Keeping You & Your Family Safe All Season Long

Find helpful tips for staying safe during extreme winter weather from your local Touchstone Energy® Cooperative.

Power Line Safety

Always know your surroundings when operating a plow or blower to remove snow on or around your property. It is important to watch out for power lines and other electrical equipment (e.g., "green box" transformers), especially when blowing snow or drifts may obscure potential hazards.

If you see a downed powerline, call 911 and contact your local power cooperative at once. Do not touch it, and always keep a safe distance from it.

Call 911 immediately if someone has come into contact with a downed power line. Do not touch the person or any other objects that have come into direct or indirect contact with a power line. Remain at a safe distance until emergency response professionals have cleared the area.

Power Outages

In the event of a winter storm, power outages may occur due to downed power lines or collective strain on the energy grid. Here are some essential steps you can take to prepare for such an event:

1. Food & Water

First, always ensure you have an emergency supply of water and non-perishable, ready-to-eat food on hand. Items like granola bars, jerky, and canned foods are easy to store in your pantry and can be consumed even if your kitchen appliances aren't working. Storing 5 gallons of water per person in a controlled environment is always a good idea in case of a winter storm.

2. Alternative Heat Sources

If your furnace is unavailable due to a power outage, you can stay warm using alternative heat sources such as a fireplace, propane space heater, or wood stove. Always monitor your heat source, and do not leave it unattended.

You should never use a gas-powered oven to heat your house, as it can put you at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. (Note: This would also be a good time to ensure CO and smoke detectors are installed and functioning properly.) Keeping extra blankets and warm clothes accessible is a good idea, too.

3. Monitor Energy Use

During extreme winter weather, you can help ease the strain on the grid by staggering and limiting electricity use in your home or business. Closing vents in unused rooms, using plastic window insulation, and dressing warmly can also significantly reduce your energy needs.

Get In Touch

Your local Touchstone Energy® Cooperative cares deeply about keeping you and your family safe throughout the year. If you have any questions about winter safety, don't hesitate to reach out.

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