News
2/11/2010
Winter Storm Safety
Snow and ice storms are an inevitable part of the winter season. When severe weather causes power outages, employees of Central Georgia EMC begin working immediately to restore service as quickly as possible. However, we encourage members to remember the following tips to stay safe and warm should you find yourself in the dark after a severe winter event:
Make plans for action: The best way to cope with a severe weather is to be prepared for it. If a warning is given, stay tuned to radio or TV for official bulletins. As with any major storm, try to have at least three days' worth of food and water for each person in the household. You will be safer and less inconvenienced if you have the following emergency supplies on hand:
- flashlight with fresh batteries
- radio with fresh batteries
- candles and holders
- blankets
- matches
- wind-up clock
- firewood and kindling
- manual can opener
- charcoal grill with charcoal and lighter
- paper plates and plastic utensils
- bottled water
- non-perishable food
- extra batteries
During the outage, an alternate heating source -- such as a fireplace, propane space heater, or wood stove -- may be used. Plan to stay in an area of the home where the alternate heat source is located. Fuel- and wood-burning heating sources should be vented. Make sure carbon monoxide detectors and smoke detectors are working properly. Do not use a gas-powered oven for heating. A gas oven may go out or burn inefficiently, leading to carbon monoxide poisoning. Do not use a gas or charcoal grill inside the home. Do not use charcoal briquettes in the fireplace. If you use a portable generator to power a heating source, be sure the generator is located outside your house for proper ventilation. Do not use a generator in an attached garage. Never connect generators to power lines. The reverse flow of electricity can electrocute an unsuspecting utility worker.
Ideally, your family will stay warm until the power comes back on. However, keep an eye on family members for signs of hypothermia, which include shivering, drowsiness, and mental and physical slowness. The elderly and young children are particularly vulnerable to hypothermia. Call 911 immediately if you notice these symptoms. At least one telephone in the house that does not depend on electricity should be available in the case of a power outage.
If you or others you live with are on life-support systems, or need electric services for oxygen machines a decision will need to be made on seeking other shelter. If you leave your home, make sure the house is locked and the water and electricity are shut off. Take small valuables with you, but travel light. Check with neighbors who also may need some help.
Be cautious during severe weather, limbs and trees can tear down electric lines. Any dangling line or lines on the ground can be deadly. If you see a downed power line, STAY AWAY, and call Central Georgia EMC at 770-775-7857 or 1-800-222-4877. CGEMC's crews will be on the job 24 hours a day. Any outage caused by severe weather is not a pleasant experience. Yet, staying safe and calm can make it an easier one.
