When winter temperatures drop and storms hit, it can be challenging to stay safe and warm. Heavy snow and ice can sometimes lead to downed power lines, leaving co-op consumer-members without power. During extremely low temperatures, this can be dangerous.
In a power outage, Platte Clay Electric Cooperative (PCEC) crews work as quickly and safely as possible to restore power, but there are a few things you can do to prepare yourself. The following are tips from Platte-Clay to help members stay safe this winter:
Stay warm. Plan to use a safe alternate heating source, such as a fireplace or wood-burning stove during a power outage. These are great options to keep you and your loved ones warm, but exercise caution when using, and never leave the heating source unattended. If you are using gasoline generators, propane or natural gas-burning devices to stay warm, never use them indoors. Remember that fuel and wood-burning sources of heat should always be properly ventilated. Always read the manufacturer’s directions before using.
Stay fed. The CDC recommends having several days’ supply of food that does not need to be cooked handy. Crackers, cereal, canned goods and bread are good options. Five gallons of water per person should also be available in the event of an extended power outage. PCEC has distributed eight Hunger Relief Grants to Northland food pantries this year to help keep families supplied with food resources this winter.
Stay safe. When an outage occurs it sometimes 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 816-628-3121.
PCEC has a strong track record of reliability and the co-op’s Reliability Improvement Plan has strengthened it even further in recent years, but winter weather can be unpredictable and dangerous. Planning ahead can be the difference between life and death. Platte-Clay Electric Cooperative is ready for what Mother Nature has in store and wants consumer-members to be prepared as well.
About Platte-Clay Electric Cooperative
Platte-Clay Electric Cooperative (PCEC) serves more than 24,000 accounts and nearly 3,000 miles of energized line in Buchanan, Caldwell, Clay, Clinton, DeKalb, Platte, and Ray Counties in Kansas City’s Northland Region. PCEC was established in 1938 as part of the Rural Electrification Act, and today PCEC is among the fastest-growing cooperatives in the state of Missouri.