News Release: Are you prepared for severe weather?

HOOKER, Okla. (Feb. 20, 2013) – Are you prepared for icy conditions and possible power outages? With the National Weather Service predicting ice and large amounts of snow, Tri-County Electric Cooperative has crews and equipment on standby. The cooperative is prepared to respond in case your power goes out but members are encouraged to prepare themselves as well.

“Members should to take steps now to prepare for the possibility of extended power outages,” Zac Perkins, vice president of Corporate Services at Tri-County Electric said. “We’ll do everything we can to get power back on quickly and safely but we need the help of our members.”

Perkins said members should call 800-522-3315 to report an outage. He said to be patient as phone lines may be busy.

Tri-County Electric members can stay connected through the cooperative’s Facebook and Twitter pages. You can stay informed of weather conditions with the cooperative’s new weather radio app for your smartphone. Search for ‘Touchstone Energy Weather Connection’ in your app store then enter Co-op Code 8005223315.

Safe Electricity offers these tips to weather a winter storm.

• Stay away from downed power lines and report them immediately to Tri-County Electric and local authorities.
• Be careful approaching intersections where traffic or crossing lights may be out.
• If you plan to use a generator, know how to operate it safely. For example, never use a generator or other appliance that runs on gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal indoors as carbon monoxide kills people.
• Assemble supplies, such as an emergency kit with a battery powered radio, flashlights, water, canned food, extra blankets, a first aid kit, prescription medicines and special items for infant, elderly or disabled family members.

For more extensive preparation information, visit the American Red Cross website’s Power Outage section at http://www.redcross.org/prepare/disaster/power-outage.

“In any situation, our number one goal is the safety of our members and employees,” Perkins said. “Members should know where their local shelters are in case of an extended power outage and take proper steps to prepare.”

Cooperative employee Matt Martens monitors the weather.