“Weathermen were right this time as winter officially came in with a blizzard blast late Wednesday, December 21, 2022.”
Flint Hills Rural Electric Cooperative Association (RECA), Council Grove, issued preparation advice to customers Tuesday December 20: “Stay Safe During Winter Storms.”
While most areas had electricity Thursday, Travis Griffin, RECA member services manager, said to continue “spreading the word.”
Erin Hollinshead, director of the Energy Education Council’s SafeElectricity.org, provided the information for Flint Hills RECA.
Heavy snow and accumulating ice can easily bring tree limbs down on power lines, cutting off power to homes and businesses.
“Preparation for a potential power loss can make riding out a prolonged power outage safe and more comfortable,” Hollinshead said.
With the storm in progress, it’s late but still often possible to put an emergency kit together. This would include bottled water and non-perishable food for three to seven days.
Often overlooked is the need for a non-electric can opener, cooking tools, paper plates, and plastic utensils.
Of course. there’s necessity of blankets, pillows, and warm clothing. A first-aid kit, medicine, and prescription drugs should be readily available.
Flashlights must work and have extra batteries when needed. Likewise, radios and clocks should be battery operated with an extra battery supply.
“Consider purchasing a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio,” Hollinshead said.
Majority of families have cell phones which must be chargeable by the car or solar power in case of electrical outage. Landline telephones should be traditional type, and not cordless.
Fireplaces and wood-burning stoves require a supply of wood with a larger pile recommended now.
“It’s a good idea to know a tree-trimming professional to contact when limbs fall on power lines or if they become ice or snow covered,” Hollinshead said.
Again, late but better said now than never. “Insulating the home, installing storm windows, caulking cracks, and updating heating systems are essential for winter,” Hollinshead commented.
“If the electricity goes out, make sure to contact the electrical utility as soon as possible,” Hollinshead demanded.
Other cold winter safety recommendations include staying inside, wearing warm clothes, closing off unneeded rooms, placing draft blocks at door bottoms, and covering windows at night.
“When using an alternative heat source, follow operating instructions,” Hollinshead said. “Use fire safeguards and proper ventilation. Always keep a multipurpose, dry-chemical fire extinguisher nearby, and know how to use it.”
Home temperature should be properly regulated. “Infants and senior adults are highly susceptible to the cold,” Hollinshead said. “You may want to stay with friends or relatives or go to a shelter if unable to keep a home warm.”
Obviously, winter can bring a variety of weather patterns, so Hollinshead recommended to be aware of weather forecasts. “It’s important to know the difference between warnings provided by the National Weather Service,” he said.
Winter Storm Warning is issued when hazardous winter weather in the form of heavy snow, freezing rain, or sleet is coming or occurring.
Winter Storm Watch alerts the public to the possibly of a blizzard, heavy snow, freezing rain, or sleet.
Winter Storm Outlook is given when winter storm conditions are possible and is issued three to five days in advance of a winter storm.
Blizzard Warning is issued for gusty winds of 35 miles per hour or more, with falling or blowing snow creating visibility of a quarter mile or less. “These conditions usually last at least three hours,” Hollinshead said.
Additional information is available from [email protected].
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CUTLINE
Blizzard conditions officially brought winter to east central Kansas on December 21, 2022.
