooking. These items emit deadly carbon monoxide vapors which are undetectable by human senses.

· Assemble a disaster supply kit ahead of time. Remember to include a first aid kit, prescription medicines and special items for infant, elderly or disabled family members. Keep a battery-powered NOAA Weather radio, flashlight, and extra batteries on hand. Listen to <span id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT252">NOAA</span> Weather Radio and your local radio and TV stations for updated storm information.

· Stay inside and dress warmly in layered clothing.

· Close off unneeded rooms.

· When using an alternate heat source, follow operating instructions, use fire safeguards and be sure to properly ventilate.

· If you use a standby generator that is wired directly into your home's electrical system, you must operate it with a transfer safety switch. This prevents electricity from traveling back through the power lines or what is known as "backfeed". Backfeed creates a danger for anyone near lines, particularly crews working to restore power. A safety transfer switch is not needed only if appliances are plugged directly into the generator outlets. Generators should only be run outdoors with adequate ventilation to protect occupants from carbon monoxide poisoning.

· When outside, treat ALL downed and hanging lines as if they are energized electric lines. Stay away and warn others to stay away and immediately contact Egyptian Electric Cooperative.

For additional information regarding electrical safety, visit <span id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT253">www.safeElectricity.org</span>

<h6>

When a Winter Storm WARNING is Issued</h6>

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Stay indoors during the storm.</li>

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If you must go outside, several layers of lightweight clothing will keep you warmer than a single heavy coat. Gloves (or mittens) and a hat will prevent loss of body heat. Cover your mouth to protect your lungs.</li>

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Understand the hazards of wind chill, which combines the cooling effect of wind and cold temperatures on exposed skin.</li>

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As the wind increases, heat is carried away from a person's body at an accelerated rated, driving down the body temperature.</li>

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Walk carefully on snowy, icy, sidewalks.</li>

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After the storm, if you shovel snow, be extremely careful. It is physically strenuous work, so take frequent breaks. Avoid overexertion.</li>

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Avoid traveling by car in a storm, but if you must...

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Carry a Disaster Supplies Kit in the trunk.</li>

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Keep your car's gas tank full for emergency use and to keep the fuel line from freezing.</li>

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Let someone know your destination, your route, and when you expect to arrive. If your car gets stuck along the way, help can be sent along your predetermined route.</li>

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If You Do Get Stuck...</h6>

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Stay with your car. Do not try to walk to safety.</li>

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Tie a brightly colored cloth (preferably red) to the antenna for rescuers to see.</li>

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Start the car and use the heater for about 10 minutes every hour. Keep the exhaust pipe clear so fumes won't back up in the car.</li>

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Leave the overhead light on when the engine is running so that you can be seen.</li>

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As you sit, keep moving your arms and legs to keep blood circulating and to stay warm.</li>

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Keep one window away from the blowing wind slightly open to let in air.</li>

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<h6>

What to Do After a Winter Storm</h6>

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Continue listening to local radio or television stations or a NOAA Weather Radio for updated information and instructions.Access may be limited to some parts of the community, or roads may be blocked.</li>

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Help a neighbor who may require special assistance--infants, elderly people, and people with disabilities.Elderly people and people with disabilities may require additional assistance. People who care for them or who have large families may need additional assistance in emergency situations.</li>

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Avoid driving and other travel until conditions have improved.Roads may be blocked by snow or emergency vehicles.</li>

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Avoid overexertion.Heart attacks from shoveling heavy snow are a leading cause of deaths during winter.</li>

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Follow forecasts and be prepared when venturing outside.

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