Winter outage safety tips
When a winter storm hits in North Dakota, and the snow blows at high speeds while the temperature continues to drop, it can be a challenge to be safe and keep warm. Cass County Electric Cooperative cares about your safety. We want you to be prepared. Heavy snow and ice can lead to downed power lines, leaving co-op members without power. During extremely low temperatures, this can be dangerous. When there is a power outage, our crews will continue to work as quickly and safely as possible to restore power, but there are a few things you can do to prepare yourself.
PREPARE FOR A POWER OUTAGE
- Assemble an emergency winter storm kit. Include items such as a flashlight, folding shovel, gloves, matches, and hand warmers.
- Create a household emergency plan.
- Have at least a half tank of gas in your vehicle.
DURING A POWER OUTAGE
- Stay indoors – Be ready to use a safe alternate heating source like a fireplace, wood burning stove, or a generator. If using a generator, be sure to understand the risks of carbon monoxide and have detectors in your home with working batteries. Use flashlights in the dark and avoid using candles.
- Stay fed – The CDC recommends having several days’ supply of food that does not need to be cooked. Crackers, cereal, canned goods, and bread are good options. Keep in mind to use perishable refrigerator food first as it will only stay cold for about four hours after losing power.
- Stay safe – When an outage occurs, it usually means power lines are down. It is best not to travel during winter storms, but if you must, bring a survival kit along, and do not travel alone. If you encounter downed lines, always assume they are live. Stay as far away from the downed lines as possible and report the situation to our dispatchers by calling 701-356-4400 or 911 if possible.
Winter weather can be unpredictable and dangerous. Planning can often be the difference between life and death. Cass County Electric is ready for what Mother Nature throws our way, and we want you to be ready, too.