What should you do if the power goes out? Pointers from electric companies, experts
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As a predicted ice storm moves through the state, there will be a threat of widespread power outages.
Electric companies and emergency management experts have tips to stay warm and safe if the power goes out during a winter storm.
During a press conference Wednesday afternoon, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said that the state does not believe power outages will be as widespread and long-lasting as they were in past ice storms.
“Every family should have that emergency plan in place that ranges from everything from the need to be able to heat their home, but do it safely, to having the food that they would need,” Beshear said. “But we don’t expect for power outages to be anywhere near the magnitude of 2009. We hope that they will sporadic, we hope that people won’t lose power even for a day or certainly more than that.”
Officials have learned a lot since 2009, and updated practices like tree trimming and preparation are expected to help prevent major and extended power outages like the ones seen in the past, Beshear said.
Kentucky Utilities, which provides electricity to much of Central Kentucky, advises people to report outages by texting OUTAGE to 454358 (4LGEKU) or calling 1-800-981-0600.
The company also reminds everyone to stay away from downed wires and report them immediately.
If power outages are widespread, Kentucky Utilities prioritizes restoring electricity to “critical customers” like hospitals, nursing homes and fire stations, according to the company. Crews next move to lines that carry electricity to large residential or commercial areas, which allows the company to restore power to large groups of people at one time. After that, smaller outages are addressed.
Kentucky Power cautions people against trying to remove debris near downed lines, especially within 10 feet. The company also asks that customers let the utility know if they are using a generator during an outage, saying “this protects you and our line workers as they work to restore power.”
Kentucky Power customers can report outages by calling 1-800-572-1113 or going to KentuckyPower.com.
The federal government’s emergency readiness website, Ready.gov, advises people to keep freezers and refrigerators closed as much as possible, use generators only outdoors and away from windows and to disconnect appliances and electronics to avoid problems from power surges. The website also reminds people to never use gas stoves or ovens to heat a home.
Lexington Emergency Management recommended picking one room, especially one with a fireplace, to “set up camp” in and close the door to conserve heat.
To prevent frozen water pipes, set faucets to drip and keep cabinet doors open so that warm air can circulate, according to emergency management. The division also reminds people to bring pets inside during cold weather and be aware that cats might get into vehicles’ engine compartments or wheel wells to stay warm.
To help keep homes warm, the emergency management division recommends keeping blinds open during the day and covering windows with drapes at night.
Putting rolled up towels at the base of exterior doors and plastic over windows can also help to keep houses insulated when the power is out.
This story was originally published February 10, 2021 at 12:20 PM.
