Winter Storms

Before A Winter Storm Hits:

• Follow us on Facebook for the latest regarding outages and other storm impacts.
• Create an emergency supply kit with essentials like blankets, a flashlight, batteries, food, water, medications and first aid items.
• Make a family communications plan that details what you’ll do in case of emergency.
• Make sure your cell phone is charged.
• Bring pets indoors and move other animals or livestock to sheltered areas.
• Fill up your car with gas. Since gas stations often rely on electricity to power their pumps, a power outage may leave you stranded without gas. Avoid unnecessary travel as a winter storm is approaching.
• Trees can be a major cause of outages during storms, and so we work year-round to trim tree limbs and manage vegetation that grows around our power lines. If you see limbs near power lines close to your home, please call our office so we can address the issue.

During and After a Winter Storm:

• Prevent your pipes from freezing by turning your faucets on just enough so they can drip.
• If using a space heater or heat lamp, be sure to place it on a solid surface at least three feet away from anything combustible. Always turn off space heaters before leaving the room or going to sleep.
• Never leave a fireplace unattended unless its embers are completely extinguished. Also consider using a glass or metal fire screen to catch sparks and rolling logs, and never store flammable liquids near sources of heat.
• Know how to use your generator. Generators should be placed in an open and ventilated area. They should never be operated inside a home—including spaces like the basement and garage—due to the danger of inhaling carbon monoxide fumes.
• Do not try to trim trees near power lines or remove fallen limbs from lines.
• If there is a downed power line nearby, leave the area immediately and notify your cooperative or call 911. If others are around, let them know they need to stay away.
• Report any power outages to Halifax EMC by calling 1-800-690-0522.