Never go near downed power lines. 

- A downed power line can still be energized and can cause other things around it to become potentially hazardous. A fence or guardrail touching a downed line can be energized for several thousand yards and it poses a threat to anyone coming into contact with it.
- Stay away from puddles of water that could be in contact with downed lines. Encountering these can be as hazardous as coming into contact with the downed power line itself.
- If you are driving and come upon a downed power line, stay in your vehicle, warn others to stay away and call 911.
- Also when driving, be careful at intersections where traffic lights may be out. Stop at all railroad crossings and treat road intersections with traffic signals as four-way stops before proceeding with caution.

• Before winter approaches, add the following supplies to your emergency kit:
  • Rock salt to melt ice on walkways. 
  • Sand to improve traction.
  • Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment.
  • Sufficient heating fuel. You may become isolated in your home and regular fuel sources may be cut off. Store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove.
  • Adequate clothing and blankets to keep you warm.
• Make a Family Communications Plan. Your family may not be together when a storm hits, so it is important to know how you will contact one another, how you will get back together and what you will do in case of an emergency.
• Bring pets/companion animals inside during cold winter weather. Move other animals or livestock to sheltered areas with non-frozen drinking water.
• Winterize your home to extend the life of your fuel supply by insulating walls and attics, caulking and weather-stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic
  • Insulate your home by installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic from the inside to keep cold air out.
  • Insulate pipes with insulation or newspapers and plastic and allow faucets to drip a little during cold weather to avoid freezing. Running water, even at a trickle, helps prevent pipes from freezing.
  • ​Learn how to shut off water valves in case a pipe bursts.
• Stay indoors.
  • Walk carefully on snowy, icy, walkways. 
  • Drive only if it is absolutely necessary. If you must drive: travel in the day; don’t travel alone; keep others informed of your schedule; stay on main roads and avoid back road shortcuts. Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle.
  • Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow.
• Maintain ventilation when using kerosene heaters to avoid build-up of toxic fumes.
  • Refuel kerosene heaters outside and keep them at least three feet from flammable objects
  • Conserve fuel, if necessary, by keeping your residence cooler than normal. Temporarily close off heat to some rooms.
  • Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and make sure everyone in your house knows how to use them. 
• If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55ºF.

When using your generator, keep the following safety tips in mind:

• Read all safety instructions.
• When a generator is not properly installed, it can "backfeed" through the transformer. As a result, a line crew working on the system would be put in danger.
• Isolate your generator from the co-op's power lines. Connect appliances or other devices directly to the generator with the appropriate cords.
• If you connect it directly to your building's wiring, a transfer, double-throw switch is required to separate your generator from the co-op's system.
• Take care when fueling your generator. Never refuel the unit while it's operating.
• Provide adequate ventilation and air cooling for the generator to prevent overheating and the accumulation of toxic fumes. Do not install your generator in a closed area. Exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, which is poisonous.