A major ice storm hit our northern territory beginning late March 29, leaving tens of thousands of GLE members without power. Because of the extent of the damage this storm has caused, GLE expects restoration efforts will take multiple days to complete. Damage to the cooperative’s electric infrastructure is extensive with many broken poles and downed wires. Heavy ice has brought down trees both into powerlines and in roadways making them impassable in some locations. GLE line crews are working in conjunction with contractors and mutual aid crews from neighboring cooperatives to restore power safely. Tree trimming crews have also been called in to aid in the effort.
Be prepared and stay safe!
Whether you’re braving the cold, keeping your home warm, or using a generator during an outage, these essential cold weather safety tips will help protect your family, home, and community.
PERSONAL:
- Layer up: Dress in multiple layers to trap body heat, and don’t forget hats, gloves, and warm socks to keep extremities warm.
- Sleep: Have everyone in the household sleep in the same room to share body heat.
- Stay dry: Wet clothes drastically increase heat loss, raising the risk of hypothermia and frostbite.
- Stay hydrated: If possible, drink warm liquids and avoid alcohol.
- Check on neighbors: Be aware of the needs of your neighbors, especially the elderly, and check on them to ensure they are safe and warm.
- Conserve battery: Use text messaging or social media for communication to save your phone’s battery life.
HOME:
- Focus heat: Close off unused rooms to conserve heat and concentrate warmth in the spaces your family is using.
- Block drafts: Place towels or blankets at the base of doors to minimize drafts.
- Check pipes: Take steps to prevent pipes from freezing, such as insulating them or letting faucets drip slightly.
- Safe heating: Use safe heating methods, such as fireplaces or space heaters, to ensure proper ventilation. Keep the chimney clean and well-maintained.
- Avoid dangerous heating: Never use a gas oven, grill, or other appliances not intended for indoor heating; this can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors: Ensure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly and have battery backups.
- Have an emergency kit: Keep an emergency kit on hand that includes flashlights, extra batteries, a first-aid kit, and other essential supplies.
GENERATORS:
- Backfeed prevention: Never plug a generator into a wall outlet; this can cause dangerous backflow of power and injure or kill lineworkers and emergency personnel.
- Outside only: Power generators outdoors and at least 20 ft away from windows, doors, and vents.
- Extension cords: Use heavy-duty, outdoor-rated cords in good condition.
- Capacity: Do not operate more than what the generator can handle. Only operate essential equipment.
- Refueling: Never refuel a generator while it’s running or hot.
- Read the manual: Familiarize yourself with the generator’s safety instructions and operating procedures.
FOOD:
- Keep freezers and refrigerators closed.
- Use coolers: If available, pack perishables in coolers with ice to extend their freshness.
- Use the cold weather: During winter outages you can store perishables outside. Make sure that if you use this option, you are storing food in places where animals cannot access it.
TRAVEL:
- Watch out: Downed or hanging electrical wires can be hidden by darkness, trees, or debris, and could be live. Never attempt to touch or move downed lines or anything touching it. Keep children and pets away from them. Always stay at least 35 feet away from downed power lines.
- Minimize travel: If possible stay off the roads during the worst of the winter weather. This storm has caused many trees and power lines to block roadways.
- Prepare your vehicle: Ensure your vehicle is in good condition, has a full gas tank, and has a winter survival kit.
- Drive carefully: Drive slowly and cautiously, allowing extra space between vehicles and avoiding sudden stops.
There are four ways to report an outage, if needed:
- The GLE App on your smartphone.
- Login to your online account, and click on Report an Issue/Inquiry.
- Call 888-485-2537.
- Send a text message with the word “OUT” to 855-939-3703.
Text messaging requires an online account set up with a cell phone number listed.
* Please note that email and social media are not included as they are not monitored 24/7. *
SIGN UP for automated outage notifications via text message, email, or the GLE mobile app, and don’t forget to visit STORM CENTRAL to get the information you need when storms happen.
