Be Prepared for Winter Storms

Winter in Indiana often brings heavy snow, freezing rain, ice storms, and strong winds. These conditions not only create travel hazards but can also cause electrical dangers. Safety around electricity should be top of mind year-round. In the winter, snow and ice on power lines can cause them to snap or lead to broken poles. People must stay alert to the risks of downed power lines.

Power line safety
Keep these tips in mind if you encounter downed lines:

  •  Stay at least 35 feet away — about the length of three cars.
  • Never touch the line or anything touching it.
  • Call 911 immediately and warn others to keep clear.
  • Always assume the line is live and dangerous.

Emergency kits for home and car
Having storm kits ready at home and in your vehicle can make a big difference if you’re stuck inside for days or stranded on the road.

At home, stock at least two weeks of supplies, including bottled water, nonperishable food, emergency blankets, first aid supplies, flashlights, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, extra batteries, and basic toiletries.

For your vehicle, pack at least three days of essentials such as blankets, warm clothes, jumper cables, bottled water, nonperishable food, sand or cat litter for traction, backup batteries, and phone chargers.

If the power goes out
If an outage occurs, conserve heat by keeping doors closed to unused rooms and limiting trips outside.

Also remember food safety. Once a refrigerator rises above 40 degrees, perishable foods may become unsafe. Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to help food last longer.

Sources: American Red Cross, Ready.gov, Electrical Safety Foundation