As temperatures start to fall, we’re all reminded that winter weather is right around the corner. Central Texas Electric Cooperative (CTEC) strongly encourages our members to be prepared for winter weather. Being prepared and informed is the best way to stay safe. While CTEC can offer basic tips and advice, our members may have different needs based on their individual situations. Make a plan that will work for you and your family.
Prepare an Outage Kit
Prepare an outage kit to have on hand before any outages occur. A fully stocked outage kit will be crucial if extended outages occur. Here are some ideas of what a kit can include:
- Battery-powered radio
- Flashlights & fresh batteries
- Emergency supplies of water
- Non-perishable, easily-prepared foods
- Drinking water
- Manual, non-electric can & bottle openers
- Candles, matches/lighters
- Portable heater (gas or oil)
- Camping equipment
- Charger for cell phone or laptop
- Cooler
- Blankets & pillows
- Cash
- Medications & personal hygiene products
- Non-cordless phone
- First-aid kit
- Pet supplies
- Fire extinguisher & smoke alarm
- Family & emergency contact list
- Hand sanitizer, baby wipes, and toilet paper.
- Books, deck of cards, or games
Other Ways to be Prepared:
- Sign up for our SmartHub app, it is the best way to report outages and stay informed about the restoration process.
- If you have a telephone system that requires electricity to work, such as a cordless phone, plan to have a standard telephone or cellular phone ready as a backup. It is also a good practice to keep a charging bank in full power to charge cell phones or other devices if needed.
- When there is impending dangerous weather, fill your bathtub with water if your supply depends on electricity.
- Fill up your vehicles with gas in the event that you need to evacuate or relocate to another area; and if you use a portable generator, fill up fuel cans.
Get the Basics
While we understand that lack of electricity is an incredible obstacle in the face of winter weather, having power doesn’t help if you need food, water, or medication and are unable to drive on icy or closed roads. Stock up on those supplies before dangerous weather arrives.
Have an Exit Plan
While it’s a good idea for everyone to have a list of safe places to go and a way to get there in the event of an extended winter outage, this planning is especially important for those with disabilities or who rely on life-support devices requiring electricity, such as respirators or ventilators. While CTEC encourages members with medical needs to make sure the co-op is aware of their situation, there is no guarantee that members with medical needs will have their power restored immediately, especially during emergency outage events. Those who rely on medical equipment need to be extra prepared.
Their emergency preparedness kit should include additional oxygen tanks, equipment batteries, or other backup equipment, and if possible, a backup generator as an alternate power source.
Ensure a Heat Source
As outdoor temperatures plummet, it doesn’t take long for the temperature inside your home to do the same if you lose power. While a fireplace can help cut the chill, a wood stove is an excellent way to heat your home in a power emergency. Make sure you have wood that’s ready to burn and stored in a dry, covered area if you plan to rely on either of these options. It’s also a good idea to have chimneys inspected and cleaned periodically so they’re safe to use. An alcohol or propane heater that is rated for indoor use can help in a heating emergency. Make sure you are well stocked with fuel if using those types of heaters. Some kerosene heaters are available for indoor use but need to be cross-ventilated and aren’t as safe. Whatever backup heat source you go with, consider creating smaller, easier to heat areas by closing off unused rooms or areas of the house. Make sure you have plenty of warm layers to wear and keep extra blankets and sleeping bags handy.
Ensure a Water Source
Ensuring a supply of clean drinking water for yourself and any pets or livestock is extremely important. By filling plastic containers with water and placing them in the freezer, you can use them to help keep food cold during a power outage as it thaws out to drink. You can also fill bathtubs or larger containers or tubs before bad weather to have on hand for nondrinking purposes.
For livestock water troughs, consider placing floating objects in the water to keep the troughs from completely icing over and to make removing built-up ice easier. Jugs filled with salt water and enough air to float can function like an automatic waterer since the water around the jug will not freeze. For livestock tanks, keep equipment and tools available to drill holes to allow for watering.
Winterize
Consider what damage from freezing temperatures can be prevented. Make sure all vehicles, not just automobiles, are winterized before the cold weather hits. To help prevent burst pipes, close any shut-off valves that lead to outside faucets and drain any excess water from the lines. Also drain lines in unheated areas of your home, such as the attic. Update the weatherstripping in your home if needed and seal any cracks around windows and doors to prevent more cold air from coming inside. Also, make sure your gas tank is full before a storm hits.
Get a Generator, if You Can
If possible, have a backup generator in case power does fail. This isn’t a purchase that can fit into every budget, but it can be extremely helpful in the rare event of extended outages. If you do use a generator, be sure to operate it safely and notify CTEC that you are using one.
Members with standby electric generators should make sure they are properly installed by a licensed electrician in a well-ventilated area. Never run a generator indoors; doing so can lead to a dangerous and deadly buildup of carbon monoxide. Improperly installed generators pose a significant danger to members as well as crews working on power lines.